It’s one of our favorite weeks of the year—National Library Week! Founded in 1958, this annual celebration is a time to reflect on the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians, and the role they play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. It’s also a time to collectively promote library use and support. As you can imagine, it's music to our ears! This year, with libraries across the country closed due to public health concerns, the American Library Association is shifting its focus to recognize the innovative ways libraries, librarians, and library workers are continuing to serve their communities during a time of crisis.

This year's National Library Week theme is Find Your Place at the Library, which, of course, was chosen before libraries around the country were forced to close due to the pandemic. But the sentiment rings true just the same, and we hope this week encourages you to find your place here with us through the virtual programs and events and digital resources we're offering during this unprecedented time. 

Later today, the ALA will kick off the week by releasing the State of America’s Libraries Report, which will include the Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2019 – stay tuned for that, as we'll share it on our social media channels as soon as we have the information. In the meantime, we hope you'll continue to take advantage of our digital offerings until we can all get together in person again... and if you don't have a library card, what better week to get one? 

Stay tuned to the Free Library blog and social media throughout National Library Week as we celebrate National Library Workers Day (April 21), National Bookmobile Day (April 22), and Library Giving Day (April 23).

Happy National Library Week!