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This year, National Library Week is April 12-18. It offers students, teachers, public, government and academic librarians, and anyone who loves to read a wonderful opportunity to learn about the new trends in information sharing, digital collections and reference tools that have changed the way we use libraries. This list of 100 websites will teach you about National Library Week, give you ideas of how and why to get your kids or students interested in reading and libraries, and remind you to say thanks to your local librarian.

Library Week News and Events

Find out what’s on tap for this year’s NLW from these sites.

1. National Library Week: The ALA’s official National Library Week page has press releases, dates, and more.
2. Celebrate Library Week: Education World has a list of lesson plans, projects and more to celebrate National Library Week in your classroom.
3. Motivational Ideas for Children’s Book Week and National Library Week: James Madison University suggests field trips, authors projects, a favorite book project and bulletin board designs for NLW.
4. National Library Week/School Library Month Fact Sheet: Find out the history of NLW here.
5. Library Spot National Library Week: Discover how different libraries across the country celebrate NLW.
6. ALA Store: Shop the American Library Association Store for author posters, posters with characters, CD products and more.
7. ALA Calendar of Events: Track the ALA calendar for special events celebrating National Library Week.
8. National Library Week: Discover slogans for each National Library Week campaign since 1958.
9. National Library Workers Day: Remember to thank your librarians and library professionals on this special day.
10. National Library Week–a Philatelic Tribute: The Library History Buff displays images of the library’s different slogans that appeared on meter stamps, dating back to 1958.

Librarian and Library Blogs

Get a more inside look into the lives of librarians and the goings-on of library professionals here.

11. ALA Blogs: Check out the blogs on the ALA website for library news and special events.
12. The Shifted Librarian: Jenny blogs about the shift in the ways libraries retrieve and share information. Learn about new library technologies and more.
13. Science Library Pad: Find out what it’s like to research in and run a science library. You’ll learn about new technological systems and more.
14. @ the Library: Rhonda Gonzales of the CSU - Pueblo Library keeps library and reading enthusiasts connected through local news stories, library 2.0 updates, search help and more.
15. The Kept-Up Academic Librarian: College students, deans, college librarians, professors and those who use academic libraries will learn how to keep their research centers cutting-edge when they read this blog.
16. DRT Library Weblog: The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library at the Alamo share documents from Texas history and give you a peek inside the goings-on at a history and preservation library.
17. ACRLog: The Association of College and Research Libraries maintains this blog.
18. hangingtogether: This blog connects staff at libraries, archives and museums to "talk about the intersections [they] see happening between these three different types of institutions."
19. PublicLiterature.org: This isn’t a library blog, but it’s kind of like an open project for readers and library lovers. Discover new books and authors or share your favorites as a contributor.
20. Smithsonian Libraries: The Smithsonian Institution Libraries maintain this blog as an avenue to share messages from the director, highlight special books and exhibitions, share a Book of the Week and more.
21. Librarian In Black: Techie librarians get together on this blog.
22. Rambling Librarian: This librarian from Singapore blogs about reading, library news and more.
23. Hip Librarians Book Blog: Find out which books librarians are loving or loathing here.
24. A Librarian’s Guide to Etiquette: This "polite librarian" knows just how to assign titles to posts.
25. Annoyed Librarian: Annoyed Librarian now blogs for LibraryJournal.com. Read posts like "Telling off the Patrons" and "Children are Worth It" for news stories and library humor.

Find a Library

These sites will connect you to your nearest library.

26. Search for Public Libraries: The National Center for Education Statistics helps you search for bookmobiles, central libraries, books-by-mail and more.
27. Kids’ Zone: Kids can search for libraries in their neighborhood with this tool.
28. WorldCat: This highly effective library tool lets you search 1.2 billion items for resources in your library.
29. PublicLibraries.com: Search presidential libraries, college libraries, law libraries, state and public libraries and more.
30. Find an OCLC Library: Search by institution name, state, zip code, country or symbol to locate a nearby OCLC library.

Library 2.0

Librarians are making huge progress in terms of adding new, cutting edge technologies to their libraries and revolutionizing the way we search for and obtain information. From social media networks that connect readers and librarians, to guides that explain the newest library tools and systems, check out this list for all things library 2.0.

