These statistics are featured in American Libraries’ “Democracy in Action” special report (Nov./Dec. 2019). 53.9 million Number of citizens of voting age who reported not voting in the 2016 US presidential election. Source: US Census Bureau (2018) 15% Percentage of registered nonvoters who didn’t vote in 2016 because they were not interested or felt that … Continue reading Civic Involvement
International Games Week is November 3–9 this year. 2017 Year that International Games Week (IGW) was established. The week grew out of National Games Day and aims to raise awareness among publishers and the public of games and gaming in libraries. 2,000 Approximate number of libraries that register to participate in IGW each year. 54 … Continue reading By the Numbers: International Games Week
This year’s National Friends of Libraries Week is October 20–26. 14 Number of years that National Friends of Libraries Week has been celebrated. The week is an opportunity to recognize the contributions and advocacy efforts of Friends groups and trustees, and to promote United for Libraries membership with such events as fundraisers, author signings, and … Continue reading By the Numbers: National Friends of Libraries Week
2009 Year that Alex Wrekk, creator of Brainscan Zine, created International Zine Month in July. 138 Number of libraries in the United States that have zine collections as of 2019, according to Barnard College Zine Library in New York City. 10 Number of minutes before Chicago Zine Fest sold out all of their artist tables … Continue reading By the Numbers: International Zine Month
9 Number of years since the American Library Association last held its Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. 800 Number of electronic newspaper front pages the Newseum receives each day from around the world. The museum enlarges and prints 80 for display in its Today’s Front Pages gallery. 12,000 Approximate number of items the Library of … Continue reading By the Numbers: Literary Washington, D.C.
1887 Year that the first library school in the world was established. It was founded at Columbia College—now Columbia University—in New York City by Melvil Dewey. 61 Number of American Library Association (ALA)–accredited MLIS programs in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. 64% Percentage of ALA-accredited MLIS programs that offer completely online degree programs. … Continue reading By the Numbers: Library School
1,000 Approximate number of libraries that participated in Money Smart Week activities in 2018. This year it will be observed March 30–April 6 and will include thousands of free programs and events across the country to help educate consumers on how to better manage their personal finances. 141,740 Number of people who attended Money Smart … Continue reading By the Numbers: Money Smart Week
6 Number of years since the American Library Association last held its Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in the Emerald City. 85 Number of years that the Blue Moon Tavern—an iconic bar in Seattle’s University District—has been in operation. The watering hole was reputedly popular among poets Allen Ginsberg, Carolyn Kizer, Theodore Roethke, and Dylan … Continue reading By the Numbers: Literary Seattle
2011 Year that November was designated Picture Book Month by Dianne de Las Casas and fellow children’s book authors and illustrators Katie Davis, Elizabeth Dulemba, Tara Lazar, and Wendy Martin. The international literacy initiative was in response to a 2010 New York Times article, “Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children.” 12th Century when … Continue reading By the Numbers: Picture Book Month
This year’s Banned Books Week is September 23–29. 416 Number of books banned or challenged in 2017, according to the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF). 100,000 Number of copies that Angie Thomas’s young adult novel, The Hate U Give, printed in its first month. The Coretta Scott King Book Awards honoree, about … Continue reading By the Numbers: Banned Books Week
11 Number of years ago that International Open Access Week was first observed. In 2007, a coalition of US college students, researchers, and librarians celebrated Open Access Day, which was extended to Open Access Week the following year and has evolved into a global effort. 72 Number of countries represented by groups discussing issues of … Continue reading By the Numbers: Open Access Week
95 Percent of libraries that offer summer reading programs, according to the American Library Association’s 2014 Digital Inclusion Survey. 4-5 Number of books children should read over break to prevent “summer slide,” a loss in reading achievement experienced by young readers between school years, according to a 2004 Harvard study. Studies show children from low-income … Continue reading By the Numbers: Summer Reading
