Library Snapshot Day 2025
Library Snapshot Day
Library Snapshot Day takes place on ranging dates in the first half of the year. This year, it takes place on April 1. It is an engaging way to help capture the daily ongoings of libraries and the amount of support and appreciation they receive from communities. It involves sharing pictures, testimonials, and data on libraries to showcase their immeasurable impact on communities and society. It is a chance for libraries to reach out to their base for assistance and promote themselves as community pillars by sharing personal and statistical data on their influence.
History of Library Snap Shot Day
Library Snapshot Day began in New Jersey in 2007 to answer the question “What would happen if libraries went away, even for a day?” After the success of their inaugural celebrations, the New Jersey Library Association and the New Jersey State Library advocated it into a nationwide celebration in 2009. It is currently observed in 38 states across the United States.
It aims to showcase how important and valuable libraries are to communities and the roles that they play in providing a proper environment to read, learn, and generally get some peace from the outside world. It is an opportunity to tell the story of how many books are checked out every week, how many people are helped by the library in finding jobs, and how they help students replenish ammunition for their homework. Through Library Snapshot Day, stories and statistics are shared to communicate how impactful libraries are to the public.
Participants have used the results of various Library Snapshot Days to help advocate for government officials, media outlets, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance and budgetary needs of libraries.
Much of this information is compiled by library associations and local governments across the country for use in further reports. The goal is to collect as much qualitative and quantitative data as possible to convince stakeholders to uphold funding and remind them of their impacts. Sometimes, a picture or a personal statement can prove to be more meaningful in convincing people than raw numbers. This information is also molded into library activities that can help attract more people into visiting and increase awareness. Libraries are a hotbed of activity and inspiration. It just takes one picture to tell the story.
