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It's National Library Week and today is "Right to Read Day"

National Library Week, 2024

"The American Library Association (ALA) is thrilled to celebrate National Library Week from April 7 to11. This year’s theme is "Ready, Set, Library!" which illustrates the idea that in an always-online world, libraries give the community a green light to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most." - ALA Press Release April 2, 2024.

Right to Read Day

Right to Read Day, is a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. Today, the State of America's Libraries Report was released. This annual report discusses many important factors, and also includes the most up to date Top 10 Most Challenged Books list.

Below is from an Introduction to the Report (18 pages; PDF)  by ALA’s Interim Director, Leslie Burger:

Library workers never cease to amaze me, and that’s saying something because I’ve been in the field for quite some time. Toward the end of 2023, I joined the American Library Association (ALA) in a new capacity, as interim executive director, at a time when book bans were plaguing school and public libraries and when library workers were being threatened and attacked for defending the First Amendment freedom to read. The first thing I noticed was that so many libraries across the country were bursting with new programs, new displays, new services, and new ways to serve their communities, whether patrons or students. In the face of adversity, library workers were taking action.

Let’s look for a moment at the hot topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and libraries. Well over 1,000 people took advantage of ALA’s continuing education sessions on AI in 2023. Library workers are learners, first and foremost. When something new looks to shake up library processes, our members eagerly search for answers. When it comes to AI, many library workers are fascinated by the possibilities and determined to avoid the pitfalls. In this edition of the State of America’s Libraries, Leo S. Lo, dean and professor of the College of University Libraries and Learning Services at the University of New Mexico, talks about exciting advancements made possible by AI, such as automated cataloging and chatbots for user support.

Libraries found support at every level of government for efforts to increase access to high-speed internet connectivity. Tribal libraries took advantage of programs that offer deep discounts on broadband infrastructure. The Learn Without Limits proposal, introduced in 2023, offers library patrons and students access to hotspots off-premises. Libraries continue to serve as hubs for people living in areas that lack high-speed internet.

Partnerships with community organizations help put libraries at the center of their communities, and 2023 was full of fascinating examples. For instance, Cleveland Housing Court worked with Cleveland Public Library to open videoconferencing kiosks in four libraries to bring the court closer to the people. In Baltimore County Public Library, a Pop-Up Shops program for local vendors—from candle makers to photographers—provides free space and offers vendor-preparation classes for aspiring entrepreneurs. Schools innovate constantly, including one in El Cerrito, California, where librarians and teachers worked with students on an award-winning global human rights research project.

Some librarians at universities, including University of Iowa and University of Puerto Mayagüez in Puerto Rico, help people apply for trademarks. It’s heartening to find library workers doing amazing work even as they face a barrage of challenges. Libraries have always been magical places, filled with stories, hopes, and dreams. Library workers are the magicians who create that magic.

Stay tuned for more information tomorrow on National Library Workers Day!