Libraries in Pop Culture

Product images of Baby Yoda READ poster t-shirts

These Baby Yoda Tees Are Perfect for Book Lovers

Last fall, the American Library Association (ALA) debuted a new READ® poster featuring The Mandalorian breakout character The Child, also known as Baby Yoda and Grogu; the first run of the poster sold out almost immediately. Thanks to a collaboration between ALA and Out of Print, the instantly-iconic design is now available as a t-shirt. The tee makes a perfect […]

These Baby Yoda Tees Are Perfect for Book Lovers Read More »

Still from the animated web series Too Loud

These Animated Librarians Have Big Hearts and Big Heads

Animated series such as Hilda, Cleopatra in Space, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power have portrayed libraries in a positive light; Too Loud, a 16-episode, two-season animated comedy web series on YouTube, is another great example of libraries in animation. Created by Nico Colaleo, the series focuses on two clumsy and loud volunteers at

These Animated Librarians Have Big Hearts and Big Heads Read More »

Stephen Colbert video screenshot

Stephen Colbert is Confounded by this Library Potato Mystery

A starchy enigma has been bedeviling staff at the Wayland Free Public Library in Massachusetts: over the past two weeks, potatoes have been inexplicably appearing on the library’s front lawn. This unexplained occurrence has managed to attract national attention, garnering a segment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. “This is the kind of news I hope to

Stephen Colbert is Confounded by this Library Potato Mystery Read More »

Ethan Hawke photo

Ethan Hawke Shares Why You Should Support Your Library

In a new PSA video for the American Library Association, actor, writer, and director Ethan Hawke explains why it’s so important to support our nation’s libraries. “I’m here to talk to you about libraries, one of the most beautiful institutions that mankind has ever created,” he shares. “[Libraries are] a place where people from all backgrounds can

Ethan Hawke Shares Why You Should Support Your Library Read More »

Still from the animated Netflix show Hilda featuring Kaisa the librarian

The Mysterious Librarian in Netflix’s “Hilda” Finally Gets a Name

by Burkely Hermann On December 14, 2020, the second season of Hilda, the beloved British-Canadian animation, premiered on Netflix. The show’s first season introduced one of the most intriguing librarian characters in recent TV memory, and this newest batch of episodes brings even more screen time to the fan-favorite role. Hilda continues to show the

The Mysterious Librarian in Netflix’s “Hilda” Finally Gets a Name Read More »

Shrek movie screenshot

“Shrek,” “The Joy Luck Club,” and 23 Other Movies Join the National Film Registry

The Library of Congress’s National Film Registry preserves hundreds of culturally important works from our nation’s cinematic history—and this month, 25 titles from the past century have been added to the prestigious list. Movies were selected for their culture, aesthetic, or historic significance, and range from blockbusters and Oscar winners to art films and documentaries. Librarian of Congress Carla

“Shrek,” “The Joy Luck Club,” and 23 Other Movies Join the National Film Registry Read More »

mike mills from REM

Why the Rock Icons from R.E.M. Love Libraries

In a new PSA video, legendary multi-instrumentalist Mike Mills shares why he and his R.E.M. bandmates have always supported libraries. “We love literacy,” he explains in the video. “Libraries provide free access to music, movies, and books.” “Libraries provide a place for people of all backgrounds to discover their creative talents and nurture those creative abilities,”

Why the Rock Icons from R.E.M. Love Libraries Read More »

DJ Mixing board

Turn History into Hip-Hop with the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is home to a vast collection of archival audio and video recordings—and now, thanks to the innovative Citizen DJ project, musicians of all skill levels can remix this extensive historical material into unique beats and songs. After debuting as a demo in May, Citizen DJ is now fully launched and available to the

Turn History into Hip-Hop with the Library of Congress Read More »

https://ilovelibraries.org/sites/default/files/larryqa-opengraph.png

Viral Sensation Curbside Larry Talks Libraries and Informercials

This summer, a promotional video for Texas’s Harris County Public Library (HCPL) took the internet by storm, thanks to an instantly legendary character named Curbside Larry. In the clip, Larry dons a cowboy hat and aviator sunglasses to sing the praises of HCPL’s new curbside pick-up services, all with the energy and bravado of a

Viral Sensation Curbside Larry Talks Libraries and Informercials Read More »

Jigsaw puzzle featuring REM's celebrity READ poster

Get This R.E.M. Puzzle for the Shiny Happy People in Your Life

Thirty years ago, beloved rock band R.E.M. posed for the American Library Association (ALA)’s READ campaign to promote the joy of literacy, and the resulting poster became an instant collector’s item. Now, book lovers and music fans can enjoy this iconic image as a jigsaw puzzle, with all sales supporting literacy efforts. On the poster, musicians

Get This R.E.M. Puzzle for the Shiny Happy People in Your Life Read More »

Scroll to Top