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National Library Week

Celebrating the Heart of Knowledge and Community

By Dana Reich, Publisher and Editor, Macaroni KID Yorba Linda, Fullerton, Placentia & Anaheim Hills April 7, 2024

Libraries have long been regarded as the cornerstone of communities, serving as gateways to knowledge, culture, and connection. National Library Week, celebrated annually in April, is a time to honor the invaluable contributions libraries make to society and to encourage individuals of all ages to explore the wealth of resources they offer.

This year, from April 7th to April 13th, communities across the nation will come together to celebrate National Library Week under the theme "Libraries = Strong Communities." It's a time to recognize the vital role that libraries play in fostering literacy, supporting education, and promoting lifelong learning.

For families, National Library Week presents a perfect opportunity to engage in enriching activities together and to instill a love of reading in children from a young age. Here are some family-friendly ways to celebrate:

1. Family Library Visits: Take a trip to your local library and explore its vast collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs, and more. Let each family member select a few items to borrow and enjoy together at home.  




2. Storytime Sessions: Many libraries host regular storytime sessions for young children, featuring captivating tales read aloud by librarians. Attend a storytime session as a family and witness the joy of storytelling come to life.  

3. Library Scavenger Hunt: Create a fun and educational scavenger hunt for your family to enjoy at the library. Make a list of items or book genres to find, and see who can locate them first.

4. Family Reading Challenge: Challenge each family member to read a certain number of books during National Library Week. Set a collective goal and celebrate together once it's achieved.

5. Volunteer Together: Get involved in your community by volunteering at the library. Help organize bookshelves, assist with children's programs, or participate in library events as a family.

6. Attend Library Events: Many libraries host special events and activities during National Library Week, such as author talks, craft workshops, and movie screenings. Check your local library's schedule and attend these events as a family.




7. Create a Family Reading Corner: Dedicate a cozy corner of your home to reading and relaxation. Fill it with books, comfortable seating, and soft blankets, and encourage family members to spend time there reading together.

We have so many great libraries nearby!  Here's some of our favorites:

National Library Week is not only a time to celebrate the invaluable resources and services that libraries provide but also an opportunity to strengthen family bonds through the joy of reading and learning together. So, grab your library card, gather your loved ones, and join in the festivities as we celebrate the heart of knowledge and community.