9h
Dan Kois writes: “Kids in 3rd and 4th grade are beginning to stop reading for fun. It’s called the ‘Decline by 9,’ and it’s reaching a crisis point for publishers and educators. What’s causing the Decline by 9? It might be screens, but it’s not only screens. Indeed, several people I spoke to mentioned that middle-graders’ lack of phones created a marketing problem in an era when no one at any publishing house has any idea how to make a book a bestseller other than to hope it blows up on TikTok.
Slate, May 5
13h
Margaret Bates writes: “Conference season is upon us with ALA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition taking place in San Diego from June 27–July 2. Conferences can be intimidating for first-time attendees, especially large conferences like ALA. Here are some dos and don’ts, and some tips, for first (or second!) time attendees.” Among her advice: Take advantage of conference orientations, network at meet and greets and mixers, and don’t overlook the importance of sleep (and comfortable shoes).
NMRT Notes, May 6
14h
Jacob Holmes writes: “A coalition including Read Freely Alabama, the Alabama Library Association and multiple adult and minor patrons of the Autauga-Prattville (Ala.) Public Library filed a motion in federal court Thursday to block policies recently enacted by the new board. The complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama Thursday afternoon asks the court to enjoin the policy on the basis that its provisions are overbroad, vague and implement unconstitutional content-based discrimination.
Alabama Political Reporter, May 9; Democracy Forward, May 9; Alabama Reflector, Feb. 27
1d
May is National Inventors Month, so American Libraries’ By the Numbers column investigates some of the connections between libraries and notable inventors, including Thomas Edison, George Washington Carver, Madam C .J. Walker, and the Wright brothers. You’ll also learn details about inventors-in-residence programs, makerspaces, and a Smithsonian traveling exhibit.
American Libraries Trend, May
2d
Logan Finney writes: “Larsen-Sant Public Library in Preston, Idaho, will temporarily restrict public access to its building starting May 6 in response to a new state law that opens libraries to lawsuits if minors access inappropriate content on the shelves. ‘In order to comply with House Bill 710 we are closing the library to the public.’ according to a notice on the library’s website.” The library will move young adult books with LGBTQ+ themes or characters to the adult section. Library staffers hope to reopen by June 3, and suggested patrons should direct questions or “strong feelings” to Idaho Gov. Brad Little and local lawmakers.
Idaho Reports, May 3
2d
Jashayla Pettigrew writes: “Following a days-long occupation, Portland (Ore.) State University (PSU) library isn’t projected to re-open until later this fall. According to a letter sent to the campus community this afternoon, PSU President Ann Cudd toured Branford Price Millar Library on May 3 and realized it was ‘not suitable for occupation.’” Pro-Palestinian protestors occupied the library for three days until they were removed by police May 2. Damage includes messages painted on the walls, furniture overturned or blocking entrances, broken glass, and missing fire extinguishers.
KOIN-TV (Portland, Oregon), May 4; The Oregonian/OregonLive, May 3
3d
The US Department of Transportation announced May 1 that its Build America Bureau (BAB) has approved its first Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) loan for up to $26.8 million for the Mt. Vernon (Wash.) Library Commons Project. The project covers half of a city block in Mt. Vernon and includes a public library, community center, commercial kitchens, electric vehicle chargers, and other amenities, all within walking distance of a multimodal transportation center. TOD is a new category of project for BAB, which offers below-market rate financing on infrastructure projects.
US Department of Transportation, May 1
