Birmingham Public Library Celebrating 2021 National Library Week

"Welcome to Your Library" is the 2021 theme for National Library Week

The Birmingham Public Library is celebrating 2021 National Library Week, which kicked off Sunday, April 4, and ends on Saturday, April 10. 

The 2021 theme for National Library Week, “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. 

National Library Week celebrates the important role libraries play in cities big and small across the country. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs. 

Since COVID-19 changed the world in March 2020, BPL has implemented new innovative virtual programs such as Read-In for Justice and switched popular programs such as Bards & Brews to a virtual format. Many story time programs have also gone online on BPL's social media pages.

BPL celebrates Library Giving Day on Wednesday, April 7.

The big celebration for BPL will be Wednesday, April 7, when BPL hosts activities between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Central Library, 2100 Park Place downtown, as part of Library Giving Day. 

The public is invited to support BPL by coming down on Wednesday and buying great food at a dozen participating food trucks as well as taking advantage of great book deals available at the Friends of BPL Bookstore in the Central Library parking lot. 

 Here are other celebrations taking place across the country during National Library Week: 

 * Monday, April 5: State of America's Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2020.

 * Tuesday, April 6: 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 7: National Library Outreach Day, a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are. 

* Thursday, April 8: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.