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National Library Workers Day

Thank your librarian, or even volunteer at your local library to gain an appreciation for what these hard-working public servants do every day for our society.

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Celebrate library workers and community literacy by partnering with local libraries on volunteer drives, book promotions, and advocacy campaigns that build brand goodwill.

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Spotlight: Meet your local librarians—share their stories and impact on social media
Book donation drive: Partner with libraries to collect and distribute books to underserved communities
Volunteer day event: Organize staff volunteering at libraries with behind-the-scenes content
Advocacy campaign: Support fair wages for library workers and promote public library funding

History

Libraries have been in existence since at least 2600 BC!

They were found in the temples of Sumer, where the earliest forms of writing were discovered on clay tablets–the predecessors to scrolls, and then books. Since that time, libraries have developed as a hotbed of cultural significance, helping to shape the classical Greek and Roman empires up to the modern age.

Even though libraries have been around for many centuries, getting access to books has not always been easy. It has been less than 200 years since the opening of the first public library in the United States in 1833. Prior to that time, libraries were privately owned.

This meant that books were usually only accessible to the very rich and literacy was a very low priority for the average person.

Today, publicly funded libraries have great importance because they allow complete access to education for the common person. They hold books that give voice to the ideas, observations, and opinions of people from literally all over the world on basically every topic imaginable.

And librarians help to maintain this catalog of history. They are the masters of research, keeping their archives, and fostering creativity in the minds of today’s youth. However, due to the global economy, the budgets and salaries used to keep these traditions alive have continued to shrink.

Founded by the American Library Association, National Library Workers Day aims to recognize the hard work of library support staff and librarians.

Coinciding with National Library Week, this holiday allows people to show their appreciation to library workers, as well as providing an opportunity for librarians to advocate for better compensation for the work that they do.

On National Library Workers Day, librarians often take the time to teach children and students the importance of their job, the history of librarians, and how libraries have been vital in shaping human history.

How to celebrate

Volunteer at the Library

Libraries are notoriously underfunded, and that often means they are understaffed. As a vital part of the community that brings in very little revenue of its own, libraries count on local volunteers to help them keep everything running smoothly. Volunteer workers at the library might do tasks such as helping with community events and special projects. They act as representatives of the library and interact as people.

Advocate for Librarians and Library Staff

National Library Workers Day aims to show appreciation for the expertise, hard work and dedication of librarians everywhere, while also advocating for better pay wages. It’s a time to be thankful for everything related to libraries and books, especially the library workers! Make an impact on the world and celebrate National Library Workers Day by heading over to local government offices to petition for better pay and benefits for librarians in the community. Take time to create flyers about the day and post them at a community center or on other bulletin boards to celebrate. Encourage friends and family members to also join in on advocating for equal pay that will help to support their local librarians.

Read a Book!

Library workers are all about the books–so the best way to honor them is to pick up one and read! Take the time to read some books and enjoy what the libraries have to offer, including these genres of fiction: Action and Adventure. For those who love to be on the edge of their seats, this is the perfect kind of book to read. Get involved in risky, dangerous situations without even leaving your chair! Classics. Sometimes stories that were groundbreaking when they were published have even more to say decades later than they did originally. Mystery and Detective Novels. Featuring the solving of crimes, this genre often includes an investigator who is dedicated to solving a mystery. Fantasy. Typically set in an imaginary world, this type of book allows a complete escape from reality where characters often have magical powers and even animals can come to life.

FAQ

What do library workers actually do besides checking books in and out?

Library workers handle a wide range of tasks that go far beyond lending books. Professional librarians design programs for all ages, help people find accurate information, teach research and digital skills, manage collections (including e‑books and databases), and support students, job‑seekers, and entrepreneurs. Other staff members may run story times, help with technology, maintain equipment and buildings, create exhibits, and coordinate outreach to schools, hospitals, and community groups.

What kind of education and training do librarians usually need?

In many countries, professional librarians are required or strongly encouraged to hold a master’s degree in library and information science (often called an MLIS or MLS) from an accredited university. This graduate training typically covers research methods, cataloging and metadata, information technology, user services, and ethics. Library assistants and technicians often have certificates, associate degrees, or on‑the‑job training rather than a master’s degree, although requirements vary by country and by type of library.

How have digital technology and the internet changed library work?

Digital technology has shifted library work from mostly managing print collections to also curating and providing access to online resources such as e‑books, streaming media, and subscription databases. Library workers now spend more time teaching people how to evaluate online information, use search tools effectively, safeguard their privacy, and navigate government and educational services that are primarily online. Many also maintain library websites, support public computers and Wi‑Fi, and help patrons use their own devices.

Why do communities with strong public libraries tend to have better educational and social outcomes?

Research has linked well‑resourced public libraries to higher reading scores, stronger early literacy, and increased school readiness, largely because they offer free access to books, story hours, homework help, and quiet study spaces. Libraries also provide access to the internet, job‑search help, language learning, and social services referrals, which can reduce information gaps between higher‑ and lower‑income residents. These combined services support education, employment, and civic participation across a community.

Are libraries still important in the age of search engines and e‑books?

Libraries continue to play a crucial role because they provide free access to information that is not always available through search engines, such as scholarly journals, historical collections, and curated databases. Library workers help people judge the reliability of what they find online and can suggest resources tailored to specific needs. Libraries also serve as safe public spaces, offer technology and internet access to those who lack it, and host educational and cultural programs that purely digital services do not replace.

What is the difference between a librarian, a library technician, and a library assistant?

A librarian typically has a master’s degree in library and information science and is responsible for professional tasks such as developing collections, providing reference and research help, designing programs, and managing departments or entire libraries. Library technicians and assistants usually have less formal education and focus more on day‑to‑day operations like shelving, circulation, basic technology help, and supporting programs. All three roles are important, and the exact duties can overlap depending on the size and type of library.

How do libraries support people who do not have reliable internet or technology at home?

Libraries often provide free public computers, Wi‑Fi, printing and scanning, and sometimes loanable devices such as laptops, tablets, or mobile hotspots. Library workers help patrons complete online forms, apply for jobs or benefits, access telehealth services, and use essential websites even if they have limited digital skills. In some regions, libraries also offer digital literacy classes and one‑to‑one technology coaching, which helps reduce the “digital divide” between people with and without home internet access.