Library Lovers’ Day

Library Lovers’ Day is celebrated annually on February 14, providing a dedicated opportunity for communities to express their appreciation for libraries, librarians, and the joy of reading. While the date is globally synonymous with Valentine’s Day, this observance reimagines the day of love to honor the “enduring relationship” between citizens and their local hubs of knowledge and discovery.

Read also about:

• Library Shelfie Day
• Take Your Child To The Library Day
• International Book Giving Day
• Book Lovers Day
• National Read a Book Day
• World Book and Copyright Day

History of Library Lovers’ Day

The holiday originated in Australia in 2006 at the State Library of New South Wales. The initiative was born from a desire to celebrate libraries as vital community spaces and to promote a lifelong passion for books. In 2007, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) adopted the campaign, transforming it into a national event. ¹

Since its inception, the day has crossed international borders, gaining popularity in the United Kingdom, Canada, and various other countries. Historically, it was designed as a “soft” advocacy tool: by filling libraries with red hearts and love notes, patrons remind decision-makers and funding bodies that these institutions are not just warehouses for books, but cherished community assets that support literacy, digital inclusion, and social connection.

Why is Library Lovers’ Day important?

This day is significant because it highlights the evolving role of libraries in the 21st century. Beyond providing books, modern libraries are essential social infrastructure—offering free access to high-speed internet, makerspaces, ESL classes, and safe havens for students and seniors. The observance underscores that libraries act as “economic equalizers,” providing resources to individuals regardless of their socio-economic status.

The celebration also serves to acknowledge the expertise of librarians. By dedicating a day to those who manage these vast collections, the holiday shines a light on the specialized knowledge required to navigate information in a digital age. For many, a trip to the library is a reminder of “childlike wonder,” and the day provides a structured excuse for adults and children alike to re-engage with the sensory pleasures of a physical book and the quietude of a reading room.

• Libraries foster community connection, with 49% of users reporting they feel more connected to their neighborhood through library services.
• They serve as a refuge; studies show that over half of library patrons view the building as a place where they feel safe and belong.
• The holiday promotes literacy by encouraging families to sign up for library cards and participate in storytime programs.
• Libraries are a cost-effective investment, often returning double the value of their funding to the local economy.
• It counters the myth that “everything is online” by providing access to rare archives, local history, and specialized databases.

How to Celebrate Library Lovers’ Day

The most common way to celebrate is to physically visit your local library and check out a book, movie, or magazine. Many libraries host “Blind Date with a Book” events, where staff wrap books in brown paper with only a few tantalizing clues written on the outside, encouraging readers to “not judge a book by its cover.” You can also participate by leaving a “love letter” or a sticky note on a designated display board, sharing why you value the library’s services.

For a digital celebration, you can use the hashtag #LibraryLoversDay to share your favorite reading spot or to give a shout-out to a librarian who helped you find a specific resource. Some people celebrate by volunteering their time to help shelve books or by donating gently used items to the “Friends of the Library” group. If you have children, the day is a perfect time to help them get their first library card, cementing a relationship with the institution that can last a lifetime.

• Blind Date with a Book
  Borrow a mystery book wrapped in paper for a surprise read.
• Get a Card
  Help a friend or family member sign up for their own library card.
• Write a Love Note
  Leave a message for your librarians telling them why they are appreciated.
• Give to a library fundraiser or join a “Friends of the Library” advocacy group.
• Share a photo of your current library haul using #LibraryLoversDay.

Library Lovers’ Day Dates Table

1. https://alia.org.au/Web/Web/Events/Library-Lovers-Day/Library-Lovers-Day-2022.aspx[↩]