Madison Reporter

Madison Public Library is celebrating National Library Week from April 7-13, 2024, both online and at all library locations. The theme for this year's celebration is “Ready, Set, Library!,” emphasizing the importance of libraries as places for connection, learning, and community support.

One of the activities during National Library Week is the “share your story” postcard campaign. Library users are encouraged to share their experiences and reasons for loving the library. Tana Elias, the incoming Director of Madison Public Library, expressed the significance of libraries by saying, “From helping your children learn to read, to using library resources to find a job or further your career, to connecting to important health information or combating social isolation as you age, libraries are free resources for each stage in your growth.”

Throughout the week, various events and initiatives are planned, including the release of the State of America's Libraries 2024 Report on Monday, April 8. The report highlights library trends and issues from the previous year and includes the list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books for 2023.

Tuesday, April 9, is National Library Workers Day, a day to recognize the contributions of library staff. The Dream Bus, Madison and Dane County's mobile library, will be visiting different locations on Wednesday, April 10, to provide library services to areas facing transportation barriers.

On Thursday, April 11, library users are encouraged to participate in Take Action for Libraries Day by contacting local government representatives to express support for Madison’s libraries. The week will wrap up on Saturday, April 13, with the last day of National Library Week.

The week will culminate in the Our Town Everywhere Exhibition & Celebration event on Friday, April 12, at the Central Library. This event will showcase The Bubbler initiative, which connects visitors to creative expression and hands-on learning through various programs and exhibits.

For more information on National Library Week events and to follow along, visit the Madison Public Library website and social media channels. Support your local library and take advantage of the resources and community connections they provide.