The first Libraries Week to take place in October 2017

CILIP has announced plans for the first Libraries Week, a week-long celebration of Britain’s much-loved libraries. Libraries will showcase the best they have to offer, encouraging people to discover what libraries can do for them on the week of October 9th to 14th, 2017.

Libraries Week will replace National Libraries Day, previously held in February. The countdown to the inaugural Libraries Week will launch on Saturday 4 February 2017 and libraries with activity already planned for 4 February 2017 are encouraged to continue with their plans as the transition to a new date gets underway.

Nick Poole, CILIP CEO said: “Libraries Week is an opportunity to celebrate the very best that libraries have to offer across the UK. During the second week in October, we want to ensure that as many people as possible are inspired to visit a library, discover what’s on offer & encourage their friends & family to get involved.

I am delighted that we have been able to respond to feedback from the library community by expanding from a single day to a week-long celebration of libraries, enabling us to include more partners and develop a really exciting programme for the public.

CILIP and our national partners are committed to ensuring that Libraries Week receives widespread visibility and support. Whatever type of library you work in, we need you to join us and help ensure the success of Libraries Week.”

More details about Libraries Week will be announced in February along with a call for UK libraries to sign up and commit to planning, delivering and locally promoting high quality co-ordinated experiences during Libraries Week.

The event is open to all types of library, with public libraries encouraged to showcase their strongest services and activities across themes such as digital, creative, family, inspirational, health, employment collection-based or education. Libraries can also become supporters, helping to promote Libraries Week in their region or service. There will be support for libraries to get the most from Libraries Week.