The Detroit Public Library celebrates National Library Week (April 19 – 25, 2026) as we recognize the importance of libraries, library workers, and the special place that the library holds in the community. This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy,” an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library. From computer and technology classes, one-on-one literacy support, and assistance discovering your next career, to fun and enriching programs such as book clubs and author discussions, art and craft classes, and even concerts—there are many ways to find your joy at the Detroit Public Library.
National Library Week is the perfect time to visit the Detroit Public Library, get your library card, check out some great books, and enjoy special programming.
We <3 the Library
Wilder Branch
Month of April
Stop in during the month of April to write about why you love the library!
What’s Your Joy?
Lincoln Branch
April 20 – 25
Help us celebrate National Library Week by sharing your "library love" on our community poster! We’ll provide the sticky notes and a place to stick them, you provide the creativity and library love!
Find Your Joy at the Library
Parkman Branch
April 20 – 25
Celebrate National Library Week, by participating in our community art project! We will have paper supplies for people to create joyful flowers that we will hang in the branch.
National Library Week Celebration
Sherwood Forest Branch
April 20 – 25
Stop by during National Library Week to contribute to our community craft. You will be asked to respond to the prompt, "What brings you joy when you visit the library?" Your written response will be added to our Tree of Joy.
Promote Your Own Book
Main Library
Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00 pm
In this interactive workshop, book publicist Cherrie Woods will share relevant and practical PR strategies to help authors develop a public profile for themselves and their books, and ultimately, increase sales.
Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors Closing Reception
Main Library
Wednesday, April 22, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Join us for a closing reception for the exhibit Detroit Roots: A Shared History. View the art, learn about the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, and enjoy some light refreshments.
Spring Festival
Conely Branch
Thursday, April 23, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Celebrate National Library Week and find your joy at the library with a spring festival to discover the resources available at Conely. Meet community partners Greening of Detroit, Metroparks, and Keep Growing Detroit, and enjoy kids’ crafts, a tree raffle, and bring a plant to join the plant swap.
Meet the Author: Lisa Maude Williams
Elmwood Park Branch
Saturday, April 25, 11:00 am – Noon
Local author Lisa Maude Williams reads from and discusses her debut novel, Ms. Ogletree: Songs from the Fire, a mystery set in Detroit.
Meet the Author: Jonathan Shropshire
Parkman Branch
Saturday, April 25, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Local author Jonathan Shropshire shares his new book, Mechanical Life, and leads a hands-on activity kids will love!
Bookmaking and Storytelling Event for Kids
Children’s Library at Main
Saturday, April 25, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Learn about the beloved librarian and storyteller Augusta Baker! Then, have fun creating your own stories through drawing and writing, followed by story-sharing time on the carpet—encouraging creativity, early literacy, and confidence in our littlest storytellers.
Film Screening: THE LIBRARIANS
Main Library
Saturday, April 25, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Documentary The Librarians made its world premiere at Sundance. As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy, flanked by concerned community members and young readers.