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National Librarian Day

These knowledgeable folks are book lovers and experts in finding information. They love helping patrons and keeping the library organized.

Books & LiteratureJobs & Professions35
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Celebrate librarians and drive donations, book drives, and community library support through appreciation campaigns and fundraising initiatives.

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  • Thank a Librarian: Share stories of how librarians changed your life or your child's reading journey
  • Library Donation Drive: Partner with local libraries to collect gently-used books and monetary donations
  • Librarian Spotlight: Feature local librarians' expertise and impact on community literacy and information access
  • Support Your Library: Promote membership programs, volunteer opportunities, and recurring donation options
History

Libraries can be traced back for many centuries, when they were originally used to store and organize collections of documents. Around the 8th century BC, a wealthy king of Assyria created a library and he was the first person in history to introduce the concept of librarians or “keepers of books”.

Sometime after 323 BC, the Great Library of Alexandria was established for Greek literature and its librarians were also famous scholars.

Moving forward in time, from Humphrey Chetham, who started the first public reference library in England, to Benjamin Franklin who was instrumental in starting several libraries when the US got its start, libraries have continued to be a vital part of the world in the past and going forward.

National Librarian Day got its start in 1958 when it was sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). The day wasn’t celebrated every year, though, until 2004 when it got a resurgence.

It was then that the ALA revived National Librarian Day as part of a campaign to raise awareness for the appreciation of library staff. The day is now celebrated annually as a way to celebrate the work that librarians do as well as educating the local community about the importance and necessity of these folks.

Those who want to be sure the librarians in their lives are celebrated might also consider National Library Workers Day, which coincides with National Library Week.

How to celebrate

Show Appreciation to a Librarian

Whether it means stopping by the local public library and thanking the staff behind the desk, or sending a card of appreciation to the librarian at the kids’ school, National Librarian Day is a great time to go the extra mile and thank someone who works in the library industry.

Make a Donation

Part of the desire of raising awareness about the importance of librarians is to help support local library staff with better resources and wages. National Librarian Day would be a great time to make a financial donation to the local library or, even better, sign up to be a regular support patron. Those who aren’t able to give a financial donation might still support the library by donating gently-used or new books to the library, helping to offset the cost of the need to buy new books. Children’s books are especially desired at many local and school libraries.

FAQ
What do librarians actually do beyond checking books in and out?
Modern librarians handle far more than circulation. Their work can include teaching people how to find and evaluate information, managing digital databases and online subscriptions, preserving local history and archives, running storytimes and community programs, helping with job searches and government forms, and supporting research in schools and universities. Many also manage budgets, select and catalog new materials, maintain technology like public computers and Wi‑Fi, and develop services tailored to their communities.
How have digital technology and the internet changed the role of librarians?
The rise of search engines and e‑books has shifted librarians’ work toward digital access and information literacy rather than replaced it. Librarians now curate and negotiate access to e‑books, streaming media, and research databases, teach people how to judge online sources, support open access publishing, and help bridge the digital divide with devices, Wi‑Fi, and training. In many places they also guide patrons through online government, health, and educational services that have moved entirely onto the web.
Why do people say librarians are important for intellectual freedom?
Librarians are often on the front line of protecting the public’s right to read and access information. Many follow professional codes that reject censorship and support providing materials representing a wide range of viewpoints, even when those materials are controversial. They also develop policies for challenged books, educate communities about the importance of diverse collections, and advocate for privacy so patrons can explore ideas without surveillance of their reading or viewing history.
Are libraries still useful if “everything is online” now?
Despite the abundance of online information, libraries remain heavily used because they offer more than free books. Librarians provide expert research help, access to high‑quality resources that are not freely available on the open web, safe public spaces, literacy programs, homework help, job and small business support, and technology access. For many people, especially those with lower incomes or in rural areas, the library may be their only reliable place to get internet access and help using it.
How do librarians support children’s literacy and learning?
Children’s and school librarians design programs that build language, reading, and critical thinking skills from an early age. They lead storytimes, help children and teens find books that match their interests and reading levels, collaborate with teachers on classroom projects, and introduce young people to research skills and safe online behavior. Studies have linked strong school library programs and certified librarians with higher reading scores and better academic achievement.
What is required to become a professional librarian?
In many countries, including the United States and Canada, professional librarian positions in public, academic, and many special libraries typically require a graduate degree such as a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an accredited program. Coursework often covers research methods, information organization, technology, user services, and ethics. In addition, librarians develop skills in communication, teaching, project management, and working with diverse communities.
How do librarians contribute to their local communities beyond reading and education?
Librarians often shape their libraries into community hubs. They may organize citizenship and language classes, voter information sessions, health and financial literacy workshops, and programs for seniors, jobseekers, and recent immigrants. During crises, libraries and librarians sometimes serve as cooling or heating centers, disaster information points, and partners in public health outreach. By responding to local needs, they help build social connections and community resilience.