National Library Week promotional image featuring Molly Shannon

National Library Week 2022: Connect with Your Library

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Molly Shannon, multiple Emmy-nominated and Spirit Award-winning actress, comedian, and legendary Saturday Night Live cast member, will help celebrate our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week, April 3–9, 2022. Shannon will highlight the numerous ways libraries serve to connect communities to books, resources, programs, and, of course, each other.  

“I am so honored to serve as honorary chair of National Library Week for 2022. My mom was a librarian. She encouraged kids to read. So, the work of librarians and libraries has such a special place in my heart,” Shannon said. “Libraries are places where communities connect—to things like broadband, computers, programs and classes, books, movies, video games, and more. But most importantly, libraries connect us to each other. Supporting National Library Week in this role allows me to connect to my mother’s memory and all the librarians out there. Thank you for everything you do.”  

The theme for National Library Week 2022, “Connect with Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers, and other resources. Libraries also offer opportunities to connect with media, programs, ideas, and classes—in addition to books. Most importantly libraries also connect communities to each other. Overall, the theme is an explicit call to action—an invitation for communities to join, visit, or advocate for their local libraries. 

Celebration Days During National Library Week

Monday, April 4: State of America’s Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2021.
Tuesday, April 5: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
Wednesday, April 6: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 7: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

WCLS will also celebrate Library Giving Day on Wednesday, April 6. The Whatcom County Library Foundation hopes to raise $10,000 to help keep local libraries resilient. Learn more at wcls.org/givingday.

How to Celebrate

1. Visit your library.

Whether you’re visiting in person or virtually, libraries offer the opportunity to connect with new worlds through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs. Take time to connect with your library during National Library Week to see all they have to offer.

2. Participate in the #MyLibrary promotion on social media.

As National Library Week Honorary Chair Molly Shannon says, “Libraries are places where communities connect—to things like broadband, computers, programs and classes, books, movies, video games, and more.” During National Library Week 2022, we’re asking you to share the connections you’ve made thanks to your library. Did you find a great book? Get access to computers? Attend a great program or storytime? Did you make new friends at the library’s book club?

Tell us by posting to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Use the hashtag #MyLibrary.  The American Library Association will gather all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card.  The promotion starts Sunday, April 3 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 9 at noon CT. Don’t forget to tag your library!

If you love your library, say it loud and proud: vocal community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Participating in the #MyLibrary promotion is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!

Official rules will be posted soon.

4. Follow your library, ALA, and I Love Libraries on social media.