Virtual reality (VR) has popped up in many libraries in recent years, sparking everything from senior-focused programs to virtual travel experiences to tween and teen STEAM programs. Using a headset, such as the Oculus, allows participants to immerse themselves into new worlds and experiences. In an academic library, VR can enhance educational takeaways from historical and cultural events and tie into curriculum.
In a special message for I Love Libraries, author Andy Weir—the mind behind the bestselling sci-fi book “Project Hail Mary,” which has been adapted for the big screen in a new film starring Ryan Gosling—shares his love for the library and its limitless offerings and opportunities.
The New York Public Library recently hosted filmmaker Guillermo del Toro for a tour the library’s Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His Circle to explore and experience some of the historical materials in the collection related to Mary Shelley and “Frankenstein.”
February is Library Lovers Month, and to celebrate, audiobook company Libro.fm is giving a free audiobook credit to anyone who donates $15 or more to the American Library Association (ALA) or their local public library or library Friends group now through February 28.
Funded by ALA’s American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries, Alpha Park Public Library’s “Stories from the Bowen Building” podcast series dives into the fascinating history of the Peoria (Ill.) State Hospital, which closed in 1973.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its historic flagship Central Library, Los Angeles Public Library dug into its roots—literally—to uncover a time capsule that was placed in the library’s cornerstone during its original construction.
The Illinois Fire Service Institute Library in Champaign, Illinois, provides fire and emergency library and information assistance to the Fire Institute’s instructional staff, students, and more than 1,000 Illinois fire departments and 42,000 Illinois firefighters. Through ALA’s American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries, the library is creating the Children Fire Safety Literacy Reading and Discussion Program, which uses history, biography, and fiction to teach children about fire safety.
What do “The Karate Kid,” “Clueless,” “Before Sunrise,” and “The Big Chill” have in common (besides being great films that hold-up over multiple watches)? They’ve all been added to the National Film Registry for 2025 by the Library of Congress.
A children’s book enjoyed a spectacular trip around the world before coming home to a Virginia library 36 years after it was checked out.
Milwaukee Public Library’s social media presence is famous beyond the library world. We went behind the scenes with the duo responsible for their videos.
