Happy National Library Week!
It’s National Library Week from April 23-29, 2023.
National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee’s goals were ambitious. They ranged from “encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time” to “improving incomes and health” and “developing strong and happy family life.”
In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” The 2023 celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the first event.
Going Beyond Books
Libraries lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.
Below, we will cover just a few of the great offerings that Yolo County Libraries offer to residents.
Computers, Wi-Fi, Printing & more!
During library hours, folks have access to free Wi-Fi, computer use, and have the option to print, copy, and/or fax documents.
California State Park Passes
Thanks to a collaboration between the California State Library and California State Parks, library cardholders can freely access many of the beautiful beaches, forests, deserts, monuments, lakes, and rivers that make up our State Parks system.
- All Yolo County Library locations have at least one Lucky Day Parks Pass. Lucky Day passes can be borrowed for a period of 3 weeks. Ask at the service desk of your local library branch for a pass. If one’s available, it’s your lucky day!
What Should I Read Next?
Are you looking for a new book, but arent sure what to read next and dont necessarily want to take the time to look up and down the book aisles in the library? Answer a few simple questions about what you like to read (or need to read) and library staff will email personalized recommendations directly to your inbox.
Yolo Reads and ESL Classes
Yolo Reads Adult Literacy provides free tutoring to adults who want to improve their reading, writing, spelling, and grammar skills. Learners receive one-on-one support from volunteer tutors and free materials.
Yolo Reads Family Literacy provides family workshops and builds literacy skills in families who have identified improving literacy to achieve life goals to be a priority.
Learn a new Language for free.
Through Mango Languages, you can choose from 71 different languages, including Spanish, French, Arabic, Japanese and English.
Libraries can act as a “Third Place”
A “third place” refers to places where people spend time between home (‘first’ place) and work (‘second’ place). They are locations where folks exchange ideas, have a good time, and build relationships.
According to a 2015 Pew survey, almost two-thirds of adult Americans say that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. Over 90 percent of adults think of public libraries as “welcoming and friendly places,” and about half have visited or otherwise used a public library in the last 12 months.
How to Celebrate National Library Week
1. One of the best ways to celebrate is by visiting your local library and seeing the wonderful offerings it has!
Check Yolo County Library’s Event Calendar here See the full list of their Resources here.
2. Start a Little Free Library in your Neighborhood.
Little Free Libraries play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encouraging a love of reading!) in areas where books could be scarce. Here are 6 tips on how to get one started in your neighborhood.