(Monthly) National Library Lover's Month

Celebrated on 02/01/2026

Quick Fact

National Library Lover's Month was created to celebrate the vital role libraries play in communities. Libraries in the U.S. circulate over 2.5 billion items annually, and there are more public libraries than McDonald's in the country.

Origins and Establishment of (Monthly) National Library Lover's Month

National Library Lover's Month was established in 2002 by the American Library Association (ALA) to promote the importance of libraries and encourage people to appreciate and support their local libraries. The month-long celebration was designed to highlight the diverse resources and services libraries offer, from books and digital media to community programs and educational support.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, National Library Lover's Month has grown into a nationwide observance, with libraries hosting special events, book clubs, reading challenges, and open houses. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #LibraryLoversMonth help spread awareness and engage patrons. In the digital age, libraries have adapted by offering e-books, online databases, and virtual programming, making the celebration more inclusive and accessible.

Facts & General Observations

• There are over 116,000 libraries of all types in the United States, including public, academic, school, and special libraries.
• Americans visit their public libraries more frequently than they go to movie theaters, concerts, and sporting events combined.
• Library use has surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many libraries reporting increases in digital checkouts and virtual program attendance.

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