Celebrate National Library Week

April 6 - 12, 2025

Celebrate National Library Week
April 6 - 12, 2025

National Library Week 2025: Drawn to the Library!

Millions of people across the country visit their libraries every week. What’s the draw? Everything.

From young families stopping in for storytime, to students gathering to work on group projects, to seniors seeking tech help and everyone in between, libraries of all kinds help us connect the dots from one part of our journey to the next. Chart your next literary adventure by browsing the stacks or joining a book club. Color your imagination at an author talk, try a new craft, or trace your history with your library’s genealogy resources. Make your mark and get involved with your library by volunteering or spreading the word.

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Celebrate National Library Week, April 6 - 12, 2025.

Whether you’re preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, the Athol Public Library is here to support your journey. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities.

Celebration Days During National Library Week

Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, which is downloadable from their website.

On Monday, the library will be hosting Knitting Group for youth and adults from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, LEGO Club for children from 3:30 – 4:30, and an online conversation about the local food movement from 7:00 – 8:00.

Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

On Tuesday, Valuing Our Children will provide us with a story walk. Take a stroll down the Miller's River Walk (or through the second floor of the library if inclement weather), and read a book together! Tuesday will also feature a special screening of the movie Muppet Treasure Island for teens ages 12 – 18, and our Mystery Discussion group at 6:00 pm. Tuesday is also chess club night – Stop by between 6:00 and 7:45 for a game!

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.

Come to Story Time for babies and preschoolers on Wednesday at 10:30 and Tween Show and Tell for ages 10 – 13 at 4:00. Our Viking Wire Weaving workshop Wednesday night is full, but watch our calendar for another Viking metalworking event this coming summer.

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

Our friends from LifePath will be here on Thursday to help visitors navigate SNAP benefit sign up and share information about their programs and volunteer opportunities. Thursday evening will bring a unique zoom discussion of the intersection of romance fiction and climate science at 7:00 pm.

Friday, April 11: On Friday, the library will host a child abuse prevention event at 9:30 and Baby and Toddler Time at 11:00. On Fridays, the Friends of the Library Book Sale Room offers used books for free! Come on over and take a few.

Saturday, April 12: On Saturday, the library offers two events, one in person and one online: Teens interested in community service can visit our Teen Space from 10:00 – 12:30 to decorate bookmarks to share with the community. Also at 10:00, via zoom, we’ll welcome authors Nicola Clark and Jade Scott to our virtual stage to discuss the Tudor queens and their ladies in waiting.

But wait – There’s more!

The Friends of the Athol Public Library will give away pens, notebooks, and flashlights during the week – just one more reason to visit the library!

All month long, the Athol Public Library is offering two fun activities for all ages. First is our April reading challenge: Readers of all ages are invited to join us on Beanstack to Celebrate National Library Week (April 6-12) and spread the library love this April! Explore all the Athol Public Library and other local libraries have to offer with this special reading challenge.

Use Beanstack to track how long you spend reading and help us reach our community goal of logging over 15,000 minutes during the month of April. Books, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines, and reading aloud all count.

Next, we have our popular Tiny Art Show, showcasing miniature pieces of art from artists all over the community. Any and all creators are invited to participate - no matter skill level or age.

Create a piece of art that is 4" x 4." All mediums are welcome including paint, pencils, pen, needlework, sculpture, mixed media etc.

Pick up canvas paper from the library to get you started or use your own materials.

Submissions to the show will be accepted at the library from April 1 to April 30. Pieces will be on display for public viewing during library hours from May 5 through May 30.

So, get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with others this National Library Week.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.

For more information, visit the library’s website at www.athollibrary.org. Some activities this week require advance registration – Please call 978-249-9515 or visit our online calendar to reserve your spot and get full details.

The Athol Public Library is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 – 6:00, Tuesday from 9:30 – 8:00, Friday from 9:30 – 5:00, and Saturday 9:30 – 1:00. All library activities are free.

Posted: to Athol Library News on Sat, Apr 5, 2025
Updated: Fri, Apr 11, 2025