First observed in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by The American Library Association in an effort to encourage Americans to visit their libraries. This year’s theme is "Ready, Set, Library" to portray the unique spaces your library offers to connect you with others, learn new skills, and access free public services.
Here’s what to look forward to throughout the week:
- April 8: Right to Read Day
Supported by Unite Against Book Bans, this day is centered on preventing book censorship in both public libraries and schools. At BCLS, you can read a banned book from this list of the top 13 challenged books in the U.S. - April 9: National Library Workers Day
ALA’s National Library Workers Day recognizes the irreplaceable work that library staff does to keep libraries running. Nominate a stellar library worker and then see the nomination and recognition in the Galaxy of Stars for NJ. - April 10: National Library Outreach Day
Our Mobile Library brings library items while our Mobile Learning Lab brings tech classes to customers across Burlington County. Anyone with a library card may use the service. - April 11: Take Action For Libraries Day
This day of action encourages library advocates to join forces to show support for libraries across the country. Follow the link to find actions that you can take today!
April 13: Burlington County Book Festival
We’ll be wrapping up National Library Week with our second annual Burlington County Book Festival scheduled for 10 am to 3 pm at the Burlington County Library. With performances from groups like Thunderbird American Indian Dancers and presentations from authors like Kim Kelly, we’ll be ending the week with a bang!
We have authors from a variety genres tabling this year's event. Check out the guide below to organize your day.
Fantasy
If you want to get lost in another world, Michael Solis, author of Deficient, and L.R. Weltmann, author of The Wingomia Trilogy, and Khalid Uddin, author of The Drowned Realm Series, write young adult fantasy. If you’re looking for a faster-paced fantasy, horror, or magical realism novel, try Lavender Speculation, a queer, young adult, short story collection by Jamie Zaccaria. If you’re more of a romantasy fan, Liv Macy writes the adult paranormal romance series, The Infinites Universe.
Fiction
If you’re looking to be taken on an emotional journey, Pamela Stockwell’s adult realistic fiction novel, A Boundless Place, is the book for you. Young Adults will love the script for Dreamers’ Playlist by Reet Starwind. Meanwhile, the kids will love Mark McKenzie's children’s book series Mark & Markus Island Adventures based on his experiences growing up in Portland, Jamaica.
Mystery
For a “who-dun-it” book, Elle Hartford writes The Alchemical Tales a magical mix-up of fairy tales and murder. In addition, two members of Sisters-in-Crime Central NJ, Roberta Rogow, who writes historical mysteries, and Eileen Watkins, who writes The Cat Groomer Mysteries will also be in attendance.
Romance (for Adults)
If your heart is set on some steamy romance, check out some supernatural romances from Leigh Cavanagh’s Pack of the Pines or Beck Erixson’s Just a Fika. If you’re a medieval romance enthusiast, check out Kara Griffin’s Scottish and Medieval romances. Finally, Jodi Payne’s LGBTQ+ romance, Mergers & Acquisitions, will set your adrenaline running, while Jennifer Wilck’s Scarred Hearts will bring you healing.
Science Fiction
Looking for a good, “what if?” Kim Cantanzarite has you covered in the adult Jovian Universe series, while Tony DiGerolamo will give readers from tweens and up a Graphic Novel adventure called The Pineys.
Nonfiction
If you’re looking to learn or grow, there’s some excellent non-fiction authors attending too! Erica Knoll writes for adults and teens in her self-help book, YOU are the Vibe. For something closer to home, check out William Lewis’s New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture or Dennis McDonald’s Images of America: Medford. Finally, for the young adult audience, you can find David Austin’s Small Miracle: A Holocaust Story from France.
Christian Authors
If you’re looking to connect to your Christian background, Chieko Richardson, author of Resilience, God’s Love is in You! and Pamela Harris, author of God Did This, Jeremiah! have books available for adults and children.
Writing Groups
If you’re interested in joining a writer’s community, two groups will be attending this year’s book festival. Stop by and check them out!
- Sisters-in-Crime CNJ is a women’s writing group based in Central New Jersey. The group is a premier crime writing association focused on equity and inclusion in the community and publishing.
- SJ Writers Group provides workshops for writers of all levels and genres in South Jersey. Meeting for coffee shop writing hours and hosting community events, this group is a great resource for any writer.
Shopping
Maybe you’re interested in what resources and souvenirs you can take home from the book festival. Below, see what wonderful things are in store for you!
- Adriana Cardone sells knitted goods and products like hats and ornaments.
- Friends of the Burlington County Library are selling used books, movies, and more.
- NJLA Store, the largest library organization in New Jersey, is selling books and reading themed gift items.
- NJ State Library Book & Braille Center provides books in audio and braille to those who qualify at no cost. Check out its services!
- POPS-N-MORE will be selling Funko Pops, Funko Sodas, and more!
No matter how you celebrate National Library Week, be sure to show your appreciation for all of our library staff on your next visit!
