National Library Week, observed April 6-12, celebrates the essential role libraries play in our communities. This year’s theme, “Drawn to the Library,” highlights how libraries attract people from all walks of life.
New York City’s public libraries are hosting special activities to celebrate.
Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library have organized a variety of engaging events focused on the freedom to read, scavenger hunts, special story times featuring challenged/banned books, trivia contests with prizes, and creative craft workshops.
The New York Public Library is celebrating diversity in literature and the arts with its World Literature & Arts Festival (April 14-30). This festival showcases storytelling through various mediums while highlighting NYC’s communities with free events:
- “The New Rap Language” (April 15) featuring international musicians discussing how they incorporate multiple languages into their art
- “The Future of Food” (April 19) panel discussion and cooking workshop about reclaiming home cooking
- “Celebration of Sweetness with Malai Ice Cream” (April 23) featuring founder Pooja Bavishi discussing South Asian ingredients
- “Latinx Artists Speak” (April 22) exploring identity and creativity in a bilingual panel
- “More than a Meal: Celebrating Korean Food and Community” (April 25) exploring the evolution of NYC’s Koreatown
The New York State Library joins this celebration by offering engaging events during National Library Week and throughout April:
- Genealogy Research with FamilySearch (April 3) – Explore digital microfilm data that isn’t available to researchers using FamilySearch from home
- Trademark Basics Online (April 9) – Learn what entrepreneurs and small businesses need to know about trademarks from USPTO outreach trainers
- Tasting History: Exploring Historic Foodways (April 9) – Discover historic recipes and food traditions through the library’s extensive collections
- The Handbook of Black Librarianship – School Librarians (April 11) – Special webinar in recognition of School Library Month and National Library Week
We encourage all our members to take advantage of these valuable community resources during National Library Week and beyond.
