First ever National Library Outreach Day to take place during National Library Week

(CHICAGO) – Libraries across the country will observe National Library Outreach Day on April 7, 2021. Formerly known as National Bookmobile Day, communities will celebrate the invaluable role library professionals and libraries continuous play in bringing library services to those in need.

The American Library Association (ALA), the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS), and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) agreed to rebrand National Bookmobile Day in recognition of all that outreach library professional do within their communities.

“We greatly appreciate the outreach efforts of our nation’s library workers,” said Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., president, ALA. “On behalf of the ALA Executive Board, we thank you for bringing the library to your communities and responding to the demand and dire need for free educational and social services during these difficult times and beyond.”

Library services surpass bricks and mortar, as library professionals continue to adapt and develop innovative ways to deliver library materials and services that transform lives and support lifelong learning. Whether bookmobile, outreach van, book bike, senior services, school services, library workers go above and beyond to ensure that marginalized, underserved populations and all community members have access to library services. 

“During COVID-19, library outreach workers continue to provide essential resources and services to their communities,” said David Kelsey, president, ABOS. “Whether providing free Wi-Fi in mobile libraries, providing virtual programming and storytimes, calling seniors in isolation, or distributing food and clothing, outreach workers are there to meet patrons and their communities.”

During the day, libraries will participate in a Virtual Bookmobile Parade and post to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #LibraryOutreachDay. ALA will highlight examples of innovation over its social media channels and on its Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS) blog, Intersections. 

“Library services and outreach to the community have been instrumental to rural communities,” said Kathy Zappitello, president, ARSL. “Especially during these unprecedented times when libraries serve as a lifeline for free access to technology for vulnerable populations and more.”

National Library Outreach Day (formally National Bookmobile Day) celebrates library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are. Each year, National Library Outreach Day is celebrated on the Wednesday of National Library Week.  It is also a time for library advocates to make their support known—through thanking library staff, writing a letter or e-mail to their libraries, or voicing their support to community leaders.

National Library Outreach Day is coordinated by the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services, the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS), and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL).

Additional National Library Outreach Day information, promotional tools, and artwork are available at http://bit.ly/NLOD_Info.

About the American Library Association
American Library Association (ALA) 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, ALA 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.

About the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services
The Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services serves to support and encourage bookmobile and library outreach services worldwide. The Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services is comprised of libraries of all types and sizes. Library administrators, support staff, library staff, governmental officials, trustees, friends of libraries, and professionals from other fields comprise this movement.

About the Association for Rural and Small Libraries
The Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Inc. is a network of persons throughout the country dedicated to the positive growth and development of libraries. ARSL believes in the value of rural and small libraries and strives to create resources and services that address national, state, and local priorities for libraries situated in rural communities.