National Library Week

National Library Week

Madison Public Library Celebrates National Library Week

From April 7-13, 2024, Madison Public Library is celebrating National Library Week online and at all library locations with a variety of activities including a “share your story” postcard campaign, the debut of a Library Value Calculator, and the Our Town Everywhere Exhibition & Celebration.

The theme for National Library Week 2024, “Ready, Set, Library!,” promotes the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most. No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family—your library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs. Get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with your library this National Library Week. Libraries are there for you, all the way to the finish line.

National Library Week was first celebrated in 1958 by the National Book Committee and has since evolved into an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. 

Daily Celebrations

Share Your Story - Sunday, April 7

Throughout the upcoming week, library users are invited to share why they love their library. It may be because of a fantastic event, a free service, a great book, or something else entirely! Library users are invited to post a story with the hashtags #nationallibraryweek and tag @MadisonPublicLibrary on Instagram or Facebook, or stop in and share a story in person through a postcard campaign. You can also check out our new Library Value Calculator and let us know via social media, email or postcard how much your library saves you each month! 

State of American Libraries Report Release - Monday, April 8

The State of America's Libraries 2024 Report is an annual summary of library trends that outlines statistics and issues affecting all types of libraries during the previous calendar year. This report also includes a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books for 2023. At Madison Public Library, we support everyone's right to read and choose their own books.  We encourage you to learn more and support Right To Read Day or read the full State of America’s Libraries Report 2024 (will be released on April 8).

National Library Workers Day - Tuesday, April 9

National Library Workers Day is a day for library staff, library patrons, and library supporters to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers. Over the past year, we asked library staff to show us around their library and highlight some of their favorite parts of their jobs. Visit us on Instagram at @MadisonPublicLibrary and browse our Instagram Story series where you can learn more about different types of library jobs, what each location has to offer, and meet some of our staff.

National Library Outreach Day – Wednesday, April 10

Madison and Dane County's mobile library, the Dream Bus, visits a dozen locations around Madison on a weekly basis. First launched five years ago, the Dream Bus visits neighborhoods and locations around Madison and Sun Prairie that may face transportation barriers in getting to a library location. The Dream Bus literally meets residents where they are at, and helps hundreds of patrons each year get library cards and check out library materials. The Dream Bus is just one way that Madison's libraries connect to the community, however. Expect to see Madison Public Library in parks across the city this summer as part of Juneteenth, Parks Alive, as well as other neighborhood events and activities.

Take Action for Libraries Day – Thursday, April 11

On this day, library users are encouraged to contact their local alders and/or their county or state representatives to express their support for Madison’s libraries! 

Madison's Common Council encourages all City of Madison residents to get involved in the decision-making processes of their local government. By participating in Common Council meetings, you can have a say in policies, services, and developments that directly affect your lives - and libraries! All Council meetings are open to the public to attend in-person and streamed live on Madison City Channel.  To learn more:

Connect at Your Library Day – Friday, April 12

Libraries connect us to books and resources, to stories and experiences, and to each other.  With nearly 3 million in-person and online checkouts, 713,000 online checkouts, 1.28 million visits, 130,644 in-library computer uses, and 4,573 programs offered per year, libraries are busy places for connection. 

One library initiative, The Bubbler, connects library visitors to creative expression and hands-on learning through artist residencies, exhibits, and programs. On Friday, April 12, 7-10pm, join us at the Central Library for the Our Town Everywhere Exhibition & Celebration event to experience The Bubbler for yourself at the launch of the Central Library’s Our Town Everywhere exhibit, a culmination of a two-year public art project led by 20+ artists and touched by 1000+ community members.

Find all upcoming library events at our public event calendar or find upcoming author readings at the Wisconsin Book Festival on the Wisconsin Book Festival website.

Last Day of National Library Week - Saturday, April 13

The Library Board adopted a new vision and mission for the library in January of 2024.  The library’s mission is:

Madison Public Library sparks literacy, fosters curiosity and supports community. We provide equitable access to experiences, ideas and resources necessary to thrive.

Learn more about the mission, vision, values and strategic priorities at www.madpl.org/about/mission-and-vision

“From helping your children learn to read, to using library resources to find a job or further your career, to connecting to important health information or combating social isolation as you age, libraries are free resources for each stage in your growth," said Tana Elias, who will be Madison Public Library’s Director starting May 12.  “I invite you to support your local library this week or to stop in to your nearest library to get your free library card so you can take advantage of this vital community resource.”

Learn what library card is right for you and sign up at madpl.org/apply.

 

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