2026 National Library Week

It's National Library Week (April 19 - 25, 2026) in America. This is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. The first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"

From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries offer opportunity to all. The theme for National Library Week 2026 is "Find Your Joy". This theme is meant to emphasize the value of reading and the role of libraries in enriching lives.

Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, story times, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. National Library Week will be a great time to tell your library’s multi-faceted story.

Mychal Threets, the viral Librarian and social media sensation known for focusing on just how cool libraries are, has been chosen as Honorary Chair of this year's event.

"I love libraries enthusiastically every week! To serve as Honorary Chair for National Library Week takes that enthusiasm to a whole new level. Celebrating libraries, thanking library workers, visiting libraries is how I find my joy. There are so many library kids and grown-ups who have yet to fully embrace their library joy, and I am so excited for them! When they enter the world of libraries and stories, I am confidence they will find not only their library joy but their courage to believe in their own story and maybe even share it with others." - Mychal Threets

“Find Your Joy,” is an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library. The theme amplifies a message that is ever-present in Threets’ viral videos about the innumerable ways people can find joy in the library and in his debut picture book, "I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy."

During National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026, discover your library joy.

• Stop by your library and bring someone with you.
• Help a friend sign up for a library card. It’s one small step that opens up endless possibilities.
• Explore something new: a book, a program, a class, or a conversation. From storytimes to makerspaces, author talks to job support, libraries are places where curiosity and connection come to life.

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. 

For more ways to celebrate, visit the American Library Association or (ALA): http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek

Most writers and readers adore their local libraries, and it's often an included vacation locale. However, many don't realize the full range of services a good library offers. For great examples, check out this article at The Write Life.

Do you celebrate this event? What is your favorite aspect of libraries?

4 Local Literary Venues

Every summer we include some literary travel spots in our family vacation. However, this year, I decided to also spotlight some local (within approximately 30 miles of my house) locations. I love that there are so many small business owners able to celebrate their love of literature.

1. The Book Nook Inn: We attended a Steampunk themed wedding here. The atmosphere is absolutely amazing with various buildings and bedrooms themed after different time periods, a pool, a game room, water hole for fishing, a movie room, seating areas with a fireplace, a gypsy wagon, balconies, porches, gazebos, libraries, and decor that changes with the seasons. There is also an event center that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor possibilities for your gathering. Located in Lumberton, Texas and run by the sweetest couple, I highly recommend this charming inn whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or planning that special occasion. https://booknookinn.com/ 

2. Boss Lady Books: This locally owned company is also located in Lumberton, Texas. While I have not been yet myself, I had a friend recently recommend this locale. Part bookstore and part event center, this shop looks amazing and I can't wait to check it out. https://boss-lady-books.square.site/

3. Fleur Fine Books: I gave a book signing here once (click the tag below to see that post), and I've been back multiple times to purchase books I couldn't find in other locations. I love that a local seller can provide what I desire and the money stays in my community. They have a location in Port Neches and another in Galveston. While I have not been to the Galveston location, the local one is located in an old church. Both are run by another sweet couple.  https://www.fleurfinebooks.com/

4. The Charmed Page: Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana I believe this one has only been open for a few months. A friend recently made me aware of this new location when I ran into her at the bank. While most of their books are new, they do offer several shelves of used books in a variety of genres for approximately a dollar each. They also host a variety of events and had some of the cutest decor that has now inspired my own classroom decor for this upcoming school year. https://charmedpagebooks.com/

How about you? Have you been to any great literary locales lately? Do you know of any small business owners you could support locally?

2025 National Library Week

It's the annual National Library Week (April 6 - 12, 2024) in America. This is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. The first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"

From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries offer opportunity to all. The theme for National Library Week 2025 is "Drawn to the Library". It illustrates the fact that whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone.

Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, story times, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. National Library Week 2024 will be a great time to tell your library’s multi-faceted story.

Award-winning author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier and cartoonist and comic theorist Scott McCloud have been selected Honorary Chairs of National Library Week 2025.

Telgemeier and McCloud have partnered to create a one-of-a-kind graphic novel, The Cartoonists Club, coming from Scholastic’s Graphix imprint on April 1, 2025.

