Libraries Remember Day

Libraries Remember Day shines a light on libraries’ profound impact on our communities.

Celebrated on September 11, it’s not just a day. It reflects libraries’ roles in fostering knowledge, understanding, and unity.

Libraries aren’t just about books; they are vibrant hubs of learning, offering everyone a place to discover, grow, and connect.

This day takes on special significance as it honors the memory of those affected by the events of September 11, 2001.

Libraries across the country open their doors wide, inviting everyone in for moments of silence, memorial readings, and remembrance. It’s a day when the heart of the library beats in sync with its community. It serves to promote values like freedom, literacy, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Why do we celebrate Libraries Remember Day? It’s simple yet profound. This day reminds us of the resilience and unity that come from shared knowledge and mutual support.

Libraries are guardians of free expression, literacy, and access to a world of information. They bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and community strength. So, on September 11, we celebrate the libraries and the spirit of unity and understanding they inspire in us all​.

History of Libraries Remember Day

Libraries Remember Day began as a heartfelt response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, in the United States.

This day was born from the need to honor those lost and to highlight the enduring spirit of community, knowledge, and unity that libraries represent. It’s a day when libraries conduct their usual business and engage in acts of education.

The idea for this day was conceived by Bill Erbes, who was an assistant director at the Bensenville Community Public Library in Illinois. His vision was to create a day where libraries could serve as beacons of freedom.

The American Library Association played a crucial role in shaping the observance, encouraging libraries to hold a collective moment of silence.

This initial gesture grew into a range of activities. These include candle-lit vigils, educational programs for children, and community discussions. All are aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the attacks’ impacts and the broader societal shifts that followed.

Libraries began to create special archives to document the events of September 11 and the personal and collective stories of those affected. These initiatives underscored the libraries’ mission to promote knowledge, healing, and community cohesion.

Celebrated annually on September 11, Libraries Remember Day has evolved into a profound reflection and learning day.

Libraries across the nation participate in various ways. They host book drives to invite storytellers, set up exhibits on library history, conduct workshops on digital resources, and appreciate the hard work of library staff.

This day reminds us of the critical role libraries play in our lives as hubs of free expression, literacy, and access to information. It is a powerful testament to the idea that knowledge and community can triumph over divisiveness and fear​.

How to Celebrate Libraries Remember Day

Celebrating Libraries Remember Day can be as fun and engaging as it is meaningful. Here’s how you can join in, with a twist of quirkiness and playfulness:

Book Drive with Flair

Kick things off by gathering books from every nook and cranny of your home, but make it a quest! Think of it as a treasure hunt where books are the precious loot.

Encourage your friends and family to join in. Donating these books to your local library supports them and gives these tales new life​.

Library Love Tour

Visit your local library, but here’s the twist. Make it a goal to find the quirkiest book title, the oldest book, or the book with the most bizarre cover. This way, you’re not just visiting but on an adventure through the aisles of wonder​​.

Librarian Appreciation Flash Mob

Well, not a flash mob in the traditional sense, but why not gather a group of friends to surprise your local librarians with thank-you notes or small gifts? Show them some love for their hard work in a way that’ll make their day unforgettable​​.

Library Scavenger Hunt

Here’s where it gets really fun. Create a scavenger hunt list for yourself, your kids, or a group of friends. Include items like “Find a book with a blue cover” or “Find a book about space adventures.”

Make it a game to see who can tick off the most items in a set time. Remember, shhh… you’re still in a library, so this hunt requires ninja-like silence and stealth​​.