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Libraries, Segregation, and Civil Rights

October 26, 2020

Librarians have a reputation for upholding the rights of their communities by creating protected spaces for people of all backgrounds. This is why it is surprising to many people that libraries used to be spaces that participated in acts of injustice towards the Black community. These stories need to be heard, however, and libraries and library organizations across the country are working to address this dark period of our nation’s history

The Largest Classroom in the (Online) School

October 23, 2020

Navigating the remote learning classroom is the newest hurdle in parenting. Parents are not concerned with how to manage their student’s new schedules and learning environments, they are also faced with added fears such as their student falling behind in studies or being put in a mentally unhealthy space as a result of learning conditions during the pandemic. While there are plenty of resources available and educators are working twice as hard to make students feel supported, there is also a major source of help available to parents and students in school libraries. School libraries are an overlooked support system that play diverse roles in students’ lives. With stressful events brought about by COVID-19 and new changes happening on a daily basis, students need a place to get away from it all. School libraries aid parents with remote learning and support students by looking after their well-being.

Military Families and Public Libraries

October 21, 2020

Libraries are uniquely positioned to support military families in a variety of ways. From ensuring that all ages are able to easily access resources like books and job searching materials to welcoming new families into town, libraries were built as a space for learning and connecting. It is well-known that military families have to move around often. In fact, many families move every two to three years — and some move more frequently. The United States facilitates around 450,000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves for military families each year. This means family units with spouses and kids are being uprooted from their comfort zone and need to adapt to new environments constantly. The local public library near base is one destination in any new town that is open and consistent to offer support for new faces.

Top 10 Fundraising Strategies for Friends of The Library Groups and Foundations

October 19, 2020

If you look past the seemingly endless shelves of books, you’ll find that libraries are significant centers of learning, professional development, and community. At your local library, you can find jobs, explore different perspectives, research new ideas, be inspired by stories, and so much more. There’s something for everyone at the library, and all of the library’s services are available for free thanks to support from Friends of the Library groups and foundations.

We Are All Living Through History. Let’s Make Sure to Archive It.

October 14, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many new experiences for everyone. Along with the experiences, there have also been a flood of new experiences and materials representative of the COVID era that communities have been working to preserve. Libraries and archives across the country have created COVID archives projects which consist of collecting stories documented across a variety of formats. From audio and video to photographs and journals, these archive projects are hoping to preserve the unique voices and experiences of people living through this historical crisis. Most states have multiple institutions running these projects and are inviting community members to submit.

Be An Armchair Archivist And Help Make History Discoverable

October 05, 2020

COVID-19 has left many people stuck in their homes with some free time in their schedules. But life in quarantine does become repetitive and many are itching to get back to normal lives where they are able to contribute to society and make an impact. One great suggestion to look into is contributing to the processes of digitizing collections of archival objects and materials relevant to humanity’s history. Many archives, library, and museum organizations are looking for volunteer transcribers to help review online materials and transcribe them so that they become easily searchable on the internet. It is pretty easy to set up shop as an armchair archivist and many organizations are looking for “volunpeers” to contribute to the process.

The Secret Weapon To Great Research Papers: Databases

September 30, 2020

We all know Google; we use it every day. But have you heard of Academic Search Premier, WorldCat, Gale Academic OneFile, Reference USA or NoveList? All these and more can be found through the ‘Research’ tab on your public and school library websites.

Libraries Answer The Challenge During COVID

September 29, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown everyone for a loop. Schools, businesses, hospitals, etc. have all had to learn how to adapt to the new environment that 2020 has brought. Libraries are no different. Faced with the challenge of continuing to provide resources to patrons and ensuring the community gets access to what they need, libraries and librarians have employed a vast array of creative ideas. In addition to working around recent budget constraints and the growing needs of communities for technology and materials, libraries in the COVID age have their work cut out for them. Earlier in the year, many libraries across the country and the world were subject to stay-at-home orders required by the government. However, these learning institutions did not use the time at home to relax or put a pause on services. Instead, librarians reworked their systems and procedures so that they could continue serving the community, expanding resources, and preparing for when libraries would be allowed to allow in-person interactions again. Take a look at some of the innovative ideas that libraries have begun implementing.

How Libraries are Helping Communities Thrive During COVID-19?

September 24, 2020

The first true public library in the United States was founded by 1848 while the first lending library in the U.S. was founded in 1731 (ALA, 2020). Regardless of which of those two dates is most accurate, libraries across the United States have been around for a long time. During that time, the nation has experienced many challenges, changes, wars, recessions, and health crises. Despite all of the events that have occurred during the past 200 years or so, libraries have not only survived, but thrived. I believe that the past is often the best indicator of the future. We are all learning to live in a CoVID-19 world and this time has brought us new uncertainties. The pandemic has also underscored the fact that we are resilient, and that each of us is even stronger when working together to create solutions.

Supercharge Your Little Free Library

September 24, 2020

Little Free Libraries (LFLs) are one of the largest book-sharing movements in the world. These small, wooden boxes have been appearing in neighborhoods everywhere and offer an easy book exchange for those looking to discover new reads and share some of their favorite books as well. These libraries are useful because they offer books 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to those looking for something new to dive into. Little Free libraries function on an honor system. Basically, if you take a book out of the library for yourself, you’re expected to pay it forward by leaving a book for someone in the future to come across and take.
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