National Library Day 2023: National Library Day is observed annually on April 6. The celebrations are organised by the American Library Association as part of National Library Week. People gather throughout the week, and especially on this day, to recognise the vital roles that libraries and librarians play in our society. It is also a day to consider the significance of reading and the necessity of making books accessible and affordable to all readers. A well-stocked library can introduce readers to numerous new worlds and assist them in becoming more knowledgeable citizens. Additionally, libraries are wonderful gathering places where people can exchange ideas and learn together.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL LIBRARY DAY
In 1958, the American Library Association and the Advertising Council proclaimed the first National Library Week. Since then, libraries have become an integral part of American communities, and despite the development of the internet and ebooks, they continue to be essential institutions. The concept of libraries is not new; it dates back millennia. In the seventh century B.C., the Assyrian ruler Ashurbanipal established the world’s first systematically organised library in Nineveh, Iraq. Approximately 30,000 cuneiform tablets were organised by subject.
Almost every great civilization has built libraries since its inception. They became great knowledge repositories, and a few ancient libraries still exist today. The purpose of these libraries was to collect and disseminate information for use in daily life. Agriculture, architecture, medicine, art, manufacturing, war, and topics pertaining to the betterment of life were accorded priority. As time progressed, people realised the value of having publicly accessible centres of knowledge, and libraries became an integral part of urban areas throughout the world.
As the Internet’s influence grew, many believed that libraries would no longer be necessary; however, history has shown that libraries continue to thrive and are now more popular than ever! A substantial amount of information is still only available on paper, and despite the convenience of the Internet, people still enjoy physically visiting libraries and spending time among books and other readers.
NATIONAL LIBRARY DAY ACTIVITIES
Join the library as a member
Celebrate National Library Day by joining your neighbourhood library. Encourage your friends, family, coworkers, and children to obtain memberships as well.
Donate books
National Library Day can also be observed by donating books to local libraries. You can donate new books, give away old copies, and even buy ebooks for your local libraries.
Gratitude to a librarian
Without librarians, a library would not exist. They maintain inventory, assist readers in locating the resources they require, and, of course, always greet us with a friendly smile. On National Library Day, remember to thank a librarian for everything that they do.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LIBRARIES
Benjamin Franklin founded the first lending library
It was also among the oldest libraries in the United States.
Andrew Carnegie was a generous benefactor.
He assisted in the opening of 2,509 libraries worldwide and 1,679 libraries in the United States.
Library fines amount to astronomical sums
In 2016, the San Jose Public Library reported late fees totaling $6.8 million.
Libraries offer free music as well.
They accomplish this by utilising music streaming platforms.
They are also major employers
There are roughly 1.85 million librarians in the United States.
NATIONAL LIBRARY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 6 | Thursday |
| 2024 | April 6 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 6 | Sunday |
| 2026 | April 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | April 6 | Tuesday |
