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We Will Lose Libraries to COVID-19

April 16, 2020

Your local public library is likely tied, inextricably, to your local economy. Most public libraries in the United States are paid for by some combination of sales and property tax. As spending halts, so does financial support for the library. We’re already seeing sweeping cuts to local administrations, laying off or furloughing hundreds of workers, library workers along with them. This isn’t false hype or hysteria. It’s happening. It will get worse. Publicly funded libraries were already facing an uphill battle. Over the past decade, voter support for libraries has tanked. Even as the library is generally perceived favorably, increasing anti-tax sentiment undermines the library’s ability to expand, or even exist.

The Building May be Closed, but the Library Is Open!

March 26, 2020

As our society copes with the COVID-19 pandemic, many public institutions are closed: schools, recreation centers, and yes, libraries. If you’re following your library on social media, receiving their email updates, visiting their websites, you may have already seen a message that the library is closed. But take a closer look. Is it really closed? Or is the building closed, while in another sense, the library is still open? The library is still open because, in our online and highly connected society, libraries provide many of their services and resources via the Internet. For example: · You might not be able to borrow a book, but you can download an ebook · You might not be able to attend a program, but you can stream a video · You might not be able to walk up and ask the librarian for help, but the library might be providing help by telephone, chat, or email

State Libraries Stand in the Social Distancing Gap

March 15, 2020

As families across the country are challenged by social distancing and voluntary isolation in the face of COVID-19, libraries are helping to fill the entertainment, education, information, and inquiry gaps. While you may already think of your local library as a resource for digital and online resources, we want to encourage you to also check out the amazing resources from your state library too. Across the country, our state libraries are the gateway to online and digital collections that give every state residents free e-books, magazines, journals, newspapers, streaming audio and video, audiobooks, primary source materials, test preparation, homework help, genealogy records, state and local history, career search and skills building, local authors, and (believe it or not) more! In every state, the state libraries are tremendous resources for reading, literacy services, learning for all ages, and even business development and skills building. And with all the medical concerns in the news, state libraries provide free access to high-quality authoritative databases of health information and connections to government resources.

Ten Ways to Be Super-Productive While at Home with (Digital) Help From the Library

March 15, 2020

Social distancing or isolation because of COVID-19 shouldn’t mean boredom. Public libraries have long provided a fantastic assortment of online and digital resources for people who are going to be at home for a while. From entertainment and diversions to education and discovery, the library’s digital and online resources should be a part of your self-quarantine kit. Your local or state library has free digital books, magazines, free streaming movies and shows — and even homework help for kids — along with amazing courses, datasets, and skill-building that can help you discover, launch and carry out new projects. Luckily, all it takes is a library card, and some libraries now allow you to get a card on their website, without leaving your chair! Here are ten great digital and online projects anyone can do using your library (and not have to worry about that one guy sneezing all over everything).

11 Library Hacks for Riding Out the Coronavirus

March 15, 2020

Are you or your family under self-quarantine or lockdown due to the Coronavirus? Or has your employer asked you to work from home? With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization lots of people are stuck at home waiting. So what can you do during that time once you’re tired of binge-watching shows or you’ve read all the way through your pile of books? You may not know it, but your local public library offers all sorts of online services to help get you through your extended homestay — and it is all completely free of charge. Here is a list of some of our favorites:

Working from home? Digital and online library tools can help.

March 06, 2020

If you’re like me, you typically work remotely, even when global health concerns are not a deciding factor. Alternatively, you may be currently working from home as a safety measure precaution because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

3 Ways Expecting and New Parents Can Make the Most of Their Library

February 25, 2020

The list of places you go with a newborn is short. Right now mine includes home, the pediatrician’s office, and my parents’ house. That’s it. Occasionally we’ll venture outside for a walk, but enclosed public spaces during flu season are just too risky for a little developing immune system. So even though there will surely be storytimes and play circles in our baby’s future, right now our local library doesn’t make the cut. And that’s okay. As a librarian in the habit of placing holds and browsing digital collections, I was in a pretty perfect position to make good use of library resources throughout my pregnancy and I plan to continue to do so during these first few secluded months. But I know that not everyone, especially expecting parents with so much on their plates, has the time to look into what may or may not be on offer from their library. So here are just a few ideas for getting started. All of these are cost-saving and most don’t even require you to leave your house! Tips for before the baby arrives:

Get Crafty at Your Local Library!

February 22, 2020

I’ll admit it: I’m an extremely crafty individual. If you open almost any drawer in my home, you’ll find ribbons, marbles, beads, and blocks of clay. It might be surprising, but becoming a librarian frequently allowed me to explore my love of arts, crafts, and creative projects. In fact, local libraries are crafting hotspots! No matter which materials you enjoy working with, or what creative skill you want to develop, your library can help. Find tools, techniques, and inspiration right at your local library.

The Most Important Government Agency You've Never Heard Of

February 22, 2020

It’s true, despite using considerably less than 1% of the federal budget, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) manages to fund distinctive projects and services that help communities all over the United States…and it’s on the chopping block yet again!IMLS is a tiny government agency with a huge impact and the complex mission "...to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development." Fine, but what does that look like on the ground?I'm glad you asked.

Trump Cut Funding for Libraries? So what?!

February 17, 2020

Unfortunately, that's the response we hear most often because most Americans don’t know what the Institute of Museum and Library Services does. Which makes it hard to care about when it gets cut.
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