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The State of America's Libraries 2023

Adaptation and Innovation in a Time of Censorship: The State of America’s Libraries 2023

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Today, the American Library Association (ALA) kicked off National Library Week with the release of the State of America’s Libraries Report, which tells the story of how libraries are innovating and adapting to improve the well-being of their communities in the midst of censorship challenges. It also includes the highly anticipated list of the most challenged books …

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Photo: Magnus Gulliksen, courtesy of International Library of Fashion Research

Library Passport: Collecting Fashion in Norway

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In the new monthly feature, Library Passport, I Love Libraries will satisfy its neverending wanderlust by highlighting exceptional libraries from around the world. Grab your passport and join us! The Stasjonsmesterboligen, or Station Master’s House, sits at the entrance to the scenic Aker Brygge area of Oslo across from the entrance to Norway’s National Museum. …

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ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall

Librarian Named One of the 100 Most Influential People in the World

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Librarians are definitely rock stars, and now one has been named one of the most influential people in the world! Time has named American Library Association (ALA) Executive Director Tracie D. Hall to the 2023 TIME100, its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Hall is the 10th executive director of …

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Laugh It Up at the Library

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Knock, knock. Who’s there? National Humor Month. National Humor Month who? National Humor Month is NOW! Yes, we know: That was a horrible, terrible, very unfunny joke, but we’re just so excited for National Humor Month, observed every April. Founded in 1976 by Larry Wilde, author and director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, National …

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Hand pulling books from library shelf.

Library Eliminates Fines and Receives More than $400,000 Worth of Returns

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Going fine-free can pay off—just ask Houston (Texas) Public Library (HPL). In January, Houston City Council voted to eliminate fines at HPL to encourage residents to use the library after seeing a decline in users. HPL held an amnesty period from January 18 to February 17 to allow users to return overdue books and materials …

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"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" Stars Want You to Explore the Library

“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” Stars Want You to Explore the Library

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Action, adventure, and fun await at your local library—in books, comics, games, makerspaces, and so much more. The stars of the new film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves think so, too. Justice Smith and Sophia Lillis, who star in the future fantasy classic based on the beloved roleplaying game as the sorcerer Simon Aumar …

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Carlsbad City Library

An Ecosystem of Learning at Carlsbad City Library

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Libraries have long provided services outside the lines of traditional perceptions, providing innovative programs and resources catering to the unique communities they serve. Best practices for developing high-quality, high-impact library services involves alignment with organizational and municipal strategic goals, seeking community input, analyzing demographic data to identify gaps in service, and working with partners to …

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Chinguetti guide

Ancient Libraries Disappearing in the Sahara

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Chinguetti’s libraries are disappearing. The ancient city in Mauritania in eastern Africa is losing a battle with the surrounding Sahara Desert, which is slowly threatening to bury not only Chinguetti but also its 13 libraries—some of which hold manuscripts that date to the 12th century. The Washington Post recently published a fascinating interactive photo essay …

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underground library in Kurkku Gardens

Library Passport: A Subterranean Library in Japan Wows

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In the new monthly feature, Library Passport, I Love Libraries will satisfy its neverending wanderlust by highlighting exceptional libraries from around the world. Grab your passport and join us! A new library in Japan that opened in February invites bookworms to venture underground for a unique reading experience. And it’s a serene beauty. Designed by Hiroshi …

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A Librarian Changed My Life

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A kind gift from a librarian more than 20 years ago changed Sarah Feldman’s life. In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison hit Houston, Texas. More than 70,000 houses were flooded, including the home of 14-year-old avid reader Sarah Feldman and her family. Amongst the belongings destroyed by the floodwaters were all of Feldman’s book. In a …

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