Celebrate Library and Information Week!
By administrator | 2 May 2017
It’s time to Celebrate as this special occasion is upon us and it is time for library workers and information professionals to join together and showcase their awesomeness to the world. Library and Information Week (LIW) is held during the last week of May each year. This year, the week takes place from 22 to 28 May and the theme this year is 'Celebrate' which is in line with celebrating ALIA's 80th birthday!
Photo: Courtesy of the Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW
On 21 August 1937 the inaugural gathering of the Australian Institute of Librarians was held at Albert Hall in Canberra. Our predecessors recognised the importance and strength of working together to advocate for our industry. On 23 June this year delegates attending the ALIA New Librarians’ Symposium will be recreating the iconic photo outside of Albert Hall celebrating 80 Years Strong. I can’t wait to compare the photos!
Each week day of LIW we celebrate a different aspect of libraries, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved:
Monday 22 May - Australia's Most Borrowed Books
Tuesday 23 May - National Library Technicians' Day
Wednesday 24 May - National Simultaneous Storytime
Thursday 25 May - Libraries Celebrate Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea
Friday 26 May - ALIA Day - Twitter Day activity TBA
National Simultaneous Storytime 2017
Of course, no LIW discussion is complete without talking about National Simultaneous Storytime. Now in its 17th successful year, NSS is held annually by ALIA and every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. The 2017 book is The Cow Tripped Over the Moon, written by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood. Registrations and resources can be found here and get prepared by joining the Picture Book Book Club’s NSS themed twitter chat with special guest Tony Wilson on Thursday 4th May at 8pm.
If you’re near Brisbane, the ALIA Queensland Group is celebrating LIW with their annual trivia night on Monday 22 May and in honour of ALIA’s 80th birthday they are celebrating 1930s style! It’s time to gather your team together, get your 1930s frocks on, decorate your table and register to celebrate! ALIA members and non-members are welcome.
What is your library doing to celebrate LIW this year? If you’re stuck for ideas, you will find plenty of inspiration here and lots of supporting resources here. Don’t forget to let ALIA know what your plans are so we can all celebrate together!
Amy Walduck
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