National Library Week (April 7- 13, 2019) is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries offer opportunity to all. The theme for 2019 National Library Week is “Libraries = Strong Communities,” and Gates Foundation Co-founder Melinda Gates will serve as 2019 National Library Week Honorary Chair.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed in libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.
Libraries = Strong Communities
This year’s National Library Week theme mirrors an American Library Association (ALA) presidential effort entitled “Libraries = Strong Communities,” a national advocacy campaign aimed at highlighting the value of academic, public, and school libraries. This public awareness campaign is supported by ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo (2018 – 2019) and recognized by communities across the country.
Follow National Library Week activities at your library, the American Library Association, and I Love Libraries on social media by tracking the hashtags: #LibrariesStrong | #NationalLibraryWeek | #LibrariesTransform | 
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National Library Week events
- April: School Library Month
- Monday, April 8 The 2019 State of America’s Libraries Report is released
- Tuesday, April 9: National Library Workers Day
- Wednesday, April 10: National Bookmobile Day
- Thursday, April 11, Take Action for Libraries Day
- Libraries mean so many things to so many people: they provide free access to media, host fascinating programs and events, and strengthen their communities through education and lifelong learning. Celebrate National Library Week by sharing your library story—how do you library?https://youtu.be/6zy_RCdj0Cs
If you love your library, say it loud and proud: vocal community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Participating in #MyLibraryMyStory is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!
National Library Week Honorary Chair Melinda Gates
Melinda Gates has dedicated her life to achieving transformational improvements in the health and prosperity of families, communities and societies. Now she will lend her support to advocate for our nation’s libraries as honorary chair of National Library Week. Over the last 20 years, Gates has invested more than $1 billion through her foundation’s Global Libraries initiative to enhance the power of libraries to improve lives. As co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, she sets the direction and priorities of the world’s largest philanthropy. She is also the founder of Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company working to drive social progress for women and families in the United States.
On April 23, Gates will debut “The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World,” a timely and necessary call to action for women’s empowerment. The candid and inspiring book traces Gates’ awakening to the link between women’s empowerment and the health of societies. It introduces us to Gates’ heroes in the movement toward equality, offers startling data and shares some of the moving conversations she’s had with women all over the world. Gates details the tremendous opportunities that exist right now to “turbo-charge” change, and she provides simple and effective methods that each of us can use to make a difference.
