National Library Shelfie Day

Celebrated annually on every fourth Wednesday in January, the Library Shelfie Day is observed by book lovers to showcase their love for books and bookshelves that have been their constant companions.

Twitter Hashtags:

#NationalLibraryShelfieDay

#LibraryShelfieDay

Related: Other National Days Celebrated on January:

National Seed Swap Day

National Vision Board Day

National Plan For Vacation Day

National Shop For Travel Day

Get to know your customers Day

Why National Library Shelfie Day?

Even with the availability of cheaper alternatives like ebooks and audiobooks, libraries and books continue to be an integral part of schools, universities, and localities as sources of tangible knowledge. Modern-day libraries provide quiet spaces for self-study and have shifted from the transactional lending and borrowing purpose to a hub where people gather to gain knowledge or a friendly place where children turn up for recitals and story-telling. It’s time to declare your love for this establishment in the most modern way; by clicking a selfie with your favorite shelf in the library, in short, a shelfie!

From the very beginning, humans found a need to collect and store information. The transfer of information in the form of stories and legends was complemented by pictorial representations, development of language, and writing systems. The efforts to write and collect written manuscripts occurred simultaneously in many parts of the world. Archives that consisted of written records on clay tablets from the 3rd millennium BC Babylon, the 2nd Millennium BC Assyrian clay tablets discovered in Egypt, etc can be considered as one of the earliest forms of library collection.

In China, the attempts of record-keeping and classification schemes began under the Han dynasty in 206 BC. The elaborate seven-part classifications were replaced by a simple classification which includes – Classics, History, philosophy, and Miscellaneous works. The civil service system during the rule of the Han dynasty required applicants to by-heart the classics to get through the difficult examinations. This system significantly contributed to the growth of libraries.

In ancient Greece, archive repositories were commonly stored in their temples. Along with the great philosophies that originated in Greece, institutional libraries were established in Athens during the 4th Century BC. The texts were scribed on papyrus rolls, which necessitated periodic copying to preserve the information. With the discovery of paper and the advent of the printing press, many wealthy merchants began to acquire private collections.

Fast -forward to the 18th and 19th century even when the libraries grew exponentially the administration and maintenance were below average. The importance of cataloging and proper administration was brought about by great librarians like Johann Gesner and Antonio Panizzi. In the 19th century, it was decided that the public libraries will be provided through local authorities funded by the public.

While the development of books and libraries throughout history are significant milestones, the advent of electronic databases and digital libraries in the 20th century is a radical phenomenon that changed the way we access information. Even when all the information is available on our fingerprints, nothing can replace the magic of a hard copy, the ancient aroma of the bookshelves, and the bookish spell of the libraries, that transports us to another world.

How Can We Observe Library Shelfie Day?

• Trip To Your Local Library

You have forgotten the route to your local library, this is the day my friend! Visit your library and chat up with the librarian and lend a hard-cover book for a change.

• Shelfie with your Shelves

Probably the bookshelves you have at your abode are dusted. It’s time to revive some memories with the books you once adored! Decorate your shelves and take a selfie with your bookshelves and books.

• Share The Shelfies

Share your selfies on social media using #LibraryShelfieDay

Interesting Facts About Library Shelfie Day:

Here are some interesting facts surrounding Library Shelfie Day!

• The highest number of registered book hoarders are native to Finland. More than half of the population seems to be Bibliophiles!
• The book circulation per user in America has deteriorated up to 50% since 1978.
• Libraries also have collections of DVD’s and CD’s available for public use.
• Private book collectors became common from the 13th century.
• Private libraries were a luxurious addition in the homes of Roman aristocrats. Books were considered a valuable war booty in almost every part of the world.
• Roman statesman Lucius Licinius Lucullus acquired a library as a part of his war loot. In his benevolence, he gave access to his libraries to those who were interested.
• The holy scriptures along with literature from Alexandria, Athens, and Asia Minor were amassed in the libraries at Constantinople. Sacred texts were also collected and stored in Mosques during the middle ages.

History Of Library Shelfie Day:

The Library Shelfie Day was created by the New York Public Library and is observed since  2014 to celebrate all things bookish!