Today we close out National Library Week, a week-long celebration of reading, librarians and library workers, and the role public libraries play in our community.
Each day is a call to action or a celebration of different aspects of library services. This year’s designated days were:
- April 8 - Right to Read Day
- April 9 - National Library Workers Day
- April 10 - National Library Outreach Day
- April 11 - Take Action for Libraries Day
Right to Read Day calls on readers, advocates and library lovers to fight against literary censorship to defend, protect and celebrate the right to read freely. The American Library Association (ALA) encourages civic action by reporting censorship; writing a letter to an elected leader; attending a meeting of local officials or a library or school board; and staging a public event or peaceful protest in support of libraries. Another way to celebrate Right to Read Day is to check out banned and challenged books.
National Library Workers Day highlights the valuable contributions that library workers make - from library staff, users, administrators, and Friends organizations. You can nominate exceptional library workers from your own public library!
National Library Outreach Day, formerly known as National Bookmobile Day, celebrates the dedicated library professionals who work to meet patrons where they are and provide access to library resources. From bookmobiles, home and community access services, and pop-up events at community gatherings, all of these services support the communities they serve.
Take Action for Libraries Day advocates for voters to use their voice and their vote to support libraries and the critical role they play in our democracy.
The best way to celebrate National Library Week, and to celebrate libraries every day, is to go to your local libraries! There’s always something going on at all three YPL branches, so check out our events calendar to see what’s going on in-person or online.
Check out all of the digital resources you can access for free with your library card, from reading books on Libby or Hoopla to learning new things on Gale Courses or Tutor.com.
Looking for your next read? Check out some of these staff recommendations or browse the catalog for books, audiobooks, movies and more!
No matter who you are - at any age and in any stage of life - Yonkers Public Library is here for you! We want to help you celebrate libraries every day with a customized “Ready, Set, Read!” library picture! Email an image of yourself, your loved ones, or your friends (furry or otherwise!) to z@ypl.org for a custom picture of your own. Share it digitally and tag YPL, or print it out and hang it on your fridge at home. Photo submissions will be accepted until April 30th.
Check out how we celebrated National Library Week at YPL on our Facebook page!
Alison Robles is a Part-Time Junior Clerk at the Crestwood Library. She is an avid reader with a passion for YA lit, historical fiction and fantasy. A Yonkers native, she is currently pursuing an MS in Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo.