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James McBride

James McBride to Receive 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction

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The Library of Congress has awarded the 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction to James McBride. One of the Library’s most prestigious awards, the annual prize honors an American literary writer whose body of work is distinguished not only for its mastery of the art but also for its originality of thought and imagination. The award commends strong, unique, enduring voices that tell us something essential about the American experience.

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banned books

School District Bans Book About Book Banning

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The school district of Indian River County, Florida, voted in May to remove Alan Gratz’s 2017 novel, presciently titled “Ban This Book,” from its shelves, overruling its own review committee which had recommended that the district retain the book. “Ban This Book” follows a fictional fourth grader who tries to check out her favorite book from her school library only to find it’s been removed due to a ban. She rebels by starting a secret banned-book library.

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PLA tech survey cover art

New Survey Looks at Evolving Tech Trends in Libraries

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This week, the Public Library Association published its 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report which looks at emerging trends around technology, patron resources, infrastructure, digital literacy, and staffing in U.S. public libraries. This data is vital to understanding how libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation and evolve to meet community needs.

The report addresses questions such as: How are library professionals advancing digital equity in their communities? What types of technology devices do libraries loan to patrons, and are more or fewer libraries offering these items compared to 2020? What are the primary challenges libraries face in providing technology resources and services?

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Raj Tawney at the Baker & Taylor booth in the Library marketplace at the 2024 ALA Annual Conference.

Finding Belonging at the World’s Largest Library Conference

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ALA’s Annual Conference is the largest library conference in the world. It’s 2024 event, held June 27–July 2 in San Diego, was my first, and I was honored to be surrounded by librarians from around the world as I promoted my debut middle-grade novel, “All Mixed Up.” Librarians have always been special to my family and me. Since the days of accompanying my mom to our local branch, I’ve felt a sense of acceptance and encouragement within library walls. And now, I was able to see up-close how libraries are innovating their spaces and serving their communities.

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How I Library with Paula Poundstone

‘How I Library’ Episode Six: Paula Poundstone

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In episode six of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with comedian Paula Poundstone.

Poundstone is an iconic standup comic, a panelist on NPR’s news quiz show, “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” the host of the podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone,” and an actor in numerous TV shows and films. She’s also a longtime supporter of libraries.

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Teen Writers Explore the Importance of the Freedom to Read

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The New York Public Library has announced the 21 winners of its National Teen Writing Contest, which asked teens across the country, “Why is the freedom to read important to you?” The contest, which ran from October to December last year, is part of NYPL’s Books for All campaign that celebrates and raises awareness about the freedom to read in response to the alarming rise in book bans and challenges around the country.

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Coretta Scott King Book Awards seal

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Celebrate 55th Anniversary

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This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards. Presented annually by the American Library Association, the awards serve as a guide for parents, librarians, and caregivers for the most outstanding books for youth by African American authors and illustrators that affirm African American culture and universal human values.

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