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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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Amanda Jones book, That Librarian

A Librarian Fights Back

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Amanda Jones, one of the first librarians in the US to file a defamation lawsuit against her detractors, received death threats, online harassment and bullying, and more after making a speech against book censorship at her local library board in July 2022. Jones is telling her story in her debut memoir, “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning,” which will be released later this summer.

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Ethan and Maya Hawke on the set of Wildcat

‘How I Library’ Episode Five: Ethan and Maya Hawke

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In episode five of “How I Library,” I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with Ethan and Maya Hawke about “Wildcat,” their new film about author Flannery O’Connor. They discuss bringing O’Connor to the big screen, as well as their thoughts on book bans and censorship, their book recommendations, and, of course, how they library.

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