It’s National Library Week so we’ve mapped some of the world’s greatest libraries that are some of the most spectacular buildings in the world. All book lover’s should take note of these and make a visit at some point in their lifetime!
National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country. According to the American Library Association, “It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.” The week also celebrates National Library Worker’s Day on Tuesday and National Bookmobile Day on Wednesday to recognize the valuable contributions by library workers and the professionals that make bookmobile outreach possible in their communities.
This week of observance began in the 1950s, when research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. In response, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954, with the goals of “encouraging people to read in their leisure time” to “improving incomes and health” and “developing strong and happy family life.” In 1958, the committee initiated the first National Library Week, with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” The plan for this week was based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries (ALA).
Libraries serve a vital role in our society and contribute a plethora of public services from free access to books, to learning and education opportunities and space for reading, writing, work and events. They also serve as beautiful modern and historical buildings that can bring life to a city and its surrounding areas. You can find out more about the some of the world’s greatest libraries below, including what city they are located in and some unique facts about them. If you want to see pictures of these spectacular library buildings, you can visit the Business Insider’s website. To celebrate this week, you can check out your local libraries to pick up a new book to read or to find out what services and events they may hold!
Written by: Kathleen Emerson (4/12/2016).
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