Libraries Help Preserve Histories with Memory Labs

Making memories is nothing new, and the ability to save those memories and preserve them for future generations is something that libraries are experts in. Memory Labs are sprouting up at libraries around the country with the main purpose of helping community memories digitize their personal memories. These labs are stocked with the technology, equipment, and expertise needed to guide people through the process. Memory Labs are do-it-yourself spaces where the public can come in and use state-of-the-art and rare equipment provided by public libraries to work on personal archiving projects. They are easy and convenient to use and just another way that libraries are providing a useful service for their patrons. Several of these initiatives were started by the Memory Lab Network (MLN) and have led to dozens of library partnerships across the United States.

The Secret to Your Child’s Reading Success is the Library

Public Libraries Lift Elementary Literacy Skills Homeschoolers, distance learners, and traditional elementary school students can access incredible reading resources and expert aid at the local library. I’m a former elementary school teacher as well as a librarian. Over the years, I’ve learned from personal experience, as well as educational research, that many students need extra support in terms of meeting reading goals. If your young reader is struggling, she is not alone.Data from 2019 indicates that only 35% of 4th grade students performed at or above NAEP proficient reading levels. (Source: NAEP.gov) Public libraries offer supplemental reading programs, literacy tutoring, student book clubs, and online tools which can each make reading success fun and attainable. Visit your public library (or the library website) today and learn more about programming and resources for your elementary school child. Libraries provide much-needed guidance and literacy materials that promote student reading success.The states which lead the nation in reading scores also report circulating more children’s materials at public libraries. (Source: ALA.org) Check out the example resources below, many of which may be offered by your local public library.

Reading Up and Down the East Coast

As states slowly open back up and the warm summer months begin, many Americans are itching to be out traveling and exploring again. Route 1 Reads is just the transition needed for those looking to take a road trip either physically or from the comforts of home. This partnership between the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and affiliates takes place along U.S. Route 1 which spans the eastern seaboard. Readers can pack up the reading list to take with them on their journey or follow along at home. U.S. Route 1 This United States highway is the major road that runs from the northern tip of the east coast to the southern. Also known as the longest north to south route in the United States, U.S. Route 1 runs 2,369 miles and takes travelers from North Kent, Maine right outside of the Canadian border to Key West, Florida. This highway hits most major cities on the East Coast which means those driving along it can expect to pass through Philly, New York City, Washington D.C. Richmond, and Miami among many others. This highway of history holds over 300 years of stories. In the past, this path was used by early settlers and even used by the first U.S. president to travel in times of peace and war. Nowadays, we use it to travel along the coast for business and sightseeing.

Oh, the Fun to be Had!

Libraries aren’t just for hard work and business. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind but libraries can provide hours of entertainment to community members through the free resources they offer, community partnerships, and fun programming. Public libraries exist at the center of their communities and are always looking for ways to reach out to all types of individuals so that there is something for everyone. There’s plenty of creative ideas from library staff and entertainment that can be accessed for free with just a library card. Form programs for all ages and interests to passes, gear, and experiences you can check out from the library, it’s the best way to get going again as Americaa opens back up. The next time you’re looking for ideas or needing entertainment to supply your night of fun or relaxation, look no further than your local library.

Build Your Teen’s Audiobook Shelf with AudiobookSYNC

Now in its twelfth year, AudioFile Magazine’s AudiobookSYNC program returns at the end of April through the beginning of August. With no strings attached, this event is available free and worldwide to individuals 13 and up, particularly focusing on teens. Each week during the program, a pair of audiobooks is available for download on the SYNC website. Unlike either commercial sales or library lending, these audiobooks are free to keep (for about 100 years) once downloaded. They are from a variety of publishers, feature current titles, stellar narrations, and a wide range of listening lengths and topics to reach the enormous diversity of interests listeners (and potential listeners) have.

Finding the History of a Culture in Library Cookbook Collections

Library Cookbook Collections Of course, libraries have books of all kinds. But you may not be aware that there are many libraries across the U.S., mostly university libraries, that have special collections involving cookbooks. They can range from generalized collections to specialized archives, including New York Public Library’s Dorot Jewish Division that has more than 2,500 Jewish cookbooks, to the University of Alabama’s David Walker Lupton African American Cookbook Collection, to the University of Iowa’s Szathmary Culinary Manuscripts & Cookbook Collection, which contains a wide variety of cooking-related publications. Many of these collections are available to the general public, not just faculty and staff. To gain an understanding of why these types of collections are valuable, and why they matter to people outside the university setting, I talked with Kristen Nyitray, director of special collections and university archives at Stony Brook University on Long Island, and with Megan Kocher, science librarian at the University of Minnesota. Nyitray oversees the Jacqueline M. Newman Chinese Cookbook Collection, and Kocher works with the Doris S. Kirschner Cookbook Collection.

A Librarian Responds to Blinkist, Speed Reading, and Other Reading Shortcuts

Spoiler Alert: He doesn’t loath them, but…

The Library In America

Today’s public library is a vibrant place, housing books, movies and music, giving access to the internet and offering a wide variety of free programming while remaining as ever a ‘third place,’ not home or work, for people to gather and build community. Yet, like most long-lived institutions, it’s easy to think libraries of the past looked similar to libraries today. Given that this hub has existed in our country since 1731 (before we even WERE a country) they have evolved quite a bit in that time. Let’s go on a journey to see the ever-shifting story of libraries in America.

5 Alternatives to Amazon for Your Books From A Librarian

There are plenty of options when it comes to trying out a new book. Many people depend on Amazon Marketplace for fast and easy book purchases. But, many more people are trying to find alternatives to this book giant. That’s because this tech giant is not always the best option for those who want to be conscious about where they’re spending their money. Amazon not only dominates the market to the extent of causing small, local business owners to close shop, but they have also exercised their monopoly by withholding copies of books from public libraries or charging exorbitant prices for ebooks. For those who are interested in finding other ways to indulge in their reading passions, there are alternative sites, stores, and organizations to support. It’s completely possible to get access to books without contributing to large companies like Amazon.

What is the “Library of Things”?

The Library of Things is just one of the many libraries out there that offer their communities access to random necessities. Those looking for anything from board games to a lawn mower can take a look into the library’s inventory and, most likely, walk away with what they were looking for. A library of things is not as new of an invention as you would think. Libraries all around the world have different collections of things they feel may be useful or relevant to their community.