31. Access My Library: This search page connects the public to quality resources found in local libraries.
32. LibGuides Librarian: This Facebook app lets librarians publish guides for their friends and followers.
33. TeacherLibrarianNing: This is a community site for teacher-librarians to share events, join groups and more.
34. BookJetty: Use this online platform to organize titles and book lists, find Amazon reviews and shopping information, check for books in over 300 libraries, and meet new friends.
35. GuruLib: Here you can "organize your home library" by cataloging books and other media, sharing reviews and more.
36. GoodReads: GoodReads is a social media site for book lovers and librarians to share their favorite books, meet friends, join groups and discover new material.
37. Google for Librarians: Tips, Tools and Resources for Power Searching: Get more cutting edge search tips here.
38. ConnectviaBooks: On this site, you can talk about your favorite books, share book lists, search for librarians and experts on a particular subject, and more.
39. aNobii: aNobii is another social media site for book lovers who want to evangelize for their favorite books.
40. Library 2.0 Ning: Check out this community for library 2.0 updates, news and more.
41. Library 2.0: Wikipedia’s Library 2.0 page points out the arguments for and against more technologically advanced libraries.
42. ALA Tech Source Online: The American Library Association’s TechSource page grants you access to Library Technology Reports.
43. Library Thing: This network of 500,000 members lets you catalog books from The Library of Congress and other libraries.

Government Resources

These government resources provide research help, information on literacy and education, and more.

44. U.S. Government Printing Office: On this website, you can locate federal depository libraries, shop the U.S. government online bookstore, learn about the federal government (from Ben Franklin), and more.
45. National Center for Education Statistics: Get news reports and studies on literacy, graduation rates, and more. Plus, you can find college libraries, public libraries and other resources.
46. Library of Congress: The Library of Congress is the ultimate resource for teachers, students, researchers and anyone wanting to learn about American art, history and culture.
47. That All May Read…: This is the site for the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
48. Government and Public Libraries: USA.gov lists all the national, federal agency and local libraries here, plus online library databases and other resources.

Public Libraries

From great public libraries online to links that celebrate public libraries, turn to these sites.

49. New York Public Library: This amazing website features digital collections, a homework help page, a kids’ page, library shop and more.
50. Internet Public Library: Search by subject, reference or special collections to access resources online.
51. California Public Libraries: Get links to all the public libraries in the state of California here.
52. USA Public Libraries: Search for public libraries in the U.S. by region.
53. Public Libraries Association: Check this site for PLA news, advocacy and campaigns information, conferences, jobs and more.
54. Boston Public Library: The BPL’s online collections feature sound archives, historic silent films, photographs and an image database, the John Adams Library collections, and more.

Academic Libraries

These distinguished academic libraries have public-friendly access.

55. USA Academic Libraries: Find links to academic libraries around the country.
56. Yale University Library Digital Collections: View images from the Classics Department, Rare Book and Manuscript Library and more online.
57. Tarlton Law Library: The U.T. Tarlton Law Library is open to the public for online research.

Presidential Libraries

Learn more about U.S. history and the lives of presidents like JFK and LBJ here.

58. National Archives Presidential Libraries: Learn about the function and purpose of presidential libraries here, as well as research projects and visiting information.
59. LBJ Library and Museum: When you visit this library, you can access recordings of LBJ’s telephone conversations with Kissinger, Jackie Kennedy and more.
60. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: Even online visitors can view the photograph archives, listen to audio recordings and news stories, and more.
61. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum: View the JFK in History Archives, Hemingway Archive, White House Diary and more.
62. George Bush Presidential Library and Museum: Search public papers, view the China Documents from Bush’s presidency, and download National Security Directives here.

Books by Mail and Lending Drives

Learn how you can help the disadvantaged get books here.

63. Dewey Donation System: Donate books to libraries in need through this system.
64. BookSwim: This online book rental service lets you check out textbooks and more.
65. Book Drives Inc: Learn how to set up a book drive when you visit this site.
66. Worldwide Book Drive: This organization is on a mission to improve literacy worldwide. Donate books through the book drives every year.

