4 Guiding Library Lights (and one cool initative)

Like every other profession, modern librarians owe the standard practices and innovations on those that came before. The history of library science in America includes some amazing people. It also includes some less than noble ones. The following are five of the librarians that laid the foundation that exist in libraries today.

Libraries Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life

It is easy to remember that enlisting in the military involves some major lifestyle changes for the new recruits. But at the other end of the service, especially if they remained in the military for years, the transition back can be equally challenging. Veterans and their families may have become accustomed to frequently changing hometowns, or weeks and months with one parent if the other was deployed. They’re also used to being part of a community of other military members, to the point of having their own lingo. But when they leave the military, they must adjust to the new normal, which often involves changing careers. As always, many libraries have identified these needs and are working to fill them.

Libraries Empower Parents to Make Smart Choices for Their Children

Libraries provide a variety of services for all types of people and situations. An important role in a library’s work in the community is helping community members prepare for a better future. What better way to do this than helping those who are raising the next generation? There are endless resources that libraries can give to parents that guide them through raising their children. Libraries never force ideas but rather empower people to make smart choices for themselves. When parents have the right tools, they can make better choices for their children.

A Potato Mystery at the Wayland Free Public Library

Here is a story that will baffle you just as much as it has baffled the public librarians at Wayland Free Public Library. There aren’t too many unexpected encounters that librarians have, especially on a regular day at work. However, many were left confused when mysterious potatoes began showing up on the lawn of the library. These random appearances were not only a curious mystery for those in town to become engaged with, they were also a humorous addition to the week.

Public Libraries Help Homeschooling Parents and Kids

We know that homeschooling has become a familiar (sometimes unplanned) option for parents during the pandemic. The at-home teaching and learning model has been necessary in many cases since schools have only recently begun to reopen. It’s also convenient — especially for those who have needed to work from home. Despite today’s widespread availability of public and private K-12 education, many parents and children prefer learning at home — at their own pace, using their chosen curriculum, and in many cases, resources available from public libraries.

Library Brings Tween Music Group Overnight Fame

The library provides the community with endless opportunities and possibilities. For a group of young musicians and their band, The Linda Lindas, this meant becoming punk rock sensations and signing a new record deal.

The Impact of a Donation to EveryLibrary

Every dollar donated to EveryLibrary returns over $1,600 in funding to libraries. Find out how!

Book Burning In America

In case you missed it, extremists have taken over the school board in Spotsylvania, VA and have openly called for the burning of library books they disagree with. 

6 Ways to Develop Your Hobby Using the Library

The benefits of practicing a hobby are as bountiful as the choices of hobbies to pursue. It’s a chance to get out of your head with a stress-relieving break and get lost in something that truly lights you up. Hobbies can give you an outlet for your creativity, add some variety to your days, and open you up to social connections. You can even make money doing something you love. For ideas and guidance in developing your hobby, look to your library. You’ll find an abundance of free resources to inspire you and keep your hobby growing.

American Dystopia: Arresting Librarians For the Books on the Shelves.

Proposed censorship measures in several US states could lead to librarians facing criminal charges as a result of their commitment to free speech and access to library materials. Librarians in Texas, Indiana, and Wyoming are facing measures that mean that they may soon find themselves under attack for stocking books against racism and about the lives and experiences of LGBT Americans. This politicization of books and literature is being carried out by well-funded political organizations and individuals running scam PACs who are simply attempting to bilk Americans out of their hard earned dollars by attacking librarians. Share this article on Facebook and Twitter