The President of the United States issues an annual proclamation. Librarians, Friends and trustees of libraries join in sponsoring local promotions. Posters and other promotional materials are available through the ALA Graphics Catalog. The committee holds open meetings at the ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting. Suggestions are welcome.
Participation is encouraged.
In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. The committee's goals were ambitious. With the cooperation of ALA through local and state committees, and with help from the Advertising Council, the first NLW was observed in 1958. National Library Week was observed again in 1959, and the ALA Council voted to continue the annual celebration. When the National Book Committee disbanded in 1974, ALA assumed full sponsorship.