National Library Week – April 23-29, 2023
- National Library Week – April 23-29
- Right to Read Day – April 24
- National Library Workers Day – April 25
- National Library Outreach Day – April 26
- Food for Fines Day – April 27
- Take Action for Libraries Day – April 27
- Children’s Literature Festival Author Visit – April 28
- ACLS Express Ribbon Cutting – April 28
- Chalk It Up to Civility/Frostburg Arts Walk – April 29
National Library Week
Happy National Library Week! From April 23-29, we’re celebrating the power of libraries to transform lives. This year’s theme is “There’s More to the Story,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our library is more than just a building full of books – it’s a community resource that belongs to all of us. That’s why we want to hear from you! Share your story about how you use the library and how it has made a difference in your life. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a senior, or anyone in between, your story matters. Let’s come together and show the world that Our Library is Our Story. Use the hashtag #ourLibraryOurStory and tag us in your posts. Let’s celebrate the power of community ownership and the impact of our library on our lives! Your story could inspire someone else to discover the magic of our library!
Also, watch our social media pages throughout the month of April, for posts and prompts to share your story! Like, comment and share the posts with friends all month long, leading up to a big celebration for National Library Week, April 23-29!
Welcome to OUR library! We believe that our library is not just a building full of books and resources, but a shared space that belongs to everyone in the community. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to the area, you’re invited to make this library your own.
At OUR library, we’re committed to providing access to information, education, and entertainment to everyone who walks through our doors. With a vast collection of books, magazines, movies, and other materials, there’s something here for everyone. And with our friendly staff and welcoming environment, you’ll feel right at home in our library.
But OUR library is more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a hub of activity and learning, with a wide range of programs and events designed to bring people together and help them grow. From Story Time for kids to book clubs for adults, from workshops on job searching to classes on computer skills, there’s always something happening here.
At OUR library, we believe that knowledge should be freely accessible to all. That’s why we offer a wealth of online resources, from e-books and audiobooks to research databases and streaming media. With just a library card and an internet connection, you can access a world of information from anywhere in the community.
So come on down to OUR library and see what we have to offer. This is your library, and we’re here to serve you. Visit our website to learn more about our hours, services, and upcoming events, and join us in celebrating the power of community-owned libraries this April 23-29 during National Library Week!
National Library Workers Day – Tuesday, April 25

On April 25, 2022, the nation will celebrate National Library Workers Day, a time to recognize library staff members for their public service contributions in transforming lives and communities through education and lifelong learning. Library staff continue to play an invaluable role in supporting our communities both in person and virtually. The Allegany County Library System invites library advocates, patrons, and staff to show your support of our library workers by posting words of encouragement and appreciation for your favorite library staff using the form below. Patrons are welcome to share stories about how library staff has had an impact on your lives or community. Patrons can also share well wishes over our social media channels with the hashtag #OurLibraryOurStory or Tag the Allegany County Library System Facebook page.
Food for Fines – Thursday, April 27

10:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Food for Fines
Allegany County Library System – All Libraries (during operating hours)
On Thursday, April 27th, all branches of the library will accept non-perishable food donations in exchange for library fines. Each donated item will reduce the patron’s library fines by $1.00, up to a maximum of $15.00 per person. Food donations should be within their expiration date, undamaged, and unopened.
Allegany County Month of Civility – April
Visit our of Month of Civility page for more Choose Civility events in April.
Children’s Literature Festival Author Visit: Matthew Cordell – Friday, April 28

10:00 AM – Author Visit
LaVale Library
In conjunction with the FSU Spring Literature Festival, children ages 5-12 are invited to attend the Children’s Hour at various location on Friday, April 28. Speakers will make a 45-minutes age-specific presentation to share the process of writing and/or illustrating.
Visit the ACLS Express – National Library Week

Monday, April 24 – South Cumberland Library (1-8 PM)
Tuesday, April 25 – Washington Street Library (1-8 PM)
Wednesday, April 26 – George’s Creek Library (10 AM – 5 PM)
Thursday, April 27 – Westernport Library (10 AM – 5 PM)
Friday, April 28 – LaVale Library (10 AM – 5 PM, 11 AM Ribbon Cutting)
Saturday, April 29 – Frostburg Library/Arts Walk (10 AM – 5 PM)
The upcoming National Library Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading and discover exciting new events and resources available at your local library. We are thrilled to invite you to come and explore the new Library Events and Outreach Van, ACLS Express, which will be showcased during this special week.
Join us for a fun-filled event where you can meet the team, take a tour of the van, and learn about the exciting new programs and services that will be offered to the community. As a special treat, we are offering gift bags, giveaways, and refreshments to all visitors who attend the event.
Whether you’re a longtime library member or a first-time visitor, we’re excited to share with you the many ways that the library is working to enrich the lives of our community. With ACLS Express, we’re bringing the library experience to you, wherever you are.
This project was funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Maryland State Library. Design branding funded by the Western Maryland Regional Library Consortium.
See the Cumberland Times News feature of the Events & Outreach van here.