Library Shelfie Day

Every year, the fourth Wednesday in January brings a special occasion for book enthusiasts: Library Shelfie Day. This year, we’re marking it on January 22. It’s an opportunity for those who love reading to proudly showcase their favorite books and library shelves in a fun and engaging way. Remember, the world truly belongs to those who immerse themselves in literature! On this day, readers are invited to snap a selfie with their cherished library shelf, highlighting the books that resonate most with them. People from bookstores, libraries, schools, and individual readers around the globe join in the celebration by sharing their beloved books or shelves on social media. So, spruce up your shelf, take a shelfie, and share it with everyone eager to see!

The Story Behind Library Shelfie Day

The history of libraries is extensive, so much so that it’s even a field of study! The earliest libraries were essentially collections of documents, with the first libraries dating back thousands of years to clay tablets that recorded inventories and transactions. Over time, these tablets expanded to include a variety of topics like religious texts, medical records, and astrological writings, becoming a treasure trove of information for historians and scholars. Eventually, libraries evolved to house written records and books, becoming well-established institutions. The concept of private libraries emerged around the fifth century B.C., primarily in ancient Greece, where personal collections were often found in villas. On the other hand, public libraries made their debut in the Roman Empire, where emperors opened libraries to outdo one another.

Over the centuries, the purpose and accessibility of libraries transformed. For example, many libraries in the Roman Empire were only open to the educated elite, who often couldn’t access all the materials. However, during the Early Middle Ages, libraries began lending out books for a security deposit. With the advent of globalization, digitalization, and various innovations, modern libraries took shape. Regardless of the era, shelves have always been a staple of libraries! Whether you’re a bookworm or just enjoy browsing, there’s something satisfying about wandering through library shelves and discovering new titles—and the world agrees. Initiated by the New York Public Library in 2014, Library Shelfie Day allows us to explore people’s library shelves right from our screens. Who wouldn’t want to participate in such a delightful activity from the comfort of home?

Library Shelfie Day Timeline

5,000 Years Ago: The first libraries are discovered in the Fertile Crescent of Southwest Asia.
1454 A.D.: The Gutenberg Bible, the first mechanically printed book, is published.
1839: Robert Cornelius takes the first-ever selfie.
2014: The New York Public Library launches Library Shelfie Day.

What Exactly is a “Shelfie?”

A “shelfie” is a clever twist on the word “selfie,” referring to a selfie taken in front of a library shelf.

What is the Largest Library in the World?

The Library of Congress holds the title of the largest library worldwide, known for its extensive catalog.

What is National Library Lovers Month?

February is dedicated to celebrating library lovers everywhere. You can participate by visiting your local libraries, volunteering, obtaining a library card, and sharing your experiences on social media with the hashtag #NationalLibraryLoversMonth.

Activities for Library Shelfie Day

Visit a Library: Whether you’re a regular visitor or haven’t been in a while, consider stopping by your local library. Even if you don’t plan to borrow a book, simply wandering through the stacks can be enjoyable.
Take a Shelfie: Find a shelf filled with captivating reads and snap a shelfie! This can be done at a public library or even at home.
Post Your Shelfie: Share your shelfie with fellow book lovers using the hashtag #LibraryShelfie to join the community and see what others are reading.

5 Fascinating Library Facts You Might Not Know

The Most Stolen Book: The Guinness Book of World Records is the most frequently stolen book from libraries.
Human Libraries: There are over 100 libraries worldwide that allow you to “check out” people to hear their stories.
The Library Hand: Historically, librarians had their unique style of handwriting known as “library hand.”
A Library of Scents: The Osmotheque in France is a library of smells, housing over 3,200 scents and perfume-making archives.
Forgotten Borrowings: The most overdue library book was returned nearly 122 years later!

Why We Cherish Library Shelfie Day

Keeping Physical Books Alive: In a digital world, keeping the charm of physical books alive is more important than ever. While eBooks may be convenient, the tactile experience of holding a physical book is unmatched.
Encouraging Reading: Many of us go through phases of reading, especially in childhood, but that passion often dwindles as life gets hectic. A day like this serves as a gentle reminder to pick up a book and rediscover the joy of reading.
Discovering New Titles: We’re all familiar with the classics, but countless exceptional books await discovery. Library Shelfie Day is a fantastic opportunity to receive book recommendations and see what your favorite celebrities, friends, and family are enjoying.

Library Shelfie Day Dates

2022: January 26 (Wednesday)
2023: January 25 (Wednesday)
2024: January 24 (Wednesday)
2025: January 22 (Wednesday)
2026: January 28 (Wednesday)

So, as we gear up to celebrate Library Shelfie Day, let’s embrace our love for books and share the magic of our library shelves! For more information, visit https://findnomore.net.