LA County Library National Library Week

LA County Library is marking National Library Week with branch events across Los Angeles County through Saturday, April 25, including storytimes, workshops, book discussions, and teen programs. (lacountylibrary.org) The library system said the countywide celebration runs April 20–25, 2026, and is built around activities that invite residents of “all ages” to explore, create, and connect at local branches. Featured programs listed by the library include a book club on *They Called Us Enemy*, a virtual author talk with Miranda Cowley Heller, a watercolor art session, a mindfulness workshop, and a family storytelling event. (lacountylibrary.org) The schedule is spread across individual libraries rather than one central festival. LA County Library’s National Library Week page lists branch events such as an arts-and-crafts program for children ages 3 to 5 at Charter Oak Library on April 21 and a “Planting Joy” program for ages 6 to 12 at Lomita Library on April 22. (lacountylibrary.org) National Library Week itself is a national observance, not a local invention. The American Library Association says the 2026 observance runs April 19–25, carries the theme “Find Your Joy,” and has been held each April since 1958. (ala.org; lacountylibrary.org) That helps explain why LA County Library is framing this week around more than book lending. Its event pages and April programming guide point residents to crafts, digital collections, homework help, seed libraries, and community gatherings alongside traditional reading programs. (lacountylibrary.org; lacountylibrary.org) County Librarian and Director Dr. Skye Patrick said in the library’s announcement that residents may find the library useful in different ways, including “discovering a new book,” “learning a skill,” or “connecting with others.” The same announcement says LA County Library is using the week to highlight free Wi‑Fi, quiet reading space, and everyday access to materials and programs. (lacountylibrary.org) The county’s April guide also ties this week’s programming to other spring initiatives already underway. It points readers to the One Book, One Coast reading program, unlimited April access on Libby to George Takei’s *They Called Us Enemy*, and Homework Centers at 30 participating locations for students in grades 1 through 12. (lacountylibrary.org) For residents, the practical detail is simple: events continue through April 25, and the branch-by-branch listings are posted on LA County Library’s website. The calendar shows the system using National Library Week as a live schedule of local programs, not just a slogan. (lacountylibrary.org; lacountylibrary.org)