Celebrate National Library Week April 7-13, 2019

Huntington Learning Center is pleased to join schools, teachers, librarians and community members in celebrating National Library Week, an observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). This annual event, held April 7 to 13, 2019, also incorporates daily celebrations to honor some of the most important library workers and announces the release of important publications: 

• State of America’s Libraries Report release, which includes the Top 10 Frequently Challenged Books of 2018 (Monday)
• National Library Workers Day (Tuesday) - Recognizes staff, users, administrators and friends of libraries
• National Bookmobile Day (Wednesday) - Honors the professionals that make bookmobile outreach possible in their communities
• Take Action for Libraries Day (Thursday) – A national library advocacy effort 

For 2019, the ALA has chosen a theme of “Libraries = Strong Communities.” The Honorary Chair of 2019 National Library Week is Melinda Gates, who is co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has invested more than $1 billion through her foundation’s Global Libraries initiative to enhance the power of libraries to promote literacy and improve lives. 

Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says that all types of libraries (school, public, academic and special) are important in society, adding that libraries can transform communities. 

“At Huntington, we frequently suggest that parents and children make library visits a regular part of their lives,” she says. “Libraries are gathering places that offer citizens many resources to learn and better themselves. Of course, libraries also help parents lay the foundation for their children’s lifelong literacy and appreciation of books. National Library Week is an important celebration to all of us at Huntington. We encourage our students and their families to support our nation’s libraries this week and always.” 

National Library Week was founded in 1958. In the mid-1950s, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed the National Book Committee, which aimed to encourage people to read in their leisure time. That committee developed a plan for National Library Week, which promoted the support and use of libraries around the country. 

While libraries are great places to check out books, magazines and other reading material, Huntington reminds families of the many other uses of libraries: 

• As a meetup spot for students working on group projects or studying
• For computer access
• To participate in leisure activities (such as a cultural organization or meditation class)
• To access media (movies, music, audiobooks, etc.)
• To take free or low-cost classes on a wide range of topics, such as computer use, completing taxes and creative writing
• As a social gathering space
• For clubs, reading groups and other organizations
• As a resource for gathering information on starting a business
• For meeting spaces 

To learn more about National Library Week and this year’s theme, visit www.ala.org/nlw.

About Huntington

Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams.  Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards.  Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible.  Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.