Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we are so excited to celebrate National Library Week. We happen to think that libraries are magical places! The shelves are bursting with knowledge and adventure—exciting worlds to explore, new people to meet, and so many wonderful things to learn.

Every April, National Library Week offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these much-loved spaces, highlighting the important role they play in our communities. Did you know that National Library Week was first celebrated in 1958? It was organized by the American Library Association (ALA) to encourage more people to read and support libraries. 

We can’t think of a better idea, which is why we created our special book subscription boxes, which are guaranteed to bring back the love of reading to everyone who opens them. 

Over the decades, this celebration has evolved into a lively week-long event packed with activities designed to spark our imaginations, promote reading, and foster community spirit. We can’t wait to share our team’s ideas on how to make this year’s National Library Week a week to remember!

 

Creative Library Week Activities for Kids

Themed Storytime Adventures

Themed storytime adventures are the perfect way to get your kids excited about reading. You can have special storytelling sessions at home or even grab a picnic blanket and head out to your local park. Pick themes like "Outer Space Adventures," "Magical Creatures," or "Mysterious Mysteries," and you can even dress up, making the story that much more real. 

Lots of libraries have regular “family storytime” events and lots of other fun activities. So make sure you check out the schedules on their websites and social media pages!

Crafting Fun: DIY Bookmarks and Art

Get ready for some creative fun! Hosting crafting sessions with your kids is a great way to spark their imagination and bring out their inner creativity. Invite family and friends to join in and design custom bookmarks, create unique book-inspired artwork, or decorate personalized book bags. Keeping things simple with materials like markers, stickers, glitter, and recycled items helps everyone get involved easily.

Why not check out these blogs!

DIY Bookish Crafts and Activities for Kids

DIY Book Pinwheel Crafts for Young Readers: A Literary Spin

DIY Themed Book Box Ideas: A Guide to Bookish Crafts

Exciting Reading Challenges with Rewards

Set up friendly reading competitions with enticing prizes like certificates, small toys, or even special storytime privileges. We love challenges as you may know from our annual reading challenge and our bingo cards. Why not try filling our reading log as a family and see how many books you can read!

Create your own challenges! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Read 3 books with purple covers

• Read 2 genres you have never read before

• Read 3 books that start with the letter S

We’re sure you get the idea; make it fun and let your kids come up with their own ideas!

 

Engaging National Library Week Ideas for Teens

Forming Thriving Teen Book Clubs

Teens crave connection, and book clubs are perfect social hubs. We recommend choosing exciting, relatable books and organizing discussions, debates, or even themed meetings—think cosplay nights or snack tastings inspired by the books! It’s a fantastic way to encourage socialization and thoughtful conversations around literature.

Our YA book box subscriptions are packed with everything you need to start an amazing book club. Your teens will love opening our world-famous surprise gifts along the way. Yes, bringing books to life one gift at a time! Our YA full book box, “The True Crime Club,” is a great option to kick off your new teen book club, and they’re ready to ship!

Writing Workshops: Crafting Stories and Self-Expression

Writing workshops are a fantastic way to help teens explore their creativity and develop their voice. Try hosting a journaling afternoon where they can dive into the mind of a fictional character! 

Let them pick a theme or a favorite book, and have your teens create journal entries from that character’s perspective. It’s a great way to build empathy, improve writing skills, and encourage self-expression—plus, it makes literature come alive in a whole new way!

Interactive Library Scavenger Hunts for Digital Natives

We all know how much teens love their tech—so why not use that to your advantage with an interactive library scavenger hunt? Combining their tech-savvy skills with a bit of physical exploration is the perfect way to keep them engaged, curious, and moving. Whether using smartphones or library computers, teens can solve puzzles, uncover hidden books, and discover fascinating library facts—all while having fun.

Here are a couple of exciting ideas to get you started! 

QR Code Quest is a great way to blend tech with a touch of mystery. Hide QR codes throughout the library that link to clues about specific genres or books, mini video or podcast clips to decode, or even fun facts about the library or famous authors. 

Photo Fun is another crowd-pleaser, encouraging teens to complete photo challenges using their phones (with permission, of course). They might snap a selfie with a book that matches their birth month, find a cover in their favorite color, or take a creative “shelfie.” Whether they go solo or team up, it’s a fun, creative way to explore the library from a new lens—literally!

 

Library Week Activities for Adults

Author Talks: Conversations with Writers

There’s something incredibly inspiring about hearing authors speak about their writing journey, creative process, and the stories behind their books. Whether it’s a bestselling author or a local writer, these talks offer a unique opportunity to gain insight into the literary world and connect more deeply with the books you love. Check out your local library or independent bookstore for upcoming author events—many host in-person or virtual talks that are open to the public.

And if there aren’t any events on the calendar, don’t worry! You can still celebrate your favorite writers by hosting a one-off author book club meeting. Choose a recent release or a popular title by a well-loved author and invite your fellow bookworms to come together to discuss the book and share their thoughts. It’s a great way to connect readers through a shared literary experience—even without the author in the room.

