Martin Luther King Day was signed into law as a federal holiday in 1983 — 15 years after it was first proposed. The day is observed each year to recognize the accomplishments and contributions Dr. King made to American history and civil rights, and to honor his life of service to the American people. 

In honor of the nation's bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford was the first to issue a proclamation marking Black History Month in 1976, encouraging all Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." 

First designated a week-long celebration in 1981 by Congress, Women's History Month did not become a 30-day celebration until 1987 after a petition from the National Women's History Project. It was not until 1995 that annual presidential proclamations were issued to formally designate March as Women's History Month.

President Biden declared the first Arab American Heritage Month in 2022, calling for the nation to learn more about the history and achievements of Arab Americans and to reflect on the contributions Arab Americans have made to our culture and country. Over 2.2 million Americans have Arab ancestry, tracing their roots back to the 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa that make up the Arab world.

Created to promote acceptance and raise awareness, Autism Acceptance Month encourages people to celebrate differences by sharing information, honoring experiences, and supporting inclusion and connectedness.

First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day was created by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes to draw attention to the environment and our impact on it. The first annual observance drew 20 million Americans to events and demonstrations and led to the creation of the EPA, and creation of laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

Known as the "largest literary celebration in the world," National Poetry Month began in 1996 and continues today with observations from publishers, professors, librarians, writers, students, teachers, and individuals throughout the country. Read or share your favorite poem to celebrate, or write your own to celebrate the art and beauty of poetry.

Encompassing the entire Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month covers a broad spectrum of experience. The annual celebration became a month-long event in 1990 and highlights the important contributions Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have made to our culture and history.

Established in 2006 by President George W. Bush, Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the history and cultural traditions of Jewish Americans. Highlighing diverse perspectives and achievements, the month seeks to celebrate nearly 400 years of lived experiences and honor the contributions made throughout American history.

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. In May, RHPL joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Libraries can help fight stigma, provide support options, and educate the public about mental illness. 

On June 19, 1865, two years after the 13th amendment abolishing slavery was adopted, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas and announced to over 250,000 enslaved people that they were free. The holiday known as Juneteenth was celebrated annually as early as 1866 and was made a federal holiday in 2021.

Pride Month is held in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a demonstration in which people gathered to protest the harassment and unfair treatment of LGBT Americans. Recognized annually since 1970, the month seeks to recognize the struggle, contributions, and history of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Disability Pride Month celebrates the many achievements of the disability community and highlights the work that still needs to be done by all to support, honor, and remove barriers to access for people with disabilities.

Established in 1981 by the United Nations National Assembly, the International Day of Peace serves to promote peace and reminds people and governments to work toward peace always. It encourages commemorations through education and observances throughout the world.

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The span of dates over two months marks the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.

Officially adopted by 19 states (including Michigan) and formally commemorated by President Biden beginning in 2021, Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the resiliency, history, and culture of Indigenous people.

First established as a national heritage month in 1990 by George H.W. Bush, Native American Heritage Month commemorations go back as far as 1915. Each year the month recognizes the contributions and history of native people in the United States.

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 in honor of the 1918 armistice between Allied countries and Germany that effectively ended World War I. President Woodrow Wilson first recognized Veterans Day in 1919. The holiday calls our attention to the service and sacrifices of our veterans.