National Library Week 2021: Welcome To Your Library!

by | Mar 20, 2021 | Announcement, Libraries Transform, Love Your Library

Natalie Portman is this year’s NLW Honorary Chair. She shares the books she’s reading on her instagram feed with the hashtag, #whatnatreads

Mark your calendars! Two weeks until National Library Week! takes place on April 4-10, 2021, with the theme “Welcome to your Library”.

While National Library Week has been celebrated since 1958, this year is very special. We celebrate how libraries have helped knit the community together during the past 12 months of the pandemic.  

Each day of the week for National Library Week features a special theme, with different ways to honor libraries on that day. Actress, author and activist Natalie Portman serves as the National Library Week’s honorary chair. Together with the ALA and libraries across the country, APL and FFAPL will celebrate  National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, April 6th and Take Action for Libraries Day on Thursday, April 8th.

Visit the I Love Libraries for more information about National Library Week, including social media graphics and advocacy messages.

The “Welcome to Your Library” theme celebrates how libraries extend far beyond their physical buildings, and how everyone is welcome to use their services.

We are grateful for how the Albany Public Library has adapted and served us during these challenging times. Some highlights of the year and how the library has welcomed us, include the following:

  • The #KeepAlbanyConnected campaign, sponsored by the Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library, has installed WiFi extenders at multiple library branches;
  • A pilot program is assisting eligible individuals with COVID-19 vaccination sign-ups;
  • Virtual tutoring sessions link students K-12, with students from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences;
  • The library provides case management and advocacy services through a Community Support Specialist;
  • Public art installations in library windows at the Bach and Arbor Hill branches, provide a visual feast for our eyes in collaboration with the Opalka Gallery!

Truly, our Albany Public Library and Albany’s library workers provide so much for which to be grateful. Our community would be very different without their efforts. Make your voices heard during National Library Week! We hope that you will thank your favorite librarians on National Library Workers Day and will share a message of why your library matters on Take Action for Libraries Day.

Join us for our National Library Week Distinguished Author Lecture with Sapphire on Tuesday, April 6th and stay tuned for social media contests from FFAPL going on all through National Library Week week.