Find Your Joy in Knowledge and Inclusivity: Libraries, Islam, and Community Connection

National Library Week connects the rich intellectual traditions of Islam with the vital role libraries play in modern communities. As an annual celebration sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA), it highlights the essential contributions of libraries, librarians, and library workers in supporting education, expanding access to information, and strengthening community engagement. The 2026 theme, “Find Your Joy,” emphasizes that libraries offer more than just books; they provide technology, literacy support, diverse resources, engaging programs, and welcoming community spaces. This message aligns closely with Islamic values that encourage the pursuit of knowledge and lifelong learning, rooted in the command of Iqra (“read”), the first word revealed in the Qur’an, and carried forward through historic centers of learning like the House of Wisdom.

In Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, home to a diverse and vibrant Muslim population, National Library Week can build on this foundation by showcasing Muslim authors, histories, and cultural contributions. Local libraries and community centers can host programs such as storytelling sessions, author talks, and workshops on Islamic arts, including calligraphy, alongside digital literacy initiatives. These activities not only promote library use, encouraging residents to sign up for library cards and explore digital resources, but also foster inclusion and help reduce Islamophobia through education and dialogue. In doing so, our communities can celebrate knowledge, diversity, and the enduring power of libraries to bring people together.