Celebrate National Library Week 2025

Drawn to the Library

Millions of people visit their libraries every week. What's the draw? Everything!

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries and library professionals play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. During National Library Week take time to reflect and discover (or rediscover) what draws you to the library!

• Visit one of Palo Alto City Library's 5 branches and bring friends or family along.
• Encourage a friend to sign-up for a library card—it’s a simple act that opens up a world of opportunity.
• Browse the shelves, displays, or a staff recommendation list.
• Join us for a storytime, book club or other event hosted at the library.   
  • This week Assemblymember Marc Berman will celebrate libraries with us at Family Storytime, opens a new window on Friday, April 11.
• Check out an item from the Library of Things!

This year's Honorary National Library Week Chairs are bestselling authors Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. They remind us that libraries connect us to ideas, information, and each other.

This National Library Week, libraries need your support more than ever. Book challenges and censorship efforts are still on the rise, and federal funding is under threat. These challenges don’t just impact libraries—they impact all of us. Here are some ways you can show up for your library.

• Contact your members of Congress by phone or email and share your support for federal library funding.
• Sign up to receive advocacy alerts.
• Become a Supporter of the American Library Association (ALA).
• Volunteer with the Friends of the Palo Alto Library (FOPAL).

Celebration Days during NLW

Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The ALA kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books.

Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day is a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are outside the physical library space.

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries. Explore the Libraries Communication Toolkit and stand with your community to help spread the word and celebrate what makes libraries essential.