Stop by and celebrate National Library Week, April 23-29, 2023! This year's theme is There's More to the Story, so it's the perfect opportunity to discover the wide and growing assortment of resources KCPL provides for the community.

KCPL is full of stories, of course, in picture books and large print, audiobooks and ebooks, but we also offer so much more. From video games and board games to STEM kits and Outdoor Explorer bags, the story just keeps growing better all the time.

Throughout National Library Week, visit KCPL locations to engage with drop-in activities, learn more about the variety of physical and digital items you can borrow, and, on special days, enjoy a KCPL Appreciates YOU Giveaway.

Giveaway Dates & Locations

Tuesday, April 25 – Chestertown

Wednesday, April 26 – Rock Hall

Thursday, April 27 – North County

Giveaway items will be available first come, first served during regular hours.

About National Library Week

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious.  They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life." 

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"  The 2023 celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the first event.

Learn more about the history of National Library Week.