MARQUETTE — National Library Week is a time to celebrate libraries, library workers and promote the use and support of libraries.

The week is celebrated April 23-29. This year’s theme is “There’s More to the Story”. According to the American Library Association’s website, the theme illustrates the fact that, in addition to the books in library collections, libraries offer more.

The first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read”. In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments, according to ALA’s website.

Concerned that Americans were reading less, a nonprofit organization called the National Book Committee was formed with the goal of encouraging people to read, improving incomes and health and developing strong and happy family life.

“Libraries are important because we are one of the most trusted institutions in our communities that are available to anyone and everyone regardless of socioeconomic background, housing status, race and ethnicity or any of the intersectionalities that you might think of,” 2022-2023 ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada said. “We are essential for communities because we are spaces where folks can change the course of their lives if they want to or explore a new topic, get their high school diploma even.”

Pelayo-Lozada said libraries are also spaces for connectivity, learning and creativity. She said libraries are also one of the last free third places where people can have a space to learn and explore creatively.

“Libraries benefit the community by allowing individuals to come together around shared interests and shared goals,” Pelayo-Lozada said. “Story time is a great example where a lot of new parents get to come together. Maybe they can’t afford a Mommy and Me group so they come to story time, and that’s where they create their community connections that are going to help raise their children and their families.”

Pelayo-Lozada also said that libraries help the local economy. She said a lot of small businesses operate out of and are built into libraries.

“I think having access to books, to education and resources only makes our communities stronger and uphold our shared value of democracy and a commitment to inclusion,” Pelayo-Lozada said.

This year’s National Library Week events include:

≤ Today: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates and library lovers to take action to protect, defend and celebrate the right to read. The State of America’s Libraries Report is also released.

≤ Tuesday: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators and friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

≤ Wednesday: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.

≤ Thursday: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

For more information on National Library Week, visit ALA’s website at ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek.