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The High Stakes of E-Rate: What Los Angeles Just Lost and Why America Can’t Afford to Follow

November 18, 2025

The Los Angeles County Library has recently announced the abrupt end of its long-running laptop lending program. For many Angelenos, these laptops were more than convenient; they were a lifeline. Yet due to steep cuts and administrative complications tied to E-Rate funding, the program could no longer be sustained, and thousands of residents who relied on the service have been left stranded in a digital desert.

When Libraries Do More Than Congress: Food-for-Fines in American Libraries

November 17, 2025

Across the country, public libraries are running “food for fines” campaigns for Thanksgiving and the Holidays. These are programs where patrons can pay off late fees by donating canned goods or other non-perishable items to benefit those in need.  

Culturally Connected Literacy: The Impact of the Indigenous Library Program

November 11, 2025

Little Free Library (LFL) is a nonprofit organization located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Its mission is “to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes.” The Indigenous Library Program, an LFL program born from the Native Library Initiative, is committed to providing book-sharing boxes on tribal lands in Indigenous communities at no cost. The program launched in June 2023, in an effort to bring books to “book deserts” in Indigenous communities.

The Comstock Act and Its Impact on Libraries Today

November 07, 2025

Can librarians resist the criminalization of their work?

Louisiana liar and Harasser Apologizes to Librarian

November 04, 2025

During the July 11, 2022, library board meeting for the Livingston Parish Library, public school librarian Amanda Jones spoke out against an attempt to remove LGBTQ books from the public library in her hometown.

Get in Touch with Your Inner Artist at the Library

November 04, 2025

Ever catch yourself saying, “I wish I could draw,” but then stop because you think art classes are too pricey or you’re not sure where to start? You’re definitely not alone. Many of us have that creative itch we never quite scratch.

Language Learning and Community Building: How Carnegie Corporation Grants Support Libraries

October 31, 2025

Libraries welcome people from all walks of life and provide access to free educational resources. No other institution offers such a wealth of information at no cost, making libraries a unique and vital fixture in their communities. Given this singular role, libraries strive to meet the specific needs of their patrons through specialized programs and other resources.

Trump Is Coming After the U.S. Copyright Office!

October 29, 2025

In a stunning power grab, Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to let him fire the head of the U.S. Copyright Office — even though a lower court ruled that she doesn’t answer to the White House.

At the Library, Sandy Nork Feels Free

October 28, 2025

Sandy Nork, author of the books Special Risk and Flood Risk, served as a public librarian for over twenty years at both local and state levels in Pennsylvania. Before that, she was a fabric inspector, an envelope stuffer, an inventory control clerk, and a customer service rep for welding wire. But she says that once you’re a librarian, you’re pretty much always a librarian. And she has always been a writer.

From Book Sales to Big Impact: What Friends Groups Do for Libraries

October 22, 2025

When people think about public libraries, an image of librarians hard at work shelving books usually comes to mind. While librarians are undoubtedly essential, in reality, libraries often don’t thrive on staff alone. They rely on a combination of financial support, volunteerism, and political advocacy. Among these supporters are Friends of Libraries, volunteer-run organizations that help public libraries nationwide. October 19–25 is National Friends of Libraries Week. Here’s what these groups do—and how you can get involved.
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