Last weekend, thousands of librarians gathered for the American Library Association’s inaugural LibLearnXvirtual conference, where they had opportunities to hear from authors and luminaries about their work, the value of literacy and education, and the importance of libraries and librarians. Here’s what a few of them had to say: Molly Shannon, actor, comedian, and author …
This morning, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books, digital media, video, and audio books for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards—at the Youth Media Awards, which took place virtually during LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience. Selected by librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards …
Celebrating the Year’s Best Literature for Children and Young Adults Read More »
When COVID-19 struck in early 2020, people across the US found themselves quite suddenly without many essential services—including those offered by their local libraries. When Arlington (Texas) Public Library (APL) closed its doors due to the pandemic, APL community programming librarian Yuliana Aceves stepped up to help her community, leading her to be chosen as a …
I Love My Librarian Award Winner Spotlight: Yuliana Aceves Read More »
January 18 is the National Day of Racial Healing. In its sixth year of observance, it is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for how we heal from the effects of racism. Libraries, librarians, and book lovers across the country are participating in the National Day of Racial Healing …
This is a guest post by Burkely Hermann, the librarian behind Pop Culture Library Review. The Disney Channel young adult animated series, The Owl House, is known for its LGBTQ representation, voice acting, visuals, animation, and writing. Less recognized, however, is the fact that one of the supporting characters, Amity Blight (voiced by Mae Whitman), is …
Books, Magic, and Representation: Libraries and Librarians in The Owl House Read More »
New years bring new resolutions. And for many of us, these resolutions focus on health and fitness. Whether it’s a decision to start eating healthier, a vow to exercise daily, or simply a desire to slow down during the day and practice mindful breathing, we use the new year to as a proverbial restart button …
Are you book wrapt? Reid Byers, author of The Private Library: The History of the Architecture and Furnishing of the Domestic Bookroom (Oak Knoll Press, 2021), coined the phrase to describe the intense feeling of comfort that a well-stocked personal library can provide—be it a room stacked to the ceiling with shelves of books or a …
Thousands of library users from across the United States submit nominations for the American Library Association’s I Love My Librarian Award each year—but only 10 nominees can receive this honor. This year’s winners from academic, public, and school libraries are being recognized for their expertise, dedication, and impact on their communities. “Even in these unprecedented times, …
Fake news has been a problem throughout history. In ancient times, Egyptian pharaohs and Roman emperors would spread lies and propaganda to thwart foes on the battlefield and in the political arena. The invention of the printing press in 1429 allowed for falsehoods to be spread on a wide scale, with newspapers, magazines, and books …
People turn to libraries for everything, from the latest bestselling novels to access to 3-D printers. And increasingly, people are coming to libraries for help with their most pressing needs. Because many of these challenges—such as access to housing for those experiencing homelessness, among other complex issues—are beyond the scope of what most librarians are …
