National Library Week 2024
Celebrate National Library Week 2024: Ready, Set, Library!
Ready, set, library! National Library Week is April 7–13, 2024, and Freeport Public Library encourages everyone in the community to visit the library to explore all the library has to offer.
The theme “Ready, Set, Library!,” promotes the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us the green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most. Find your crew at your library’s programs, workshops, and book clubs!
Libraries play a pivotal role in economic development by providing resources and support for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, raising a family, or settling into retirement— Freeport Public Library offers the resources and support you need and an inclusive and supportive community where you will feel welcome.
So, get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with others this National Library Week. We are there for you, all the way to the finish line.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.
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 a 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 marked the 65th anniversary of the first event.