The Villa Park Public Library, 301 S. Ardmore Ave., is busy gearing up for its celebration of the 50th annual National Library Week, Sunday to Saturday, April 13 to 19.

This year’s theme is “Join the Circle of Knowledge @ Your Library.” The week will provide many special events for patrons of all ages.

National Library Week was first observed in 1958. There was concern in the 1950s that people were spending more time with radios and television than at the library.

The American Library Association formed a citizen’s organization called the National Book Committee. The group’s goal was to encourage reading as a leisure activity. The ALA started National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries more regularly.

Today, the week is used as a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries — school, academic and special — participate in National Library Week.

The week kicks off with a musical program called The Best of Broadway at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12. The popular musical duo Bill and Susan Goldman will perform Broadway favorites. Call adult services at (630) 834-1164 to save your seat.

Kids should plan on attending the popular Paws to Read program from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13 and Saturday, April 19. Schedule an appointment to read to one of two sweet and lovable certified therapy dogs who patiently will listen and gently encourage children to do their best. This program is for new and emerging readers in kindergarten to second grade. Call youth services at (630) 834-1176 to register.

Monday, April 14, is a great day to bring in your young ones. Babies and Books will give babies, 6 to 17 months and accompanied by an adult, the opportunity to enjoy this fun program that emphasizes language enrichment through interactive songs, stories and rhymes. It is from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Call to register.

Also on Monday, little ones ages 17 to 35 months accompanied by an adult will love Toddler Time. They’ll hear stories, do musical activities and rhyming games and just enjoy some playtime. Call to register for either time: 9:30-10 a.m. or 10:30-11 a.m.

The older kids will have programs to enjoy. Dance Dance Revolution from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, will let kids learn, improve or show off their dance moves. There will be refreshments and other games for those who don’t dance. Drama-Rama from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, will give kids in grades three to nine the chance to do what kids do best: Be dramatic. The kids will read and perform short plays and poems.

No registration is required for these two programs.

Call ahead and reserve your spot for The Adventurers from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Friday, April 18. Geared for grades three to five, this program will explore new worlds through books, games and crafts. Also on the 18th, stop in to see magician Dave Meyer present “The Magic of American Heroes” as he brings his fun and interactive magic show to the library. A famous mystery guest from the past is scheduled to appear. All ages are welcome. The program starts at 7 p.m.

At 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, the library is hosting its first poetry reading. Do you have a poem, but haven’t had a chance to share it with an audience? Well here is your chance to share an original or favorite poem with a captive audience. Call ahead to register.