Looking for a karaoke machine for your next party? Eager for a new hiking adventure? Excited to gather with your community and try something different?
At San Mateo County Libraries, we connect you with the things you need to go, go, go! That’s why we love this year’s National Library Week theme: Ready, Set, Library!
This year, National Library Week is April 7-13. It's a time to come together and celebrate everything libraries. This week, we're giving thanks our wonderful staff members who work tirelessly to support our patrons. We're also celebrating all of the amazing resources, events and materials that connect our community to knowledge and new opportunities. Here's what we have in store this week:
Monday, April 8: Right to Read Day
San Mateo County Libraries offers our community the freedom to learn, connect and the right to read about their individualized interests. By providing a vast collection of materials in many formats and languages, we ensure there is something for our entire community at the library. San Mateo County Libraries serves as a trusted institution and ensures equitable access to services and information for all community members. During National Library Week, and every week, we uphold the freedom to read and advocate for the free exchange of information for all.
Learn more about our material selection policy.
Right to Read Day, opens a new window is a response to the rising tide of banned books and censorship in the United States in recent years. In 2023, public libraries saw a 92% increase, opens a new window from the previous year of book titles subject to challenges or bans. Last year, nearly half of all book bans or challenges featured BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ authors or themes. On this day, the American Library Association, opens a new window will also announce their Top 10 Banned Books of 2023. This is a great opportunity to check out a banned book and stand up for everyone’s Right to Read. If you’re looking for more ways to get involved, United Against Banned Books, opens a new window has some great suggestions.
Tuesday, April 9: National Library Workers Day
Without the amazing contributions of our library staff members, we wouldn’t be able to share all our wonderful programs, materials and services with you. We are so thankful to our staff for the way they support our local libraries, both behind the scenes and between the shelves. Today is a great day to thank a library worker or share your story of a positive experience you’ve had in the library recently!
Wednesday, April 10: National Library Outreach Day
Our libraries are determined to meet our community members where they're at—so we've been loving all the outreach we get to do since the roll out of our Makermobile last summer! Our Makermobile is equipped with all our best makerspace tech and travels all over San Mateo County to bring dynamic and creative programs to our community. We also have a Bookmobile that provides further access to library services throughout the county and coastal areas. Find a Makermobile or Bookmobile event near you.
Thursday, April 11: Take Action for Libraries Day
Libraries provide essential services for our communities, but they’re also dependent on the support of our local and federal governments. Advocating for your library is a powerful way to communicate their importance to our lawmakers. Engage with your local government and leaders by voting in elections and making your voice heard! Our libraries are proud to offer non-partisan voter resources for our community.
We’ll be posting about National Library Week all week on social media! Join the conversation by following @SMCLibraries on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Share in the comments below how you’re celebrating National Library Week!
Add a comment to: Celebrate National Library Week With Us!