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Preserving the Past, Empowering the Present

February 10, 2026

Author positionality: This article was authored by Tabitha C. Hilliard, a contributing writer to EveryLibrary on Medium. Ms. Hilliard identifies as a White, cisgender individual of privilege with a professional background in archaeology and library science. Ms. Hilliard’s experiences in the world have likely cultivated unconscious biases that may or may not influence the writing of this article, which introduces the importance of genealogical research for African-American families and notes historical barriers, and explains why library support is vital. Ms. Hilliard, recognizing the sensitivity of the topic and her own limited experience with African American genealogy research, invited Debra Blacklock‑Sloan — a fifth‑generation Texan and native Houstonian — to share her expertise.

From Solitary to Yale: How Books Helped One Man Reimagine What Life Could Be

February 06, 2026

Black History Month is here, and there’s no better time to learn about Reginald Dwayne Betts. He’s a Black lawyer and a poet with several acclaimed collections to his name, as well as a memoir. His many honors include being a 2010 Soros Justice Fellow, a 2011 Radcliffe Fellow, a 2012 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellow, and a 2021 recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation grant. It should come as no surprise that books and reading have played key roles in his life and career. In fact, as a teen, he was in gifted programs and was an honor student in his high school.

The Other Free Speech Clause

February 03, 2026

On a sunny April day at Princeton University, a young man was hanging out, engaging in a bit of political activity, when he was suddenly arrested by campus police. The case got a lot of media coverage, more so when the man was convicted in municipal court of criminal trespass.

What Did Libraries Do for Martin Luther King Day?

January 30, 2026

While most libraries are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, some take the opportunity to promote and celebrate the work and wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Free Access to Banned Books: Anythink’s Freedom to Read Collection

January 27, 2026

With the rise of book bans in recent years, libraries have been working hard to stop censorship and protect intellectual freedom. Librarians know that most people do not support book bans and that their community members strongly value their libraries. Yet, they still face constant threats from a small minority of people demanding these bans.

Boston Is Building Homes Above Libraries—And It’s Changing Lives

January 23, 2026

As housing costs continue to rise across the country, many families are finding it harder than ever to stay rooted in the communities they love. In Boston, where rents have climbed steadily for years, the search for a stable, affordable home can feel overwhelming. But an innovative partnership is showing that libraries—long trusted as community anchors—can also be part of the housing solution.

Helping Families Feel Welcome: How Alabama Libraries Support Newcomers

January 20, 2026

When a family relocates, the hardest part isn’t unpacking boxes. It’s finding a place that feels steady and welcoming. Libraries across the country often play that role, bringing newcomers into the community. Two recent stories from My Alabama Library illustrate how libraries help families move from feeling like outsiders to feeling at home.

Be Mighty: A Community-Centered Food Support System in Little Rock

January 16, 2026

The Be Mighty food support network is a neighborhood-centered anti-hunger initiative that positions the public library as more than a place for books — it’s a hub for food access, nutrition education, and connection to public benefits. Launched as a concentrated effort to address food insecurity among kids and families, Be Mighty has grown into a multipronged network of meal distribution, small neighborhood pantries, outreach, and referral services that meet people where they are.

What Goes Into Providing Digital Services at Libraries?

January 13, 2026

Libraries offer many free services to their communities, making them a lifeline for people who can’t afford to pay for those services themselves. One of the most essential resources libraries provide is digital access. It’s a necessity in today’s world—one not everyone can afford—so libraries have worked to close the digital divide by offering a variety of digital services, such as e-books, audiobooks, and databases.

Send a Postcard to Support the National Right To Read Act!

January 09, 2026

Across the country, the freedom to read is under attack. Books are being removed from shelves, librarians are being targeted, and students are losing access to diverse, age-appropriate materials that reflect their lives and expand their understanding of the world.
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