First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week* is a national observance
sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the
country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's
libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of
libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.
Best-selling author David Baldacci will serve as Honorary Chair of National
Library Week 2015 (April 12-18, 2015). Baldacci’s novels have been translated
into more than 45 languages and have been adapted for film and television.
Over 110 million copies of his books are in print worldwide. In addition,
Baldacci is involved with several philanthropic organizations, including his
family’s Wish You Well Foundation®, which fosters and promotes the
development and expansion of literacy and educational programs.
Celebrations during National Library Week include:

National Library Workers Day, Tuesday of National Library Week (April
14, 2015), a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to
recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
In addition to the helpful Library staff you see at the Circulation Desk, in the
Children’s Department and at the Reference Desk, there are some behind-the
-scenes people who are vital to our operation. These are employees who
purchase, process and catalog all the library materials you enjoy; who look
after our building, make repairs, keep it clean, and supervise any work or
renovation; and the stellar administrative staff who handle the day-to-day
clerical business of running a library. We are a diverse team focused on
upholding the mission of Decatur Public Library.

National Bookmobile Day, Wednesday of National Library Week (April

15, 2015), a day to recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles
and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach
possible in their communities.
Decatur Public Library no longer has a Bookmobile, but click here to learn
about our other forms of outreach.

Celebrate Teen Literature Day, Thursday of National Library Week
(April 16, 2015), aimed at raising awareness among the general public that
young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today's
teens.
Our Young Adult section contains fiction, science fiction, fantasy, inspirational,
graphic novels, eBooks, and books on CD. There is also a wooden bookshelf
with monthly suggested titles, the teen bulletin board, and NASA’s Space
Place; don’t forget to visit the teen site and blog on our website!
*SOURCE: American Library Association (ALA)
American
Library
Association
YOU are invited to Declare your Right to Libraries
The Declaration for the Right to Libraries is an initiative of the American Library
Association designed to build public goodwill and sustained support for
America’s right to libraries of all types .
Decatur Public Library is joining libraries worldwide in providing community
members with a visible way to declare their right to have vibrant libraries in
their community. You have two ways to sign the declaration:
1.In person—Come to Decatur Public Library! We have a large poster of the
declaration on the endcap of the Biography section. Under the poster is a
lectern that has signing sheets. It will be available throughout the month of
April.
2.Online—go to www.ilovelibraries.org and click on “Sign the Declaration.”
The signing sheets for the declaration serve as the launching point for
continued and vibrant community engagement. Their purpose is to:
Increase
public and media awareness about the critical role of libraries in
communities around the country
Inspire ongoing conversations about the role of the library in the
community
Cultivate a network of community allies and advocates for the library
Position the library as a trusted convener to help in the response to community issues
To see a full copy of the Declaration, scroll down.
In the spirit of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
we believe that libraries are essential to a democratic society. Every day, in countless communities across our
nation and the world, millions of children, students and adults use libraries to learn, grow and achieve their
dreams. In addition to a vast array of books, computers and other resources, library users benefit from the expert teaching and guidance of librarians and library staff to help expand their minds and open new worlds. We
declare and affirm our right to quality libraries -public, school, academic, and special – and urge you to show
your support by signing your name to this Declaration for the Right to Libraries.
LIBRARIES EMPOWER THE INDIVIDUAL.
Whether developing skills to succeed in school, looking for a job, exploring possible careers, having a baby, or planning
retirement, people of all ages turn to libraries for instruction, support, and access to computers and other resources to help
them lead better lives.
LIBRARIES SUPPORT LITERACY AND LIFELONG LEARNING.
Many children and adults learn to read at their school and public libraries via story times, research projects, summer
reading, tutoring and other opportunities. Others come to the library to learn the technology and information skills that
help them answer their questions, discover new interests, and share their ideas with others.
LIBRARIES STRENGTHEN FAMILIES.
Families find a comfortable, welcoming space and a wealth of resources to help them learn, grow and play together.
LIBRARIES ARE THE GREAT EQUALIZER.
Libraries serve people of every age, education level, income level, ethnicity and physical ability. For many people,
libraries provide resources that they could not otherwise afford – resources they need to live, learn, work and govern.
LIBRARIES BUILD COMMUNITIES.
Libraries bring people together, both in person and online, to have conversations and to learn from and help each other.
Libraries provide support for seniors, immigrants and others with special needs.
LIBRARIES PROTECT OUR RIGHT TO KNOW.
Our right to read, seek information, and speak freely must not be taken for granted. Libraries and librarians actively
defend this most basic freedom as guaranteed by the First Amendment.
LIBRARIES STRENGTHEN OUR NATION.
The economic health and successful governance of our nation depend on people who are literate and informed. School,
public, academic, and special libraries support this basic right.
LIBRARIES ADVANCE RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP.
Knowledge grows from knowledge. Whether doing a school assignment, seeking a cure for cancer, pursuing an
academic degree, or developing a more fuel efficient engine, scholars and researchers of all ages depend on the
knowledge and expertise that libraries and librarians offer.
LIBRARIES HELP US TO BETTER UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.
People from all walks of life come together at libraries to discuss issues of common concern. Libraries provide programs,
collections, and meeting spaces to help us share and learn from our differences.
LIBRARIES PRESERVE OUR NATION’S CULTURAL HERITAGE.
The past is key to our future. Libraries collect, digitize, and preserve original and unique historical documents that help
us to better understand our past, present and future.