What draws people to the library? Everything! Libraries not only provide access to information, resources, and entertainment, but also promote literacy, protect your rights, strive for sustainability, and help build businesses and strong communities.
National Library Week, sponsored every April by the American Library Association, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. This year, the celebration is April 6–12.
April 6–12: What do libraries mean to you?
In Oak Park, we’re celebrating all the ways libraries draw us in. Whether you’re preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, your library is here to support your journey.
We’re also asking our community to stand up for libraries during National Library Week. Here are some ways you can join us!
1. Attend Local Authors Speak: What Libraries Mean to Me
On Sunday, April 6, 1-3 pm, at the Main Library, join us for an engaging conversation about the importance of libraries in the lives of four talented local authors. Authors Lana Popović Harper, Tamara Jeree, Danielle Jackson, and Bryn Donovan (pictured above) will join Michael Rose, an Oak Park library assistant and an award-winning author himself.
See the authors’ titles and place holds in the catalog »
The discussion will touch on these questions: Why are libraries important to you? What role have they played in your journey as a writer? What is their significance in today’s world?
2. Join Library Love With Mychal Threets
Share the love with literacy ambassador and librarian Mychal Threets (pictured), who has risen to fame on social media as a mental health advocate and champion for “library kids” of all ages. Mychal is also PBS Kids’ resident librarian!
Please join us for this virtual conversation between Mychal and one of our own librarians, Jabez, on Thursday, April 10, 6:30–7:30 pm.
3. Post #ForOurLibraries on social media
What do you love about the library? How has being a library user changed your life for the better? Snap a pic at a library selfie station and share your story on social media with #ForOurLibraries.
Make sure to tag our library on Facebook (@oakparkpubliclibrary) and on Instagram (@oakparklibrary)!
4. Celebrate Oak Park library staff members
At our library: Stop by any library location and write a note to your favorite library staff member(s). Or submit comments via the library’s contact us form. We will post and share library love notes on the library’s social media pages and in library staff spaces.
Through the Illinois Library Association (ILA): Nominate a library staff member for the ILA Awards.
Through the American Library Association: Nominate a library star for National Library Workers Day (Tuesday, April 8)!
5. Help empower readers, stop book bans & protect funding for libraries
In the United States, the freedom to read is guaranteed by the Constitution. Yet that freedom continues to be challenged. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Oak Park is a Book Sanctuary Community! Learn about what this means »
- Unite Against Book Bans strives to stop the removal of reading materials from America’s libraries and schools. Learn more and find toolkits to protect the freedom to read »
- Fight for the First, developed by EveryLibrary, defends against attacks on the First Amendment and against book bans. Get involved with a group near you or create your own campaign »
- Contact your elected officials and tell them what libraries mean to you. Find your representatives and other tools to participate in civic life »
- Help defend the Institute of Museum and Library Services! Tell Congress you want to protect funding for libraries »
6. Wear your library pride!
Purchase limited-edition items (like this umbrella pictured) at our online library store! All proceeds support future library initiatives.
7. Explore titles about libraries & librarians with this curated list
Discover nonfiction books on library history, fiction titles featuring librarians, and more—handpicked by Oak Park librarians.
