April 21

Thank You for Libraries Day

On Thank You for Libraries Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the magical world of books and thank our local libraries for bringing them to us!

Yearly Date

April 21

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Mark your calendars for April 21 because it's Thank You for Libraries Day! This day is dedicated to showing appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful institutions that provide us with endless knowledge, resources, and opportunities. Did you know that the first library was founded over 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia? Since then, libraries have evolved and adapted to serve the needs of their communities. So let's take a moment to celebrate all the amazing things libraries do for us and give them a big thank you!

Thank You for Libraries Day Timeline

2600 BC

World's First Library

The Library of Ashurbanipal, the world's first known library, was established in Nineveh, Mesopotamia - now modern-day Iraq.

300 BC

Library of Alexandria Opening

The Library of Alexandria, one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world, was constructed.

1600s

Oxford's Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, was opened to academics.

1876

American Library Association Formation

The American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world, was founded.

2000

Libraries and the Digital Age

Libraries adapt to the digital age by offering online catalogues, eBooks, eAudiobooks, and online databases for research.

How to Celebrate Thank You for Libraries Day

1 Host a library-themed party

Gather your friends and family for a party to celebrate Thank You for Libraries Day! Decorate with book-themed decorations, serve library-themed snacks and drinks, and have fun with book-related games and activities.

2 Create a thank you card campaign

Get creative and make thank you cards to give to your local library staff. You can also encourage others in your community to do the same and spread the love for libraries.

3 Donate books or funds to your local library

Show your appreciation for libraries by giving back. Donate books to add to their collection or make a monetary donation to support their programs and services.

4 Attend a library event or program

Check out your local library's calendar of events and attend a program or event to show your support. You may discover a new favorite author or learn something new.

5 Share your love for libraries on social media

Spread the word about Thank You for Libraries Day by sharing your favorite memories, books, or services from your local library on social media. Use the hashtag #ThankYouForLibraries to join in on the conversation.

Why We Love Thank You for Libraries Day

Libraries provide free access to knowledge and resources

Thank You for Libraries Day reminds us of the amazing gift that libraries give us - the ability to access books, information, and resources for free. No matter your income level, you can always find something valuable at your local library!

Librarians are invaluable resources themselves

Librarians are often overlooked but they play a crucial role in helping people navigate through the vast amount of information available. They can recommend books and help with research, making our experience at the library even more enriching.

Libraries promote community and connection

Libraries are not just about books - they also offer events, classes, and workshops that bring people together. They serve as a hub for community building and foster a love for learning and exploration among all ages.