Blog | American Libraries Magazine

2021 Library Design Showcase

The year's most impressive new and renovated libraries
By Phil Morehart | September 1, 2021
2021 ALA/AIA Library Building Awards
By Phil Morehart | September 1, 2021
Special Report: The Legacy of 9/11

How the attacks affected the library world
September 1, 2021
What Was Lost

The libraries and treasures destroyed on 9/11—and the archival work that came next
By Terra Dankowski | September 1, 2021
Understanding the Other

Librarians who fought ignorance with information
By Sallyann Price | September 1, 2021
A Safe Haven in the Sea

Tiny Canadian library plays unexpected role during chaotic week
By Amy Carlton | September 1, 2021
Archives of an Attack

Librarians and historians work to collect digital ephemera from 9/11
By Phil Morehart | September 1, 2021
Defenders of Patron Privacy

After challenging the Patriot Act, four librarians reflect on privacy in the digital age
By Sanhita SinhaRoy | September 1, 2021
2021 ALA Award Winners

Honoring excellence and leadership in the profession
September 1, 2021
By the Numbers: United Nations Day

Stats celebrating the 76-year-old intergovernmental peace and security agency
By Alison Marcotte | September 1, 2021
Bookend: Over the Moon
By Phil Morehart | September 1, 2021
Confronting History

Tulsa library educates on race massacre
By Jennifer Greb and Kimberly Johnson | September 1, 2021

Latest Library Links

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Shayne Rodriguez Thompson writes: “We’ve found ourselves endlessly impressed with the literature coming from authors like Elizabeth Acevedo and Elisabet Velasquez, and we’re so thankful that there’s a huge space in the genre for both established and up-and-coming Latinx authors. These stories not only have the power to help us feel seen, but they also have the power to expose individuals who aren’t Latinx to our unique perspectives from a young age, and that’s what representation is all about. So here, we’re sharing 13 must-read books by Latinx authors from the young adult genre that we think should be on every Latinx book nerd’s to-read list.”

PopSugar, Sept. 15
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In Episode 66, Call Number with American Libraries looks at two libraries featured in the 2021 Library Design Showcase. First, Heather Hart, manager of Salt Lake City Public Library’s Sprague branch, talks about renovations that were made to the 93-year-old, English Tudor–style library after a flood destroyed much of the building in 2017. Next, Sean Ngo from architecture firm DLR Group discusses constructing the Cybrarium, a new technology-focused library in Homestead, Florida.

AL: The Scoop, Sept. 21
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Teacher-librarian Julia Torres writes: “A few days before the 2019–2020 school year began, a colleague suggested genrefication, or organizing the fiction collection by genre rather than alphabetically by authors’ last names. The process seemed daunting at first, as our fiction collection includes almost 4,000 physical items. But over the course of five days—with the help of four librarians from the district—we managed to do it. When school opened, the magic began to happen.”

American Libraries column, Sept./Oct.
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Teachers are always looking for new ways to get kids inspired to read—and librarians in Kentucky say their solution is a four-legged friend. The Cynthiana-Harrison Public Library has teamed up with a local farm to bring Hank the Horse to the library. It’s all part of the Promoting the Pages for a Purpose program. Kids can check out books, take them back to farm where Hank lives, and read to him and nearly a dozen other rescue horses.

WZTV-TV (Nashville), Sept. 20
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Rosemary D’Urso writes: “With its stunning colors, exciting holidays, and delicious treats, there is so much magic and wonder around the fall season. Many picture books display awe-inspiring autumnal activities through gorgeous artwork and characters picking apples, enjoying hayrides, and choosing the perfect pumpkin. As the weather gets cooler, grab a blanket and cozy up with a loved one while enjoying these fabulous fall stories.”

Brightly, Sept. 17
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Pat Mueller writes: “Florida State University says its police department is investigating after nearly 5,000 rare items were taken from a special collection at Strozier Library. According to an FSU spokesperson, 4,996 items went missing from the Robert M. Ervin Jr. Collection between March 17, 2020, and February 10, 2021. The collection consists of comic books and serials about superheroes, science fiction, fantasy, and horror, including rare Marvel and DC comics.”

WCTV-TV (Tallahassee), Sept. 20
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Bill Furbee writes: “Libraries across the country are using the expanding prevalence of music streaming to connect with local artists, offering them a platform to share their music digitally and freely to music lovers around the world. And when done right, it can also set the stage for deeper community connections.”

American Libraries Trend, Sept./Oct.