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 ALA Public Awareness Committee and National Library Week Subcommittee advise and assist in planning National Library Week and related activities. The committees hold open meetings at the ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting.
Suggestions are welcome.
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.