National Librarian Day is an annual celebration honoring the dedicated professionals who manage, organize, and provide access to information in libraries across the United States. It’s a day to recognize the critical role librarians play in education, research, and community development.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: April 16th
- Tagged as: #NationalLibrarianDay
- Hashtag: #ThankALibrarian
- Founded: 1958
- Founder: American Library Association (ALA)
History of National Librarian Day
The day got its start in 1958 when the American Library Association sponsored the event. However, it wasn’t consistently celebrated until 2004 when the ALA revived it as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of library staff.
Timeline of Libraries
- 8th century BC: First library created in Assyria
- 323 BC: Great Library of Alexandria established
- 1731: Benjamin Franklin starts first lending library
- 1900: Libraries expand to include reference departments
- 2004: National Librarian Day becomes an annual celebration
Dates for Next Five Years
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | April 16 | Wednesday |
2026 | April 16 | Thursday |
2027 | April 16 | Friday |
2028 | April 16 | Sunday |
2029 | April 16 | Monday |
How to Observe National Librarian Day
- Thank a librarian personally
- Donate books to your local library
- Attend a library event
- Share appreciation on social media
Fun Facts About Librarians
- There are more public libraries in the US than McDonald’s restaurants
- Most librarians have a Master’s Degree in Library Science
- Libraries offer much more than just books – from computer access to language classes
FAQs
Q: Do librarians only work with books?
A: No! Librarians manage digital resources, organize events, teach classes, and provide community services.
Q: What education do librarians need?
A: Most librarians have a Master’s Degree in Library Science.
Importance of Librarians
Librarians are crucial in:
- Preserving knowledge
- Supporting education
- Providing free public resources
- Bridging technological gaps
- Supporting community learning
Related Celebrations
- National Library Workers Day
- National Library Week
- School Librarian Day
Celebrate the knowledge guardians who make learning accessible to everyone!