Library Tips and Guides

Ever wanted to learn more about using your library? Turn to these guides for help.

67. 100 Free Library 2.0 Webinars and Tutorials: Check out this extensive list of free library guides and library techie tips.
68. Library Technology Guides: Here you can access "key resources in the field of library automation."
69. How to Use the Library: Introduce your kids to the Dewey Decimal System, catalog searches and more.
70. Teaching Children to Use Their Public Library: This guide from Laura Bush is actually a good refresher for anyone who hasn’t been to the public library in a while.

Library Videos

These informative and funny tributes celebrates librarians and their work.

71. National Library Week: Reference Desk: This video from 2008 is still a funny look at how people use librarians.
72. Julie Andrews Public Library PSA: Watch Julie Andrew’s PSA celebrating last year’s NLW.
73. A Librarian’s 2.0 Manifesto: In this slightly cheesy video, you’ll read the manifesto for librarians committed to taking their patrons into the future of information sharing.
74. A YouTube Salute to Librarians: This silly video features a montage of YouTube videos devoted to librarians.
75. The Librarians of Second Life: Get inspired to join the Second Life Library or start your own virtual library world.

Librarian Careers

After learning so much about libraries and librarians, you might want to become one. Here are resources describing the profession.

76. How to become a librarian: The Library Journal’s guide explains the duties of a librarian and the different types of librarians.
77. Become a Librarian!: Listen to stories from real life librarians, look up school programs and more.
78. Librarians: The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook has all kinds of statistics, salary information and educational requirements for librarians.
79. Online Degree Programs in Library Science: Get an overview of this profession and search for academic programs here.
80. Library Journal Job Board: Find jobs as library directors, county librarians, school librarians and more.
81. Why be a librarian in the 21st century?: Rutgers explains how librarians are still cutting edge, necessary professionals. Get stories about real-life librarians, discover famous librarians and more.

Podcasts

Subscribe to these podcasts to keep up with library trends and news.

82. LibeCast: Cornell University Library’s LibeCast has audio recordings of special presentations and more.
83. National Library of Medicine Director’s Comments: Listen to updates and information from NLM Director Donald A.B. Lindberg, M.D. on alcohol screening, family health, liver transplants and more.
84. Tisch Talks: Tufts’ Tisch Library has a podcast that features library news as well as interviews with visiting authors and more.
85. LibVibe: Get library-related news from this podcast.

More Library Websites and Networks

From library history to Children’s Book Week, these websites and networks love libraries.

86. I Love Libraries: This network supports libraries and encourages the public to support the Library Services and Technology Act.
87. American Libraries Online: This ALA site has a forum, special videos, news reports and more.
88. The Library History Buff: Larry T. Nix’s site is devoted to library history facts, collecting library memorabilia, and uncovering postal artifacts–like stamp images–that relate to libraries.
89. Progressive Librarians Guild: Join this forum if you’re interested in taking libraries and literacy campaigns into the future in a "radical" way.
90. The Children’s Book Council: Get information about Children’s Book Week, find reading lists for kids, and more.
91. Books Well Read: Encourage your students or patrons to keep a book journal online.
92. lib.rario.us: This cataloging and community site is a great way for librarians to meet other book lovers and share their favorites.
93. Survivor: The History of the Library: Learn about ancient libraries and The Golden Age of libraries here.
94. The Library Company: Get a history of Benjamin Franklin and the first American libraries from this website.
95. Questia: Questia is a popular, useful online library resource that lets you search by topic, look up books, purchase collections for your classroom, and more.
96. EPA National Library Network: Use this library to look up environmental issues and publications.
97. Education and Library Networks Coalition: This network is devoted to bringing the "information revolution" to underprivileged schools and rural communities.
98. Progressive Archivists: Learn more about archiving when you eavesdrop on the discussions here.
99. Reader2: This social book list lets you share your favorite titles as well as titles you’re looking forward to reading. You can also find friends and track lists via RSS.
100. Bookcrossing.com: Celebrate reading when you share your love of books with over 700,000 people from around the world.

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