Happy National Library Week!

1959 National Library Week Poster

Did you know that it is National Library Week?  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.

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!"

This year National Library Week will be observed April 10-16, 2016 with the theme, "Libraries Transform." And the Glenview Public Library is hosting many events to celebrate. 

A World of Mystery: Award-Winning Authors Event

Sunday, April 10, 1:30-3 PM
Community Room
From the skyscrapers of Chicago to the ten thousand lakes of Minnesota, award-winning crime fiction authors William Kent Krueger (Windigo Island, Ordinary Grace) and Libby Fischer Hellmann (Jump Cut) will take you away to a world of mystery, deception, and suspense. Join us as we welcome National Library Week with a special afternoon of interviews, conversation, and intrigue. Book sale and signing to follow.

Lady Almina & The Real Downton Abbey

Tuesday, April 12, 7-8 PM
Community Room
Missing your Downton Abbey fix? Learn about the lost legacy of Highclere Castle and hear about the real historical characters who lived there. Based on the book by Almina Herbert, current Countess of Carnarvon. Performed by book dramatist, Lynn Rymarz.

Quarterly Listening & Music Discussion Group
Rewind - Looking Back on the Year's Best Releases

Wednesday, April 13, 7-8:30 PM
Multipurpose Room
Join AV Librarian Michael White for the National Library Week 'edition' of The Music Room. Hear some of 2015's most critically acclaimed releases, both on and off the radar. As music fans and critics everywhere compiled annual 'Best Of' lists, there's still plenty of time to catch up on some good sounds from sources such as NPR's All Songs Considered, Sound Opinions, Pitchfork, The Chicago Reader, The AV Club, and more. Please join us as we listen to and discuss selected tracks from some of the year's most talked about music.

Pawn Sacrifice - film
(115min/PG-13/2015)

Friday, April 15, 2 & 6:30 PM
American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer and Soviet Grandmaster Boris Spassky enthrall the world with their intense battle of wills and strategy during the 1972 World Chess Championship.

For more information on events for adults, children and teens go here.  Or call us at 847-729-7500 to reserve a spot.  And happy National Library Week!