There's More to the Story that you can discover from April 23-29 at your local library in Williamson County. Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like metal detectors, playaways, and wifi hotspots. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, music programs, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. Visit your local Williamson County Library Branch for fun activities and displays celebrating American libraries.
Author Kelly Yang is this year's honorary chair. "I am so honored to serve as honorary chair of National Library Week for 2023! As a young immigrant child, I came to this country when I was six years old with no English. I know firsthand that there’s so much more to the story when it comes to libraries, just like there’s more to my story. I am the product of amazing libraries and librarians, who saw me, supported me, and nurtured me. Through books, movies, games, giveaways, and engaging programming, I found the courage to go for my dreams. So it is with the greatest joy that I join ALA in celebrating libraries everywhere and all they do to inspire, invigorate, and lift up communities!"
National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions, and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life."
In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!" The 2023 celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the first event.
Read more about the history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine...