James Patterson Donates $50,000 to Librarians
In celebration of the release of his latest nonfiction book, “The Secret Lives of Booksellers & Librarians,” author James Patterson is honoring select American Library Association members with bonuses.
My Love of Brussels Sprouts—and Other Reasons to Celebrate National Library Week
Author and this year’s honorary chair of National Library Week (NLW), Meg Medina, kicks off NLW 2024 by sharing what led her to become an advocate for and lover of libraries.
The Power of Libraries and an Encouraging Mom
Raj Tawney is an essayist and journalist who often writes about family, food, and culture from his multiracial American perspective. His debut memoir, “Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience,” was recently released. His second book, “All Mixed Up,” a middle grade novel, will be released fall 2024. We’re happy to have Tawney share with us the impact that libraries have had on his life and career.
“How I Library” Episode Two with Jesús Trejo
In episode two of “How I Library,” American Library Association Communications Manager and show host Phil Morehart speaks with comedian, actor, and children’s book author Jesús Trejo.
I Love Libraries Launches New Podcast, “How I Library”
The American Library Association and I Love Libraries are proud to release the new podcast “How I Library.” This monthly series will feature authors, filmmakers, musicians, scholars, thought leaders, and, of course, librarians discussing the importance of libraries, their favorite library memories, and issues facing the library world.
Neil Gaiman Donates $25,000 to His Local Library
Neil Gaiman is one of our favorite authors. The mind behind The Sandman, American Gods, Coraline, Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (with Terry Pratchett), and so many more fantastical books is a fierce supporter of libraries. So much so that he recently donated $25,000 to the Woodstock (N.Y.) Library. The funds will go towards a children’s reading circle, a spot for storytimes and group activities at the library’s new location when it opens next year.
Thanks for Participating in Our #HowILibrary Promotion
Every September since 1987, the American Library Association and libraries across the country come together to urge everyone to get a library card. As part of this year’s Library Card Sign-up Month promotion, we asked library lovers to celebrate the value of libraries by sharing on social media how they make the most of their library card using the hashtag #HowILibrary.
Thank you to everyone who participated. We loved seeing your favorite ways to use the library: storytimes and awesome librarians, seed libraries, bird-watching kits, museum passes, summer reading and other great reading programs, and of course, the books, ebooks, and audiobooks.
To sweeten the deal, all social media posts were entered into a random drawing to win selected prizes. Here are the winners:
Grand Prize (1 winner)
Carol Gans of Claverack Free Library in New York is the Grand Prize Winner: A Disney gift card ($150.00 USD value) and a one-year subscription to Disney+ Premium ($109.99 USD value). Carol’s favorite library element is the staff!
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Claverack Free Library (@claverack_library)
First Prize (1 winner)
Beth Cockman is First Prize Winner: A VISA gift card ($150.00 USD value) and choice of one ALA Graphics poster. Beth has a blast at Lee County (N.C.) Libraries’ annual POP!-Con Renaissance Fair and Comic Con.Second Prize Winners (3)
Second Prize winners receive their choice of one ALA Graphics poster. Three winners were selected in the random drawing. Only two are being announced because we’ve had some trouble contacting the third via social media. Check your notifications on social media; you may be our missing winner. If we don’t hear back from the third winner within the next week, we’ll draw another name from the spreadsheet of entries.
Winners Kim Armstrong and Rachel Neff both know how to make the most of their library cards!
When I’m ready to start a new read, I start the search with @hoopladigital and @LibbyApp from my library before checking out @audible#HowILibrary #readingisfundamental pic.twitter.com/6kmyDAVwOu— Kim Armstrong (@karmstr112) September 3, 2023
Last but not least, many thanks to all the authors that told us how they library during Library Card Sign-up Month, including Meg Medina, Mo Willems, Kelly Yang, Brad Meltzer, Bill Konigsberg, Lily Williams, Jerry Craft, Kwame Mbalia, Jenna Lee-Yun, Jason June, and all the comics creators that participated in the ALA Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table #CreatorsGetCarded project.
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It’s a crisp legal pad and a Pilot Precise v5 at the library type of day. Who’s writing?#HowILibrary pic.twitter.com/cBrLLY5oaf— Kwame the Gr8 (@KSekouM) September 8, 2023
Libraries changed my life. I am living, walking proof in the power of libraries! Sept is #LibraryCardSignUpMonth and this is #HowILibrary! ❤️???????? @ALALibrary #FrontDesk #FinallySeen pic.twitter.com/fg6NtiPLHv— Kelly Yang (@kellyyanghk) September 16, 2023
Brad Meltzer: How I Library
New York Times-bestselling author Brad Meltzer credits a librarian with unlocking a word of wonder in him as a child and changing his life forever. He shared his story on social media this Library Card Sign-up Month (using the #HowILibrary hashtag) and has allowed us to share it here. It’s a wonderful memory.
Jenna Lee-Yun: How I Library
Throughout the month of September, we invited authors and library lovers to share a cherished library moment or tell us what they value most about their library using the hashtag #HowILibrary. Thank you to everyone who participated. There have been some wonderful responses: Mo Willems, Lily Williams, Kelly Yang, and Meg Medina, to name a few.
This story really touched our hearts, so we’re reprinting it with the kind consent of author Jenna Lee-Yun.
“Libraries are places for everybody.” A Conversation with Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds is one of the most acclaimed writers of young adult literature in the world. The recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, an NAACP Image Award, and multiple Coretta Scott King honors, Reynolds is the bestselling author of Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks, All American Boys (with Brendan Kiely), Long Way Down, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (with Ibram X. Kendi), Stuntboy, in the Meantime, Stuntboy, In-Between Time, and Ain’t Burned All the Bright, as well as books in the Mile Morales Spider-Man franchise for Marvel Entertainment. And he has great taste in music.
Reynolds spoke with I Love Libraries recently about writing for young readers, the fun and challenges of working in the superhero world, book bans, library memories, music, and more.