Off the Shelf: National Library Week is Almost at Hand
By Savanna Draper on April 19, 2023 from Off the Shelf via Connect-Bridgeport.com
National Library Week 2023 is almost here! This year it will be celebrated from April 23 through April 29.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the United States each April. It promotes library use, support of libraries, and celebrates all that libraries have to offer. This year’s theme is
“There’s More to the Story.” This theme is a nod to the lesser-known fact that libraries are not just buildings full of books anymore.
“There’s More to the Story.” This theme is a nod to the lesser-known fact that libraries are not just buildings full of books anymore.
Many libraries have “Libraries of Things” that 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. There’s so much libraries have to offer!
The Bridgeport Public Library has decided to do something special for this National Library Week—we will be having a Staff Spirit Week! Each day, staff will come to work fitting a theme. The themes we have chosen are as follows:
- April 24th: Dress as your favorite book character. Staff will come to work dressed as a character from a beloved book.
- April 25th: Show off your favorite mug. Staff will bring their favorite mug to work.
- April 26th: Wear "bookish" clothing. Staff will wear an article of clothing that celebrates their love of books and reading.
- April 27th: Share a photo cuddling your pet. Staff will share photos of them with their pets.
- April 28th: Create a “BookFace Friday.” Staff will share photos of themselves posing with the cover of a book.
The best part is that our patrons get to vote on which staff member fits the theme best! Staff will photograph entries for each day's theme and share them on the library's Facebook page at 11:00 AM each day. Patrons can vote on which entry best fits the theme for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. There will be one winner per day, with patrons only eligible to win one gift card per person. Voting will close at 7:00 PM each day. After voting closes, all patrons who voted will be entered into the raffle. Winners may pick up their gift cards at the library.
We hope to see everyone participate and share their love of the library during National Library Week 2023!
