National Library Week There's more to the story.  Denver Public Library Friends Foundation

Watch the video below to view the State of the Library Address for Denver Public Library!

April 23 - April 29

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. Show your love for Denver's world-class library system!

Check out the information below by day to see how you can participate in National Library Week:

State of Denver Public Library

This week, we shine a light on all that America’s libraries do for the people they serve. To kick things off, we’re bringing you a special address on the State of the Library with Denver Public Library's City Librarian/Executive Director, Michelle Jeske, and Denver Public Library Friends Foundation Executive Director, Jeff Riley. Click here to watch the video!

About National Library Week

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious.  They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life." 

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"  The 2023 celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the first event.

Read more about the history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine, and check out the list of past National Library Week themes.

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE OUR EMAILS

Sign up here to learn more about how we impact the lives of people in our community.

* indicates required

This webpage is secured by reCAPTCHA. View the privacy policy for more information.