Their book tells the story of Makayla, who is bursting with ideas but doesn’t know how to make them into a story, and Howard, who loves to draw but struggles to come up with ideas. These two new friends, shy Lynda and inventive Art, come together to form The Cartoonists Club. Their beloved school librarian helps them discover the magic of comics, imagination, and their own storytelling powers. The result is a book where friendship is a work of art.

Celebration Days During National Library Week

Monday, April 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

For more ways to celebrate, visit: http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek

- First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed in libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

Most writers and readers adore their local libraries, and it's often an included vacation locale. However, many don't realize the full range of services a good library offers. For great examples, check out this article at The Write Life.

Do you celebrate this event? What is your favorite aspect of libraries?

2024 National Library Week

It's the annual National Library Week (April 7 - 13, 2024) in America. This is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries offer opportunity to all. The theme for National Library Week 2024 is "Ready, Set, Library!"

Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, story times, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. National Library Week 2024 will be a great time to tell your library’s multi-faceted story.

National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and Newbery and Pura Belpré-award winning author Meg Medina will serve as 2024 Honorary Chair.

“I’m thrilled to serve as the honorary chair of National Library Week for 2024! Libraries connect our communities and enrich our lives in ways we may not realize, and one of my greatest pleasures is discovering the unexpected and beautiful things libraries offer. From book groups to lending sports equipment to providing a safe after-school hangout space and so much more, libraries support us wherever we find ourselves on the roadmap through life’s journey. Join me and the American Library Association in celebrating the gift of libraries everywhere and the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us every day. Ready, Set, Library!”

For more ways to celebrate, visit: http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek

- First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed in libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

Most writers and readers adore their local libraries, and it's often an included vacation locale. However, many don't realize the full range of services a good library offers. For great examples, check out this article at The Write Life.

Do you celebrate this event? What is your favorite aspect of libraries?

Autumn Writing

It's finally Fall, and we just had our first big cool front here in southeast Texas. Although, highs are still near 80, we are getting into the 50's at night. Just a few weeks ago temperatures were still hitting near 100 degrees. I'm glad to see the changing season. 

I'm also hoping to change and increase my writing output as I've been too busy to write as much as I would like lately. I'm teaching both high school and college classes, and my kids are involved in a lot of extracurriculars which require a lot of travel. Don't get me wrong - I'm grateful for everything we have and share. It can all just be overwhelming at times and writing continually takes a backseat when it isn't directly related to work. In that vein, I thought I would share some writing prompts - not all of them are season related, but you can make them such if you wish. I hope they inspire some wickedly wonderful Autumn tales!

1) Write a Fall or Halloween special for your favorite television show.

2) Design your own school of magic: what does it look like? what subjects are taught? Who are the teachers? What are some of the back-to-school traditions?

3) Create a legend about your city.

4) Write an acrostic poem.

5) Write about a Thanksgiving dinner attended by your favorite fictional character.

6) Write a scene from the POV of Alexa or Siri.

7) Create a fake news report.

8) Write a retelling of your favorite Shakespeare play.

9) Write a scene that takes place in your favorite bookstore or coffee shop.

10) Write about a character who has terrible luck.

11) Write a Fall scene without using the word pumpkin.

12) Write about the worst possible break up you could imagine.

13) Make up your own conspiracy theory.

14) Write a story that takes place in a corn maze.

15) Write a ghost story.

16) Take a favorite Christmas song and rewrite the words to be about Halloween, or Thanksgiving.

What are you writing? Are you trying any of these? Any other prompts you want to share?

2023 National Library Week

It's the annual National Library Week (April 23 - 29, 2023) in America. This is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and library workers and to promote library use and support. From free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries offer opportunity to all. The theme for National Library Week 2023, "There's More to the Story."

Libraries are full of stories in a variety of formats from picture books to large print, audiobooks to ebooks, and more. But there's so much more to the story. Libraries of Things lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs. National Library Week 2023 will be a great time to tell your library’s multi-faceted story.

Kelly Yang will help celebrate our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week. Yang is an Asian American writer and author of young adult and children's literature. She won the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature of her novel, Front Desk and the 2018 Parents’ Choice Gold Medal for Fiction for her book Front Desk, a book based on her experiences as a 10-year-old working at her family's motel business.

