Celebrate Children's Book Week - May 1-7

It’s Children’s Book Week! From May 1-7, discover new children’s books or rediscover favorites from childhood as we partake in one of the longest-running annual literacy programs in the country.

The theme this year is “Read Books. Spark Change.” The purpose is to raise awareness of the power books have to induce positive change in ourselves and our communities.            

Children’s Book Week began in 1919 when Librarian Franklin K. Matthiews, and the Superintendent of Children’s Works at the New York Public Library, Anne Caroll Moore, and Future Editor of Publishers Weekly Frederic G. Melcher, worked with the American Booksellers Association and the American Library Association to advocate for higher standards within children’s literature and spearheaded the creation of Children’s Book Week. 

The Children’s Book Council, affiliated with  Every Child a Reader, now oversees this annual event. They create engaging materials, such as bookmarks, drawing activities, and a book-related scavenger hunt for parents, educators, and education majors looking to get involved.  

You can explore the University Libraries’ Featured Children’s Collection. Highlights include picture books, poetry books for children, thematic children’s literature, STEM books, and Young Adult-based books. 

We are also continuing our READ posters this week featuring YOU and your love of reading! Simply visit our guide on how to submit a selfie, and get featured a READ poster that will be displayed on our bulletin board outside of our Circulation Area (CCC 130) and our social media platforms.

Blog post by Hannah Fenrick