Library Shelfie Day

Library Shelfie Day is observed on the fourth Wednesday in January. In 2026, it falls on January 28. This day encourages book enthusiasts to share their passion for reading by posting photos of bookshelves on social media platforms. Whether at a local public library or in a home office, these images highlight the personal connection people have with their book collections.

History of Library Shelfie Day

The New York Public Library established Library Shelfie Day in 2014. The initiative was designed as a creative digital campaign to engage with a younger audience and modernize the image of public libraries. By combining the popular social media trend of the “selfie” with physical book collections, the library aimed to spark conversations about literacy and the enduring value of printed media.

Since its inception, the observance has grown from a local event into an international celebration. Libraries, bookstores, and individual readers across the globe participate by using specific hashtags to link their photos. The day has evolved to include library staff showing behind-the-scenes views of archives and rare book rooms, further humanizing the institutions that house the world’s knowledge.

Why is Library Shelfie Day important?

This day serves as a visual testament to the importance of libraries as community hubs. While digital reading has become common, physical bookshelves represent a tangible history of an individual’s interests and learning journey. Seeing the variety of books others own or borrow can inspire new reading habits and foster a sense of belonging among bibliophiles who might otherwise read in isolation.

Public libraries use the occasion to remind the community of the diverse resources they offer beyond just books, such as research assistance and public meeting spaces. The viral nature of the day helps promote local branches to people who may not have visited in years. By showcasing well-loved stacks and organized collections, the event reinforces the idea that libraries are vibrant, active places rather than just quiet storage rooms.

• Readers get to show off their favorite titles and genres.
• It highlights the aesthetic beauty of organized book collections.
• The event promotes the free services provided by local libraries.
• Social media posts help connect book lovers with similar interests.
• It encourages children and students to take pride in their reading.

How to Celebrate Library Shelfie Day

The most common way to participate is by taking a “shelfie,” which is a photo of yourself in front of a bookshelf. You can visit your local public library to find a scenic backdrop of tall stacks or use your own bookshelf at home. Many people choose to coordinate their outfits with book covers or hold their current read to add a personal touch to the image before sharing it online with the official hashtag.

Beyond photography, you can use the day to organize your personal collection or donate books you no longer need. Visiting a library during the event is a great way to thank the staff for their work in maintaining the collections. If you are feeling artistic, you can arrange your books by color, height, or genre to create a more visually striking photo that highlights the unique character of your library.

• Snap a photo with your favorite library stacks.
• Post your picture using the #LibraryShelfie hashtag.
• Visit a local library to browse new arrivals.
• Organize your home bookshelf by color or author.
• Recommend a book from your shelf to a friend.

Library Shelfie Day Dates Table