Librarians are heroes. They connect people with books, communities, and countless resources every day. They deserve great appreciation.
In this article, we’re talking about Librarian Appreciation Day and School Librarian Day. Read on to learn how to honor the librarians in your community.
What Is Librarian Appreciation Day?
Librarians do a lot more than just shush people and check out books. Public libraries are a treasure trove of community resources, and librarians are the key to that treasure.
Librarians host events for community members, such as story time, educational events, and free seminars. Many public libraries offer free computer skills classes and English language classes. Librarians help people apply for jobs, teach job-building skills, and host resume workshops.
With their degrees in library science, librarians are research experts. They find obscure resources and teach you how to use databases. They are well-versed in free online resources, such as genealogy search engines, skill share sites, and eBook apps.
Many modern public libraries have makerspaces with 3D printers, sewing machines, and A/V recording devices. Librarians must be skilled in multiple types of technology.
The knowledge that librarians possess seems endless. But as public employees, they are often underappreciated. Many people don’t realize what they do, and it’s not a flashy, high-paying career.
Librarian Appreciation Day is a day to specifically honor the contributions to society that librarians make every day.
What Is School Librarian Appreciation Day?
School librarians play a big role in education, especially public education. School librarians are experts in child literacy. They help foster a love of reading in kids.
They also help students do research projects and learn good research skills. They support teachers with resources and help them plan projects. Sometimes, librarians even teach lessons!
National School Librarian Day is part of School Library Month, which dates back to 1983. It’s a way to recognize how important school libraries and school librarians are to public education.
When Is Librarian Appreciation Day?
April is the month for honoring every librarian you know.
National Librarian Appreciation Day, also called National Librarian Day, happens every year on April 16.
The American Library Association also spearheads National Library Week. Your local library will likely have many events during this week. In 2023, National Librarian Week will be April 23–29.
You can also honor all library workers on April 5 every year. National Library Workers’ Day celebrates everyone who works in a library, not just those with a Master’s degree in library science.
National School Librarian Day occurs every year on April 4. This is part of the month-long School Library Month, which happens every April.
All these dates to honor public librarians and school librarians are US-centric. Different countries may have their own Librarian Appreciation Day.
5 Things to Do on Librarian Appreciation Day
How can you honor a public librarian or school librarian? We have a list of ideas to help you celebrate National Librarian Day and National School Librarian Day.
1. Say Thank You
This one seems obvious, but a “thank you” from a patron can make any librarian feel loved. Stop by your local library and say thank you. You can even send a handwritten note.
If you have a child who is in school, encourage them to stop by and thank their school librarian.
Better yet, have your child write a note or draw a picture for the librarian! Parents can also send a thank you card or email to the school librarian. It will make their day.
2. Bring Some Treats
If you want to say thank you with more than just words, consider dropping off some sort of treat.
Goodie baskets, cookie arrangements, and coffee are all great ideas. Gift cards are always appreciated, too!
3. Donate Money
As public resources, libraries are often under-funded. When city budgets need to be cut, libraries are among the first to suffer.
You can donate to public libraries. There’s usually a link on their website, or you can ask a librarian how to donate.
Many libraries also have a non-profit that helps fundraise for them. These are usually called “Friends of the Library.” You can donate or join a group like this to show your support year-round.
4. Donate Time
Librarians have many responsibilities they need volunteers for. Library volunteers can help organize and run fundraisers, re-shelve books, make bulletin boards, and more.
A great way to honor National School Librarian Day as a parent is to ask if the school librarian needs any help. Even an hour of your time can help them catch up on tasks.
5. Get Political
It’s great if librarians know you appreciate them. It’s even better if their bosses know you appreciate them! Write to your local city council, or go to a council meeting to voice your support for the libraries.
Ask for more funding. Ask candidates how they’ll support the library if elected. If you know that budget cuts are coming, show up and advocate for your library.
National Librarian Day and National School Librarian Day are a great reminder to show librarians how much they mean to your community.
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