Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis has declared April 6 to April 12, 2025, as California Library Week. This initiative aligns with National Library Week and celebrates the significant role of libraries and library workers across the state.
According to the proclamation issued by Kounalakis, “Free and open to all, each of our 1,127 public libraries is a community hub for education and lifelong learning, health and wellness, civic engagement, and workforce and economic development.” Libraries in California provide a range of programs and services catering to educational and developmental needs, including online tutoring, adult literacy programs, and resources for STEAM subjects.
Amid growing challenges, especially those targeting works from LGBTQ+ authors and writers of color, Kounalakis emphasized the need to “celebrate and support the vital role that libraries, and all that they offer, play in keeping Californians informed and supported.” Libraries, beyond housing books, are key to community welfare, offering spaces for various needs and serving as shelters during emergencies.
The significance of library workers in these institutions was also highlighted, as they are pivotal in granting access to diverse resources and supporting intellectual freedom. As Kounalakis states, “Librarians help us start new chapters at every stage of our lives.”
The proclamation concludes with Kounalakis’s official declaration of California Library Week and an acknowledgment of the role libraries play in enriching the lives of residents throughout California.
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