NATIONAL WEEK

Preservation Week

Preservation Week turns the everyday space into something worth noticing — a little care, a little pride, a little curated chaos.

WHEN

Last week in April

Roots: Established in 2010 by the American Library Association
Vibe: Community engagement and historical awareness
Hashtag: #PreservationWeek

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate Preservation Week.

Declutter one surface, honestly.
Fix the small thing you've been ignoring.
Light the candle, play the record, use the good dishes.
Open every window for 20 minutes.
Invite someone over before the house is ready.

Fast facts

U.S. institutions hold more than 4.8 billion items

Libraries hold about 63 percent of those items

The story

Preservation Week, first initiated in 2010, is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of preserving historical artifacts and documents. This week-long event, organized by the American Library Association, encourages individuals, families, and communities to recognize the value of cultural heritage. Libraries, museums, and cultural institutions across the nation host events that promote awareness of preservation techniques and resources available to the public.

Read the full story

Throughout the week, organizations offer workshops, seminars, and hands-on demonstrations aimed at educating the public about the importance of caring for personal and communal collections. Participants can learn how to digitize family photographs, properly store documents, or even repair old books. The emphasis is on making preservation accessible and relevant to everyone, regardless of their background or expertise.

In addition to educational programming, Preservation Week serves as a platform for collaboration among institutions. Libraries and museums often partner with local historians and community groups to showcase regional heritage. This collaboration fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among community members, who are urged to take an active role in preserving their local history for future generations.

As we celebrate Preservation Week, it is essential to recognize that preservation is not just about maintaining physical objects; it is also about safeguarding the stories, traditions, and memories that shape our identity. By participating in this week, we contribute to a larger movement aimed at ensuring that our history, both personal and collective, remains vibrant and accessible.

Worth knowing

Explore Local Libraries

Discover resources and events celebrating preservation.

Visit Museums

Learn about artifacts and their historical significance.

Gather Family Stories

Document your family's history and traditions.

Join a Workshop

Learn preservation techniques for your personal items.

Did you know?

First Preservation Week

Launched in 2010 by the American Library Association.

Global Participation

Supporters include the Library of Congress and the Society of American Archivists.

Digital Preservation

Increasingly important due to the rise of digital media.

Community Involvement

Local groups play a crucial role in preservation efforts.

Cultural Heritage

Includes landmarks, documents, and oral histories.

Preservation Techniques

Range from climate control to digital archiving.

Annual Theme

Collections include books, photographs, maps, textiles, and recordings.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesA rich tapestry of cultural heritage is celebrated through local events.
CACanadaPreservation efforts highlight Indigenous and multicultural histories.
GBUnited KingdomHistoric preservation is vital for maintaining cultural landmarks.
AUAustraliaCommunity initiatives focus on preserving Indigenous heritage.
DEGermanyEfforts to restore historical sites reflect national pride.
FRFranceHome to many global heritage sites and preservation projects.