Find Your Joy at Phoenix Public Library!

This year (and every year!), Phoenix Public Library wants every member of the Phoenix community to find their joy at the library! Discover all that Phoenix Public Library has to offer by becoming a customer with a new Phoenix Public Library card, by attending a program, by visiting us, or by trying out one of many of the Library's signature services - Start With Us!

What is your joy? Let's go find it!

About National Library Week

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

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 American Library Association 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!" The 2025 celebration marked the 67th anniversary of the first event.

Read more about the history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine.

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.

Enjoy some books about library joy!