91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Today’s library workers play a critical role in meeting the needs of the communities they serve, from offering social service support and health services to career and small business development assistance and tools to help combat fake news. April 9 is (NLWD), a time to recognize library professionals for their expertise and leadership skills in transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning. The day also reminds the public that library workers serve as community compasses that lead users to endless opportunities for engagement, enrichment and development.

There are approximately 300,000 library staff members working in all types of libraries, including academic, public, school, government and special libraries such as military and prison libraries. In a time of fake news, academic librarians are teaching college students how to evaluate online sources and identify valid and reliable data. With today’s social change, public librarians are providing welcoming spaces and collections to an increasingly diverse population. School librarians are working to ensure students have equitable access to resources, technology and skills necessary for success in college, career and beyond.

To show appreciation for library workers and the work they do throughout the year, library users are invited to “” by providing a testimonial about a favorite library employee. Examples of nominations can include how library staff helped with learning 3D printing or writing a resume. Each testimonial will be posted in the “Galaxy of Stars” on the NLWD website to honor deserving library workers. To follow or post on Twitter, use the hashtag #librarystars.

Those celebrating National Library Workers Day can also share their celebrations on Twitter, using #NLWD19, and/or posting to the NLWD Facebook page, facebook.com/NationalLibraryWorkersDay. You may also send photos with descriptions of your events to Library Worklife Newsletter. For more information, please visit the .

Note: To help libraries and communities prepare to celebrate NLWD, the (91´«Ã½-APA) has developed a free publicity . It includes downloadable templates for items such as a flier, sample press releases, proclamations, public service announcements, etc. which can be used to promote your NLWD activities.

Established in 2003, National Library Workers Day (NLWD) celebrates the contributions of all library workers, including librarians, support staff and others who make library service possible every day. NLWD is held annually during National Library Week (April 7 – 13, 2019) and is sponsored by the 91´«Ã½-Allied Professional Association (91´«Ã½-APA).

To schedule interviews with library experts, please contact Macey Morales, deputy director, 91´«Ã½ Communications and Marketing Office, via email or phone at 312-280-4393.

The 91´«Ã½ Allied Professional Association is a nonprofit organization chartered in the State of Illinois for the purpose of promoting “the mutual professional interests of librarians and other library workers.” The 91´«Ã½-APA is a companion organization to the (91´«Ã½), an educational association chartered in the State of Massachusetts to “promote library service and librarianship.”

91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

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