National Library Shelfie Day

A book lover standing next to a neatly organized bookshelf, wearing glasses, cozy sweater, and surrounded by literary classics.. — National library shelfie day illustration

Hey there, bookworms! Get ready to snap it up because National Library Shelfie Day is coming in for a close-up! Dust off your shelves, grab your favorite books, and strike a pose because this is one day that celebrates the beauty of bookshelves and all the wonders they hold.

When is Library Shelfie Day?

It's national library shelfie day on the 27th January.

Shelfie Fever: The Internet's Love Affair with Bookshelves

Think about it. How many times have you found yourself scrolling through social media, only to stumble upon a perfectly curated bookshelf that makes you green with envy? Yeah, you're not alone. People all over the internet are obsessed with flaunting their book collections and showcasing their stylishly arranged bookshelves - and that's where National Library Shelfie Day comes in.

This delightful day was born out of the digital age, where hashtags rule supreme and likes are currency. It all began with the simple act of taking a selfie with your bookshelf, aptly named the "shelfie." People realized that their bookshelves were a visual representation of their interests, personality, and sometimes even a peek into their very souls. And let's face it, who doesn't want to show off their bookish treasures?

As more and more book lovers joined in, National Library Shelfie Day started trending across social media platforms, turning into a viral sensation. Bookworms, librarians, and literary enthusiasts from all walks of life united to proudly display their literary havens. From rainbow-colored shelves to meticulously organized categories, every shelf became a window into someone's reading habits and tastes.

So, if you're in need of some serious #shelfgoals inspiration or just want to share your love for books with the world, National Library Shelfie Day is your chance to shine. By participating in this digital celebration, you become a part of a vibrant community bonded by a mutual admiration for the written word and the shelves that hold them.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the term "shelfie" was coined by a UK comedy writer named Terence Eden in 2014? He combined the words "shelf" and "selfie" to describe this newfound selfie trend among book lovers. It quickly caught on and became the go-to term for bookshelf selfies worldwide. Thanks, Terence, for giving us the perfect word to capture our bookish obsessions!

History behind the term 'Library Shelfie'

2013

The Birth of the Selfie

In 2013, the term 'selfie' gained significant popularity as it became the Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year. A selfie referred to a self-portrait photograph taken by oneself, typically using a smartphone or a digital camera. This marked the beginning of a new era in visual self-expression.

2004

The Birth of the Selfie

In 2004, the term 'selfie' was coined by an Australian man named Nathan Hope. He used it to describe a self-portrait photograph that he took of his busted lip after tripping and falling while drunk at a party. The term quickly gained popularity and became a phenomenon, with smartphones and social media platforms allowing people to easily take and share self-portraits.

2013

The Rise of Bookstagram

In 2013, a new trend called 'bookstagram' emerged on Instagram. Bookstagrammers, avid readers and book lovers, began sharing photos of their favorite books, bookshelves, and reading spots. This created a community of bibliophiles who celebrated literature and aesthetics on social media platforms through captivating book-related images. Bookstagrammers established a new way of showcasing their book collections and sharing their love for reading with others.

2014

Combining Selfies and Libraries

Building on the popularity of selfies, the term 'shelfie' emerged in 2014. The concept behind a shelfie was to take a selfie featuring oneself with a bookshelf in the background, often in a library setting. This trend aimed to showcase not only the individual but also their love for books and the intellectual world.

2014

Introducing the 'Shelfie'

In 2014, a clever play on words led to the birth of 'shelfie.' The term was used by a 28-year-old librarian from New York City, Annie Holland. Annie shared a photo of her beautifully organized bookshelf on Instagram, captioning it as a 'shelfie.' The combination of the popular term 'selfie' and the bookish context was an instant hit among bookstagrammers and book lovers alike. 'Shelfies' became a new way to display book collections, bookshelves, and reading nooks.

2014

The Rise of #LibraryShelfie

With the increasing popularity of shelfies, the hashtag #LibraryShelfie started circulating on social media platforms, particularly Twitter and Instagram. People around the world began sharing their shelfies, capturing the magic of libraries and their personal book collections. The hashtag helped create a sense of community among book lovers and encouraged others to show off their literary treasures.

2014

Library Shelfie Day

In the same year, the American Library Association (ALA) caught wind of the rising trend and decided to embrace it. They designated the fourth Wednesday of January as 'Library Shelfie Day.' The goal was to encourage library visitors to take 'shelfies' in libraries and share them on social media, promoting the love for reading and libraries worldwide. This special day aimed to celebrate the beauty of library collections, highlight the importance of libraries in our communities, and engage people in a fun and interactive way.

2015

Recognizing National Library Shelfie Day

In 2015, the American Library Association (ALA) officially recognized the trend by establishing an annual celebration called National Library Shelfie Day. This day, observed on the fourth Wednesday of January, encourages library patrons to take and share shelfies, promoting libraries as essential community resources and fostering a love for reading.

Present

Continued Shelfie Sharing

Since its inception, the popularity of library shelfies has continued to grow. Libraries around the world actively encourage visitors to take shelfies and share them on social media, promoting their collections and services. The concept of the library shelfie has become a way for individuals to showcase their reading interests, spark conversations about literature, and connect with fellow book lovers in a digital age.