Thank You for Libraries Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Thank You for Libraries Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Thank You for Libraries Day is celebrated on April 21st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Thank You for Libraries Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about Thank You for Libraries Day.

📅 What day is Thank You for Libraries Day 2024?

In 2024, Thank You for Libraries Day is on Friday, April 21st. It is the 3rd Friday in April; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about April 21, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on April 21st, Thank You for Libraries Day is celebrated to acknowledge the valuable role that libraries play in society. It is a day to appreciate how libraries have the power to transform lives. Did you know that the first organized library in the world dates back to the 7th century B.C.? A library is a place where people can access a collection of resources, such as books and media, that are available to the public. Libraries are not just buildings but knowledge hubs that offer opportunities for learning, promote literacy, and support education. In many towns, libraries are central to the art and cultural scene, fostering creativity and innovation. Currently, there are approximately 110,000 libraries across the United States.

📜 Thank You for Libraries Day History

During the Greco-Roman period, libraries thrived with the support of wealthy individuals and Roman emperors. Rome’s first public library was established by Asinius Pollio, and it was expanded by his successors. However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the Christian Church gained authority in Europe. Non-Christian literature was disregarded, but in Eastern Europe, monks diligently worked to preserve Greek and Roman writings. Libraries also developed in the Muslim world with the spread of papermaking. In Europe, libraries began to emerge during the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras, funded by notable figures such as kings, queens, and popes. In the 18th century, libraries became accessible to the public, allowing borrowing of books. The first tax-supported public library in the United States was founded in 1833. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, public libraries multiplied due to the generosity of benefactors like Andrew Carnegie and the Gates family. In the 21st century, libraries have expanded their offerings to include digital resources such as e-books and internet access.

✅ Thank You for Libraries Day Facts

🔖 The library between countries
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House can be found right on the border between the United States and Canada.

🔖 The oldest continually operated library

🔖 The world’s largest book
The world’s largest published book is called “The Prophet Mohammed”. It is an enormous book, weighing approximately 3000 pounds and measuring 16.40 feet by 26.44 feet in size.

👍 Why Is Thank You for Libraries Day Important

Libraries in the United States provide free access to educational materials and resources. These resources, which include the internet, academic and professional training programs, and publications, are available to anybody in the United States at no cost. People also use librarians’ knowledge to get answers to questions like book recommendations and catalogs, computer and internet training, job applications and resume writing, and filling out government forms.

Libraries house centuries of knowledge, information, and history, and their immense holdings grow every year. The majority of the pieces in these collections are unique. This cultural wealth would be lost to future generations if libraries were not granted copyright exceptions.

Libraries, more than any other venue in society, link individuals throughout communities as a hub of knowledge and information, including town halls, community centers, and public parks. Libraries are a melting pot of students, professionals from various fields, people of various nationalities, the young, and the elderly.

🙂 How To Observe Thank You for Libraries Day

⚡ Share facts about libraries on social media
One way to express gratitude towards libraries is by spreading awareness about them. By sharing information about libraries, individuals can learn about their importance and be motivated to visit them more often. The facts provided in this article’s section could serve as a useful starting point for sharing such information.

⚡ Campaign for more funding
Every year, libraries face the challenge of operating with smaller budgets, which affects their ability to function effectively. To address this issue, it is important to reach out to your local government representatives and ask for increased funding for your nearby library. Additionally, consider gathering signatures for a petition aimed at boosting library funding and sending it to Congress.

⚡ Send a thank-you to a librarian
During Thank You For Libraries Day, there are various ways to express appreciation towards librarians. One option is to send a thank-you note or card to your favorite librarian, while another is to treat them to a lunch outing.

📅 When is Thank You for Libraries Day?

You can view all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Thank You for Libraries Day. So be sure to check back soon.