Stand Up for Libraries! National Library Week is April 6-12, 2025
/JA is Celebrating National Library Week April 6 – 12, 2025
National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. At Johnston Architects, libraries are integral to our past and our future, and we are committed to ensure the legacies of community libraries live on.
In the world of library science, design, programming, and service, the American Library Association (ALA) provides leadership, education, research, advocacy, and resources for librarians and library staff.
In recent weeks, the ALA has been outspoken about the current administration’s Executive Orders targeting library funding as part of an elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and other federal agencies that provide necessary services to the people of the United States.
As part of a movement to push back against the Executive Order targeting IMLS, the American Library Association has kicked off a campaign: Show Up for Our Libraries! There are concrete, effective actions you can take to make your voice heard about the importance of funding libraries. Some of these include:
Write letters to the editor in your local newspapers
Join ALA or renew your membership
Become a supporter or sponsor of the ALA
Share your story for ALA’s story collection about the impact of federal funding on your community library services
At JA we believe, unwaveringly, in the importance of libraries in all communities. Each day we see the impact of public libraries on populations of every size, demographic, and in every region. It is not an exaggeration when we say it: Libraries save lives.
We want to share some of our personal stories about the role libraries have played in our lives and in those of the patrons we’ve served in the 40+ years we have been working as library designers. Stay tuned for some of our favorite library stories this week!
National Library Week – Special Events
Monday, April 7: 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 American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.
Tuesday, April 8: 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, April 9: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.