News and Updates

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Chicago’s 81 Club: How Automatic Library Access Is Transforming Student Learning

July 20, 2026

In April 2026, the Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Public Library systems announced the expansion of a previously piloted program known as the 81 Club. Under this expansion, CPS student IDs now function as automatic library cards—no applications, paperwork, or guardian signatures required. The 81 Club removes long-standing barriers to reading, tutoring, and digital learning.

When a President Says “I Don't Believe in Building Libraries”

July 17, 2026

Earlier this year, President Trump made headlines when he was asked what shape he wanted his presidential library to take—a presidential library traditionally serves as a repository for documents and information generated during a president’s time in office. Instead of describing a space dedicated to historic preservation and public learning, Trump said, “I don’t believe in building libraries,” and indicated that he would prefer this symbol of his federal legacy to resemble one of his hotels.

The Federal Book Ban Bill is on the Calendar!

July 16, 2026

The federal book ban bill, H.R. 7661, has been placed on the legislative calendar. That means it has cleared committee and is now eligible to be brought before the full House for debate and a vote. If passed, the Federal Government will gain control of your local school libraries.

So You Want to Be a Librarian: The Pathway to a Uniquely Rewarding Career

July 15, 2026

Not every staff member you meet at your public library is a librarian. While public libraries are stocked with knowledgeable staff in every field you can imagine, the librarian role is a very specific one, requiring skills and expertise far beyond the keeping and shelving of books. These professionally trained information specialists hold advanced degrees, and their responsibilities sit at a very distinct intersection of education, social services, and civic life.

10 Best On-Screen Librarians

July 13, 2026

Librarians may be the last people expected to show up in pop culture, but in fact, they have for decades. After all, the stereotype of the “shushing” librarian is something most patrons understand is a myth, so portraying library workers as the heroes they often are makes more sense. (Or, in the case of Parks and Recreation or Bob’s Burgers, the stereotype may be turned on its head and inside out.)

Students Are Checking Out More Books: The Surprising Upside of Phone-Free Schools

July 10, 2026

“Students are better off. They’re eating lunch together, talking in the hallways, making eye contact, checking out more library books, and rediscovering what it feels like to just be in a room together.”

July School Library Musings: Summer Reading Rocks!

July 08, 2026

Longtime educator Deborah Salyer’s job title at the online literacy portal TeachingBooks sounds all business: Implementation and Training Specialist. But in truth, Deb is all about the fun, so we called her up to see what she had to recommend to keep kids immersed in reading over the summer. She knew exactly what we were looking for.

The Wildest Things Libraries Teach in Summer

July 06, 2026

For many children, summertime means staying up late, enjoying days at the beach, and spending time with friends. However, for their caregivers, worries about summer learning loss tend to creep in. Thankfully, public libraries are here to help.

How Libraries Are Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

July 03, 2026

As milestones go, a country’s semiquincentennial—its 250th birthday—is pretty major. On July 4, 2026, the US celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and plans are in place across the country: fairs, parades, block parties, volunteer events, and even the creation of a time capsule.

Samantha Mills: Preservation of History Never Ends

June 25, 2026

Samantha Mills’s short story “Rabbit Test” won the Nebula, Locus, and Sturgeon awards, and her collection Rabbit Test and Other Stories was released by Tachyon Publications in April. In addition to her work as a writer, she’s an archivist in a local historical society, managing both their archival collections and their research library. We caught up with Mills recently to talk about her work as an archivist and how it influences her creative work.

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