2h
The Smithsonian Institution is offering a free poster exhibition to libraries. “World War I: Lessons and Legacies” is available while supplies last. Request your posters now. The opportunity is available to all types of libraries (public, school, academic, and special). The deadline for requests is September 13. Participating libraries will receive, free of charge: a collection of eight 18-by-26-inch posters, digital educators guide with discussion questions and resources that align to national teaching standards, and a detailed poster handbook and user guide with display instructions and promotional resources.
Programming Librarian, Aug. 21
5h
Leeza Garber writes: “Connecting the country’s biggest and most important questionnaire, the 2020 Census, to the internet creates vulnerabilities to hacks. And what could be the most popular census survey station is also an underfunded and maliciously targeted American institution: the public library and its computers. Among the most widespread scams may be ransomware, which could temporarily halt internet access. About 66 million people (20% of Americans) don’t have home internet access, which is exactly why the bureau encourages going to public libraries to fill out the 2020 Census. Unfortunately, they may face greater cybersecurity risks.”
Wired, Aug. 22
5h
Jamie M. Gregory writes: “‘Censorship leaves us in the dark. Keep the light on.’ This is ALA’s theme for Banned Books Week, September 22–28. Banned Books Week is my favorite annual celebration in the library because it offers so many learning opportunities to students, mostly importantly by opening the door to discussion about intellectual freedom and its role in a democratic, open society. Different types of censorship create different types of darkness in our society. This year, try out the following topics and activities for teens to consider.”
Intellectual Freedom Blog, Aug. 21
5h
AASL has selected seven school administrators to serve on its School Leader Collaborative. The “AASL School Leader Collaborative: Administrators and School Librarians Transforming Teaching and Learning” is a two-year initiative that aims to strengthen the division’s collaboration with school administrators. This initiative champions the school librarian’s integral role in teaching and learning. Support for the initiative is provided by OverDrive Education. Collaborative members will serve as active ambassadors for school libraries.
AASL, Aug. 22
1d
At first sight, the Ocean Beach branch of the San Diego (Calif.) Public Library is much like any other: People browse the shelves, sit at tables reading newspapers, and use free computers. But perched on top of the reference desk are packets of seeds ready, just like books, to be checked out. Stored in a salvaged card catalog, dozens of seed varieties are alphabetically indexed according to their common name, along with details about their source. Since spring 2019, library visitors have been encouraged to take packets of seeds home with them to plant. The project is one of more than 500 seed libraries that have opened in the US, Europe, and elsewhere since 2011.
Deutsche Welle, Aug. 21
1d
Colleen Gibson writes: “Patience and Fortitude, the world-renowned pair of marble lions that stand proudly in front of the New York Public Library’s 42nd Street location, have captured the imagination and affection of New Yorkers since 1911. But which lion do you identify more with: quiet and diligent Patience, or determined and courageous Fortitude? Take our quiz to find out, and make sure you visit the lions the next time you’re at the Library. Patience is on the side of the library closest to 40th Street, while Fortitude is the closest to 42nd Street.”
New York Public Library Blogs, Aug. 10
1d
New York City’s Morgan Library and Museum has announced its first-ever culinary collaboration with chef and food advocate Tom Colicchio. Starting this fall, dining at the Morgan will feature new dishes and cocktails curated exclusively for its dining spaces, the Morgan Café and the Morgan Dining Room. Colicchio was brought on board by Restaurant Associates, the nation’s premier on-site dining management company, which has managed food and beverage operations at the Morgan for more than a decade. Colicchio’s cuisine will highlight modern American dishes, with menus updated seasonally to showcase fresh ingredients at their peak.
Morgan Library and Museum, Aug. 20