"I am so honored to serve as honorary chair of National Library Week for 2023! As a young immigrant child, I came to this country when I was six years old with no English. I know firsthand that there’s so much more to the story when it comes to libraries, just like there’s more to my story. I am the product of amazing libraries and librarians, who saw me, supported me, and nurtured me. Through books, movies, games, giveaways, and engaging programming, I found the courage to go for my dreams. So it is with the greatest joy that I join ALA in celebrating libraries everywhere and all they do to inspire, invigorate, and lift up communities!"

Celebration Days During National Library Week

Monday, April 24: Right to Read Day, the State of America's Libraries Report is released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2022.
Tuesday, April 25: 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 26: 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 27: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

For more ways to celebrate, visit: http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek

- First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and observed in libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

Most writers and readers adore their local libraries, and it's often an included vacation locale. However, many don't realize the full range of services a good library offers. For great examples, check out this article at The Write Life.

Do you celebrate this event? What is your favorite aspect of libraries?

IWSG: Writing Books, Character Creation, and the Proust Character Profile Questionnaire

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

APRIL 5 QUESTION - Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals?

MY ANSWER - Depending on your word count requirements, I probably have not written a book - yet. I write short stories. The longest work I've written is about 60,000 words. However, few have seen it. It needs major work. It's a story that I'm still passionate about, but I have to find the time to do it justice. In the meantime, I need to finish the myriad of projects and obligations currently on my plate. I hope to return to and finish it one day. Maybe I'll even give another book length story a shot. Until then, I enjoy trying new things and honing my craft.

If you're struggling with your current manuscript, you might check out my article "Character Creation and the Proust Character Profile Questionnaire" over on the IWSG blog. Click the link to the right to check it out. I have found this process extremely beneficial when I am stuck.

How about you? Have you written a book? What are your future plans? Have you tried the Prouse Questionnaire?

16 More Conferences and Literary Festivals

February 16 - 19 San Francisco Writers Conference

February 20 - 23 - American Book Sellers Association

March 13 - 15 - Social Media Marketing Conference

March 16 - 19 - Left Coast Crime

April 29 - The Pre-Quill Conference

June 7 - 10 - Reader Author Get Together

June 9 - 11 - Inkerscon

June 22-25 - Space Coast Book Lovers

July 14 and 15 -  Once Upon a Book Author Signing 

August 30 - September 3 - Bouchercon

September 20 - 24 - NINC Conference

October 7 - 9 - InD'Scribe Conference/

October 27 - 29 - LoveNVegas

November 6 - 10  20booksvegas

Other to check back with:

Romance Author Mastermind

Hampton Roads Writers

Please feel free to comment with any you would like to see added to this list - even if it's not happening in the USA.  You never know when an opportunity will arise. Right? :-)

HAPPY WRITING!

Fall Writing

It's finally Fall! Although, you wouldn't know it in southeast Texas with temperatures hitting near 100 degrees as I'm writing this. I'm looking forward to the changing season. I'm also hoping to increase my writing output as I've been too distracted to write as much as I would like lately. I'm working full time, going to school full time, my kids are involved in a lot of extracurriculars which require a lot of travel, and we've had several family and friend losses lately. Don't get me wrong - I'm grateful for everything we have and share. It can all just be overwhelming at times and writing continually takes a backseat when it isn't directly related to a school or work assignment. In that vein, I thought I would share some writing prompts - not all of them are season related, but you can make them such if you wish. I hope they inspire some wickedly wonderful Autumn tales!

1) Write a Fall or Halloween special for your favorite television show.

2) Design your own school of magic: what does it look like? what subjects are taught? Who are the teachers? What are some of the back-to-school traditions?

3) Create a legend about your city.

4) Write an acrostic poem.

5) Write about a Thanksgiving dinner attended by your favorite fictional character.

6) Write a scene from the POV of Alexa or Siri.

7) Create a fake news report.

8) Write a retelling of your favorite Shakespeare play.

9) Write a scene that takes place in your favorite bookstore or coffee shop.

10) Write about a character who has terrible luck.

11) Write a Fall scene without using the word pumpkin.

12) Write about the worst possible break up you could imagine.

13) Make up your own conspiracy theory.

14) Write a story that takes place in a corn maze.

15) Write a ghost story.

16) Take a favorite Christmas song and rewrite the words to be about Halloween, or Thanksgiving.

What are you writing? Are you trying any of these? Any other prompts you want to share?