Welcome to April! This year, the month kicks off with National Library Week from April 6 – 12. This includes Right to Read Day on April 7th, National Library Workers’ Day on April 8th, National Library Outreach Day on April 9th, and Take Action for Libraries Day on April 10th.
The annual State of America’s Libraries Report is also released on Right to Read Day, including the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2024. You can view past years’ titles on the Office of Intellectual Freedom’s website, along with free graphics and additional resources.
Have you or your library experienced a book challenge or other attempt at censorship? Consider filing a confidential report with ALA. While the majority of reported challenges remain related to library materials, you can also report a variety of other scenarios, such as vandalism, service-related challenges, and staff harassment. Up to 97% of challenges go unreported. Now more than ever, it’s important for us to stand up for intellectual freedom and support the right to read.
Other April events include:
National Poetry Month
There are so many great ways to celebrate this month in your library. Put together a display of poetry books, host a reading from a local author or an open mic, or distribute poems for National Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 10th. Visit the National Poetry Month website to learn more.
National Volunteer Week (April 21st – 27th)
Many libraries and their parent institutions (if applicable) rely on volunteers to help provide services. Those of us newer to the profession often get our start doing volunteer work. This week is a great time to make sure that the volunteers at your library and in your life feel valued and heard.
Earth Day (April 22nd)
Since 2019, sustainability has officially been one of the core values of librarianship according to ALA. It’s also the subject of the most recent issue of American Libraries magazine. If you’re looking for more ways to bring sustainability to your library, consider checking out resources from ALA’s Sustainability Round Table.
Conference Season
Spring and summer are conference season, with many local library association conferences taking place as well as large events like ACRL 2025 and ALA Annual. If you’re attending your first conference soon, check out our conference survival guide from 2024.
Annual is also when many divisions, round tables, and other groups formally begin new volunteer terms. Curious about volunteering with NMRT? Visit our committees webpage to learn more about opportunities to get involved and start thinking about what you might want to do.
Upcoming webinars
The First Amendment and Libraries
Niche Academy webinar, April 9, 11 AM PST, free
Future-Ready: AI in Action in Public, Academic, and Special Libraries
NMRT webinar, April 16, 10 AM PST, free
An Introduction to the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries
PLA webinar, April 22, 11 AM PST, free to ALA members