Johnson, Jerry | American Libraries Magazine

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February 16 Jerry Johnson retired as youth librarian at Fitchburg (Mass.) Public Library.

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James Whitfield writes: “With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now underway, there has never been a better moment to understand what the World Cup actually is: where it came from, how it grew, and why it matters in ways that go far beyond the sport itself. These are the best books about the World Cup ever written. Whether you want the complete historical sweep, the inside story of a single tournament, or the biography of the player who defined an era, this list has it.”

World Cup Tribune, May 16
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ALA has started an auction of a rare selection of more than 200 READ posters, spanning decades of library promotion, advocacy, and pop culture history. Bidding began June 18, with a live online auction taking place July 10. Among the highlights are sought-after posters featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Taylor Swift, Yoda, the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and WWE personalities, along with autographed posters from more than 30 celebrities including Michael J. Fox, Bette Midler, Paul Newman, Sting, and Oprah Winfrey. See the full catalog and bid at Heritage Auctions.

ALA Communications and Media Relations Office, June 18
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Want to get away from the hustle of conference and into the bustle of American Libraries’ home city? Here you’ll find staff members’ favorite jaunts—from neighborhoods gems to tourist attractions—just a bus, train, or bike ride away. Chicago’s grid system makes it an easy place to explore in between sessions, signings, and celebrations. Originally published for the 2023 Annual Conference, this overview contains recommendations that remain Chicago favorites.

American Libraries feature, June 2023
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Marshall Breeding writes: “The library technology industry is at a critical juncture, driven by uncertainties in funding and disruptions in technology, particularly around artificial intelligence. Business transitions have included changes in executive leadership, acquisitions, and new ownership. Despite these shakeups, most vendors advanced along their development road maps, with some launching new or improved products.”

American Libraries feature, June
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Jennifer Billock writes: “We’ve compiled a master list of restaurants and cafés to try while attending the 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition. From healthy breakfasts to decadent splurges and feasts, these establishments will provide whatever you need to keep your energy up for a long day of learning or feed your soul afterward. Replace the standard tourist-trap meals with big and bold flavors from around the world. All the spots mentioned, organized by neighborhood, are easily accessible by public transit, a leisurely walk, or a quick ride share from McCormick Place.”

American Libraries feature, June
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Ojas Kulkarni writes: “Pro wrestling has happened in some very unusual places over the years. Fans have seen matches in stadiums and empty arenas, cruise ships, beaches, swamps, parking lots, malls, military camps, and even WWE headquarters. Now, another unexpected location has joined that list. Professional wrestling is taking place inside libraries. Lucha Libro was established in 2024 by Jerry Rocha and Victor Dwight. It combines children’s storytime with live professional wrestling. The wrestling style takes inspiration from the Mexican tradition of Lucha libre.”

Wrestlezone, June 12
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Emily Villanueva and Romany Craig write: “This article outlines the development and implementation of a pop-up reference service at the University of Lethbridge (Alberta) Library as an innovative response to declining reference interactions. This initiative was designed to connect with students who were unaware of the resources available at the library. Findings suggest that pop-up reference services play an important role in library outreach, providing individualized experiences that students desire while eliciting reference questions that otherwise would not have been asked.”

From lockdown to pop-up: Reimagining reference in a changed world

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