Fort Lee Celebrates National Library Week

FORT LEE, N.J. -- Fort Lee will be celebrating National Library Week, which is April 10-16.

The Fort Lee Public Library will help celebrate National Library Week from April 10-16.
Photo Credit: *Fort Lee Public Library*

04/07/2016 4:00 a.m.

In the mid-1950s, research showed Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments.

Concerned that Americans were reading less, in 1954 the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee.

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries.

With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"

National Library Week was observed again in 1959, and the ALA Council voted to continue the annual celebration.

This year's theme is "Libraries Transform."

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