Book advocate to visit Dallas

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

By Mary Wilonsky

John Chrastka, one of the country’s leading experts on and advocates for public libraries, will be visiting Dallas as part of National Library Week activities in April. 

Chrastka, the founder and executive director of EveryLibrary, will speak at a public event on the challenges and opportunities facing our libraries. 

His talk is on Monday, April 24, at 4 p.m. at the Communities Foundation of Texas, 5500 Caruth Lane. Admission is free, but seating is limited, and guests must register at bit.ly/RSVP-NLW. 

“These are both momentous and contentious times for libraries,” said Mary Wilonsky, executive director of Friends of the Dallas Public Library. “Libraries and librarians are more important to their communities than ever, but they’re being confronted with obstacles on many fronts. We’re pleased to be able to bring John to Dallas to update us on the situation nationally and inspire us to do even more to support them.” 

EveryLibrary, founded in 2012, is the only national political action committee for libraries, promoting public, school and college libraries by helping them secure funding and public support. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization also campaigns against censorship, book banning and legislation to impede the important role of libraries and librarians. 

Last year Publishers Weekly named Chrastka one of its “People of the Year” for “standing tall in the face of an unprecedented attack on the freedom to read.” 

Chrastka’s visit is just one highlight of National Library Week, which kicks off in Dallas on Saturday, April 22, when Union Coffee, located at 3705 Cedar Springs Road in Dallas, will donate a portion of sales to the Friends of the Dallas Public Library. For a complete list of the week’s events, visit ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek.