April 21 - National Library Workers Day

Happy National Library Workers Day! Each year in April, this day recognizes the valuable contributions library staff make every day to their communities through their hard work and dedication. The observance takes place annually on the Tuesday of National Library Week. 

Libraries do so much more than house the books we borrow nearly any time of the day or night. (Yes, any time, day or night. Online reservation is highly popular.)  

Today as always, library workers are masters of research. They find the obscure quote (or partial misquote as the case may be) helping you to annotate your research paper correctly. When you’re on a job search, they offer internet access and computers so you can polish up your résumé as well. 

Often, libraries are the keepers of local history. The names of pioneers and settlers’ names are usually recorded in books and newspapers of the era. Many libraries across the country house those books, papers, and many other resources. 

Library workers champion our youth. They foster creativity and are a wealth of diverse opportunities for growth. Not only do they create projects and inspiration for our youth, but they also create them with enthusiasm! It can be quite infectious.  

Despite all libraries and their employees provide to their communities, their budgets and salaries continue to shrink. This day brings awareness to this continuing trend.  

Libraries and their employees continuously utilize the latest technologies to make information, books, and resources more accessible.  

Their knowledge and ability bring valuable tools directly to communities that might otherwise go without. They also serve every age group, many organizations, and entire communities. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Give a shout out to a library worker you know (but not too loud). Discovery all the resources your library offers.  

Support your library and its staff. When budget time comes for your city or state, do your part to support your library. Visit your local library, or it’s Use #NationalLibraryWorkersDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

The American Library Association sponsors National Library Workers Day, and it was first celebrated in 2004. It was started as a way to raise support for better benefits and salaries at a time when they had been stagnant for years.  

Every day, the observance continues to promote increased benefits and wages for the services provided by library workers. 

How can you recognize or acknowledge a library worker today? 

#NationalLibraryWorkersDay 

@librarycongress 

@AmericanLibraryAssociation 

@nichecinema 

DATES 

April 06, 2021 
April 05, 2022 
April 25, 2023