WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., will celebrate April 7-13 as National Library Week, an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and communities.

The theme for National Library Week 2024, “Ready, Set, Library!” illustrates the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most. At library programs, Americans can connect with fellow enthusiasts and local experts while building relationships that will last a lifetime. No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family—the library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs.

Libraries lend items like museum passes, games, and toys. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, crafting classes, and educational programs. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

On April 2, Mayor Derek Slaughter will issue a Mayoral Proclamation to celebrate National Library Week in the City of Williamsport from April 7-13, 2024.

Also celebrated during National Library Week are the following events:

• Monday, April 8: 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 2023.
• Tuesday, April 9: 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 10: 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 11: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

“Celebrating National Library Week is not just about recognizing the physical spaces filled with books, but about honoring the profound impact libraries have on communities,” said Amy C. Resh, CEO & Director of the James V. Brown Library. “They are the gateways to knowledge, the sanctuaries of imagination, and the catalysts for lifelong learning. They also provide the best return on investment in our communities.”

If you haven’t visited the library in at least two years, your library card may have expired. But don’t worry – you can fill out the “contact us” form on jvbrown.edu or call to easily renew it and get access to all the free resources the library has to offer. In 2021, the James V. Brown Library went fine-free to remove any financial barriers to accessing library materials.

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.  The first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” 

The James V. Brown Library is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Walk-in passport services are available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library’s operating hours.

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., is the place to go to learn, connect and grow. Founded in June 1907, the library champions the love of reading, opens new doors to lifelong learning, provides a haven to those who seek and ensures the preservation of public library services for future generations. The library has more than 225,000 visitors in a year and circulates a half-million items annually. A member of the Lycoming County Library System, the James V. Brown Library participates in PA Forward, a statewide initiative to promote literacies in our communities to power a better future for everyone.