All posts by Sanhita SinhaRoy

Lessa Kanani‘opua Pelayo-Lozada

A Global Impact

For me, this was on full view during my international travels representing ALA last year. When other library workers and I attended the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ World Library and Information Congress (IFLA WLIC) in Dublin, Ireland, in July, we heard from Mary Robinson, the first female president of Ireland who now … Continue reading A Global Impact

Kids working on a project in a library

At the Center of Learning

Learning centers also work well in the school library, where makerspaces have similarly paved the way for innovative library instruction. Makerspaces can vary according to setting, participant grade level, budget, and purpose. In general, they’re places where learners have choices and where learners make something. Many learning centers share these qualities. The difference is that … Continue reading At the Center of Learning

Talking Trash

To alleviate the country’s ongoing litter problem, some public libraries are creating kits to help patrons clean up their neighborhoods. “We want people to be involved in the community,” says Samantha Hanchett, marketing coordinator at Thomas County (Ga.) Public Library System (TCPLS). “Doing something that benefits everyone, even though it’s quite quiet, is really what … Continue reading Talking Trash

Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Cindy Hohl

With a passion for leadership, I make myself available to help speak out about matters of inclusion, community and team building, intellectual freedom, equal access, literacy, and career development. To quote my role model since the 3rd grade, Martin Luther King Jr. called so many to action by stating “the time is always right to … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Cindy Hohl

Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Eric D. Suess

I have never been particularly fond of slogans. They are often too simple, too trite, and unnecessary. Sometimes, however, they are useful at getting to the heart of the matter. In my 35 years as a professional librarian, I have found my opening statement to be apt in describing my leadership style, my path forward, … Continue reading Meet the Candidates for ALA President: Eric D. Suess

Photo of ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall. Text says "From the Executive Director by Tracie D. Hall"

Civic Imagination Stations

Having visited, worked or consulted for, and spoken at hundreds of libraries, I don’t believe there is any educational or public service institution that more ably facilitates personal growth and community access than libraries. Case in point: After a tip from Chaundra Johnson, Utah’s dynamic state librarian, I visited the J. Willard Marriott Library ProtoSpace … Continue reading Civic Imagination Stations

Lessa Kanani‘opua Pelayo-Lozada

‘Resistance Is Its Own Reward’

When talking about the fight for justice, fairness, and equity, the fruits of our labor are often not seen within a lifetime. We must trust that our efforts will lay the path for those who follow, so that their resistance builds communities of love and strength that we may never be able to witness or … Continue reading ‘Resistance Is Its Own Reward’

Transforming Culture

These incidents make it more critical than ever that we examine how we center whiteness in our culture—and especially in our workplaces—in ways that erase and exclude certain groups of people. Academic libraries can start by examining how white supremacy culture is embedded in our work environments. Author and racial equity trainer Tema Okun identifies … Continue reading Transforming Culture

Under Pressure

“We had five books that a conservative community member objected to,” she says, referring to LGBTQ books and titles about President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “We have the form to fill out. There’s a process that would work if people would go through it.” Instead, McMahon says, the patron did not file … Continue reading Under Pressure

Rebecca Makkai

Newsmaker: Rebecca Makkai

Your first novel, The Borrower, features a children’s librarian and a bright, book-loving 10-year-old. What are your thoughts on the current spate of book challenges in libraries? I’m always so flummoxed by the book-banning discussion because, first of all, what does someone think is going to happen when they try to ban a book? It … Continue reading Newsmaker: Rebecca Makkai

Images from our gift guide

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Librarians and Book Lovers

  Gifts Under $10   “Read Banned Books” Bookmark ($4) Let LeVar Burton save your place with this colorful, two-by-seven-inch, matte-coated card stock bookmark by HereNowWow. It features collage portrait imagery with text printed on the front, and shipping is free.       “I’m with the Banned” Sticker ($4.49) Rock star librarians can use … Continue reading 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Librarians and Book Lovers

Lessa Kanani‘opua Pelayo-Lozada

Where Do We Go from Here?

As we approach a new year, I challenge each of us to take the lessons we’ve learned and make these changes permanent. I challenge us to continue making programs and services more accessible for as many as possible, such as by offering livestream and hybrid options. When we center universal design, we are serving all … Continue reading Where Do We Go from Here?