The Book: A Fantastic Piece of Technology

When you think of the world technology, what comes to mind? Odds are big machines, like planes, trains and automobiles, and things with screens and plugs. However, if you look at the dictionary definition of the word, ‘the use of science in industry, engineering, ect., to invent useful things to solve problems,’ the idea of a ‘technology’ expands to include everyday items such as a pencil, a cloths hanger, a mailbox and, yes, a book. And, like all technology, the modern book involved several abandoned formats and went through recognizable stages to get to its current level of acceptance.

Tribal Libraries Focused on Preservation of Culture and Languages

Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library sciences is an independent federal agency that supports museums and libraries in the country through grants, policy development, and research. It was created in 1996 and has made it its mission to inspire libraries and museums to transform the lives of individuals and communities. With their work, the IMLS hopes to promote learning, build and strengthen the capacity of libraries and museums, and increase public access to resources. The IMLS strategically aligns its resources and relationships to aid libraries and museums. There are several grants being awarded every year that libraries and museums can apply for. These grants are expansive in what they cover and were created to accommodate different sizes and types of projects and institutions. A few of these include museum grants for African American history and culture, leadership grants for libraries, grants for small museums, and many others. A full list can be found on the IMLS website.

Libraries: Where Populations Become Communities

Many people discover the different types of library spaces when looking for a book or somewhere in their community to hold a meeting. This is one reason why libraries continue to thrive in the Internet era. Even when people can find a lot of information and entertainment online the library as a place is still a draw and provides internet access.

Develop a Mindfulness Practice With Support From Your Local Library

How libraries can help you feel happier, calmer, and more focused You may have heard the term mindfulness tossed around even if though you may not have known what this self-care practice involves. Perhaps you imagined a person sitting cross-legged and chanting Om with their eyes closed. While meditation is one of the most commonly practiced mindfulness techniques, plenty of others are worth trying, and you can learn about them all at your local library.

IMLS Grants Help Create and Sustain Better Libraries for Everyone

Libraries and museums rely heavily on funding from grants to help supplement their financial needs in hosting events, running programs, and completing special projects in their community. Luckily, there are organizations in place that are dedicated to helping these institutions do the work they need. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is one of many supporters of libraries and museums across the country. Thanks to their contributions, thousands of awards have been distributed.

The Teen Space Every Neighborhood Needs is at the Library

The fact that public libraries hold a wealth of information is something that most people know and appreciate. However, for teens who are being exposed to new ideas for the first time and trying to navigate complicated classes, awkward social lives, and changing bodies, the library becomes an even more valuable resource. Libraries are one of the best places for teens to learn, discover, and grow. Not only are they consistently developing more programs and obtaining materials that would be useful for them, they also have specific groups, events, and sections of the library that are catered specifically to this age group.

Best Library Stories of 2021 So Far

Libraries show there are still some amazing events happening in the world. From budget cuts to pandemic closings, there are a lot of negatives that can overshadow the work that is being done on a daily basis for communities across the country. Sometimes all we need is a break from social media feeds to dive into some feel-good stories. While the year is still months from over, let’s take time to touch on some of the successes that the library community has experienced so far.

Veterans Find Awesome Support at Your Library

If you were to ask me to tell you why libraries are so amazing, I’d have a lot to say. I am, after all, a librarian! However, one aspect of libraries which I really love is that they are great equalizers as entities that protect all Americans’ right to freedom of information. All Americans deserve the right to free speech and low to no cost programming, materials, and services.

Libraries Are The Key To Literacy

It won’t come as a surprise that literacy is important to libraries — after all, they’re the repository of vast quantities of reading materials they want people to be able to use. But there are considerably more reasons for libraries to support literacy efforts. From learning to read so children can read to learn through to work, health, and civic life libraries are focused on making sure everyone can read at their own level.

Libraries Can Help in Times of Stress, Uncertainty, and Burnout

Americans are struggling with excessive stress, anxiety, or burnouts find that it affects all aspects of their lives — from work to social circles and family. This is why many libraries have created initiatives to not only bring awareness to mental health but also ways to maintain good mental health and work through trying times.