Skill-Building Workshops: Digital Literacy and Genealogy

Libraries have seriously leveled up when it comes to learning opportunities—and National Library Week is the perfect excuse to check them out. My local library has this amazing space called the “Tech Zone,” where they run weekly workshops on everything from basic digital literacy (hello, figuring out that one setting on your phone) to hands-on skills like using laser cutters, 3D printers, or even sewing machines. It’s like a maker’s playground for grown-ups! 

Some libraries even offer classes on digging into your family history, which is equal parts fascinating and a little addictive. Whether you’re curious about tech or want to trace your great-great-grandmother’s roots, these workshops make learning new skills feel totally doable—and actually fun.

Thought-Provoking Book Discussions

There’s something special about chatting with fellow book lovers who’ve just turned the same final page as you—especially when everyone has a different take! Your local library is a great place to find that kind of magic. 

Many libraries host book clubs you can drop into anytime, and some even have themed ones—think mysteries, memoirs, historical fiction, or books that make you cry (in a good way). I love that you don’t have to commit to anything long-term; you just show up, sip some tea (hopefully), and dive into some good book talk. It’s a relaxed, fun way to stretch your thinking and maybe even discover your next favorite read.

 

Family-Focused Library Week Activities

Library Week isn’t just for solo bookworms—it’s the perfect time to bring the whole crew along for some fun! Many libraries go all out with family-friendly activities that are equal parts entertaining and educating. 

Many libraries offer something called a “Culture Pass” (or something similar), which gives you free access to local museums, galleries, and other attractions. It’s like a golden ticket to explore your city’s culture—without spending a cent! Just check with your library to see what partnerships they have; you might be surprised at how many hidden gems you can visit for free.

Community Read-Alouds for All Ages

There’s nothing quite like a good story shared aloud—and during Library Week, many libraries host read-aloud sessions that welcome the whole family. Whether it’s a librarian with a knack for silly voices or a guest reader bringing a classic tale to life, these sessions are a cozy, low-pressure way to enjoy stories together. Kids love it, adults get a nostalgia boost, and everyone walks away smiling.

Movie Nights Featuring Beloved Literary Adaptations

Book-to-movie nights are a hit for a reason—there’s something magical about seeing a favorite story unfold on the big screen (especially with snacks involved). Some libraries celebrate Library Week by hosting movie nights, but there’s no reason you can’t bring the fun home too! Turn your living room into a cozy cinema and screen literary adaptations the whole family can enjoy.

Think classics like The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who, or The Cat in the Hat for a dose of Dr. Seuss charm, or dive into the whimsical worlds of Roald Dahl with films like Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, or The Witches. For an epic adventure, The Chronicles of Narnia never disappoints, and Where the Wild Things Are is a great favorite that brings the magic of childhood imagination to life. It's the perfect excuse for a laid-back, story-filled family night.

Behind-the-Scenes Library Open House Tours

Ever wonder what happens behind those staff-only doors at the library? Library Week is your chance to find out! Open house tours give families a fun, behind-the-scenes look at how the library really works. 

You might see where books get sorted, how events are planned, or even discover a hidden reading nook you never knew existed. It’s a great way to deepen your appreciation for the library—and maybe become even more of a superfan.

 

Virtual Library Week Ideas

Online Workshops: Digital Storytelling and E-Book Navigation

Can’t make it to the library in person? No problem—Library Week fun is just a click away! Many libraries offer virtual workshops where you can learn cool skills like digital storytelling (perfect if you’ve ever wanted to turn your family vacation into a mini documentary) or how to confidently navigate the world of e-books and audiobooks. 

It’s also a great chance to get introduced to awesome library apps like Libby and Hoopla—your ticket to borrowing books, audiobooks, comics, and even movies right from your phone or tablet. Whether you're a tech newbie or just looking to up your digital game, these workshops are an easy, comfy way to learn something new—fuzzy socks highly encouraged.

Social Media Challenges: Share Your Library Love

If you're glued to your phone anyway (no judgment—we're all there), why not use it to spread some library love? During Library Week, lots of libraries host fun social media challenges like posting a pic of your favorite reading spot, sharing your current read, or shouting out a librarian who’s made a difference. It’s a fun way to connect with fellow book lovers, show off your TBR pile, and maybe even win a prize or two. 

And if you're joining the fun, we’d love for you to tag @onceuponabookclub—we’re always excited to see how our community is celebrating all things bookish!

 

Let’s Make This National Library Week One to Remember!

Whether you’re joining a book club, crafting bookmarks with your kids, diving into an e-book for the first time, or simply wandering the shelves with wonder, there’s no wrong way to celebrate National Library Week. Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books—they’re community hubs, creativity zones, and gateways to endless adventures.

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we’re passionate about stories that bring people together, and we hope this National Library Week inspires you to explore all the magic your local library has to offer. Don’t forget—if you’re new to OUABC, now’s the perfect time to subscribe. 

So grab your library card, gather your book-loving friends and family, and dive into the joy of reading, learning, and connecting. Happy National Library Week from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club—we can’t wait to see how you celebrate!