January
Chinese New Year
The first day of the first moon of the Chinese lunar calendar marks this traditional celebration of the Chinese culture (starting date varies each year between January and February). Stresses family ties and turning over a new leaf. Festivals are held throughout the United States in Chinese American communities.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
A federal holiday observed annually on the third Monday in January in tribute to the late American civil rights leader.
February
Black History Month
This national celebration recognizes the past and present contributions of outstanding African-Americans. Communities, nationwide, hold commemorative events throughout the month of February.
March
National Women's History Month
Declared in 1980 after a proclamation issued by former President Jimmy Carter, this national observance highlights the achievements of noteworthy women in history. Each year sets a new theme to honor women's achievements in a different subject area.
Lee County Library System produces the Reading Festival to remind and inform everyone about the resources and services available at their local libraries – all for free!
Teen Tech Week
A national initiative aimed at teens, librarians, educators, parents and other concerned adults, Teen Tech Week encourages adolescents to take advantage nonprint resources available at libraries and to become ethical users of these technologies for their education and recreation. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) sponsors Teen Tech Week, which is observed each year during the second week of March.
April
El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
This national observance, commonly known as just "Día," brings attention to children, families and reading every year on April 30. The Association for Library Service for Children spearheads Día activities and promotions, nationwide, under the collaborative sponsorship of several national organizations and businesses.
National Bookmobile Day
Pays homage to bookmobile services and staff at the nation's libraries. The ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS), the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) and the Associiation for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) sponsor this observance, usually commemorated on the second Wednesday of April.
National Library Week
This national observance, sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA), recognizes the contributions of all libraries and librarians each year during the second week of April.
National Poetry Month
American booksellers, publishers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets across the country devote a whole month towards venerating metrical writing. Observed since 1996 (when the Academy of American Poets inaugurated the celebration), National Poetry Month incites imaginative thinking and appreciation for the power of a poem.
May
Children's Book Week
The Children's Book Council administers Children's Book Week, which promotes the love of reading and higher standards in children's books. Educators, librarians, booksellers and families support book-related activities such as storytelling and author appearances. It is usually observed the first or second week of May.
A national education initiative aimed at helping Americans prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1- November 30). The special week for hurricane preparation is usually designated the last week of May.
September
Banned Books Week
A national celebration of the freedom to read, despite books challenged in American libraries and schools. It is observed annually during the last week of September and jointly sponsored by the American Library Association, American Booksellers Association, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, National Council of Teachers of English, and a number of other organizations.
Library Card Sign-up Month
Celebrated every September, since 1987, to promote the use of America's public libraries and to stress the importance of a library card.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
This colorful commemoration convenes annually from September 15 through October 15 with festivals, ceremonies and educationally rich activities that heighten public insight into Latin culture.
October
National Book Month
The National Book Foundation advocates this observance that praises books and the enjoyment of them by readers of all ages in all cultures.
Teen Read Week
An initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), Teen Read Week is held every year during the third week of October. Public libraries, schools and bookstores plan activities under an annual Teen Read Week theme that encourages teenagers to choose reading as a pastime.
November
National Native American Heritage Month
Raises awareness and promotes appreciation for American Indian culture and history.