April 20, 2026 – National Library Week is April 19-25, and this year's theme is "Find Your Joy," an homage to the week's Honorary Chair Mychal Threets, the new host of "Reading Rainbow."
“Find Your Joy,” is an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library. The theme amplifies a message that is ever-present in Threets’ viral videos about the innumerable ways people can find joy in the library and in his debut picture book, "I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy."
During National Library Week, discover your library joy:
- Stop by the library and bring someone with you.
- Help a friend sign up for a library card. It’s one small step that opens up endless possibilities.
- Explore something new: a book, a program, a class, or a conversation. From story times to Maker Spaces and craft programs to job support, the library is a place where curiosity and connection come to life.
"I love libraries enthusiastically every week! To serve as Honorary Chair for National Library Week takes that enthusiasm to a whole new level. Celebrating libraries, thanking library workers, visiting libraries is how I find my joy," Threets said. "There are so many library kids and library grown-ups who have yet to fully embrace their library joy, and I am so excited for them! When they enter the world of libraries and stories, I am confident they will find not only their library joy but their courage to believe in their own story and maybe even share it with others."
Have library joy to share? Tell us on our "Share Your Story" form on the Library Advocacy page. You can also share your library joy in a contest by the American Library Association for a chance to win a $150 VISA gift card or a READ poster. They're looking for original creative work – a drawing, painting, poem, essay, photo, video, song, comic panel – that expresses what brings you library job.
Celebration Days During National Library Week
Monday, April 20: 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, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2025.
Tuesday, April 21: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
Wednesday, April 22: 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.
Thursday, April 23: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.