Each year, the American Library Association seeks to honor those who have rendered distinguished service to libraries and librarianship. Such recognition is made for individual achievement of a high order in some area of librarianship. The winners of ALA awards for individual achievement constitute a "hall of fame" for librarianship. But the men and women … Continue reading Behind the Awards
The determination of grassroots activists in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois—home to Northwestern University—has motivated the city council to put off shuttering two beloved public library branches as of March 1, and to agree instead to study the efficacy of creating a third branch in an underserved part of town. “This is an unofficial … Continue reading Branch-Closing Threat Galvanizes Northwestern University’s Neighbors
ALA's Midwinter Meeting 2010 gave conference attendees a chance to socialize while attending events and gathering information. The meeting contained speakers, receptions, and signings, as well as time for relaxation and fun. This essay brings together the best of the photos from the Day In the Life essays, in attempt to tell the complete story … Continue reading Best of Midwinter Meeting 2010
A month before the February 18 final fairness hearing for the proposed settlement of lawsuits challenging Google’s Book Search project, the Open Book Alliance called on Congress to instead help establish a digital book database operated by a neutral, nonprofit organization. In a January 19 letter sent to members of Congress and digitization advocates, OBA … Continue reading Google Settlement Opponents Ask Congress for Nonprofit Alternative
The last full day of conference was full of celebration and fun, although bad weather finally came to Boston. Early risers attended a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and winners were named at the Youth Media Awards, and speeches were given after awards were won.
In the days following the devastating 7.0 earthquake that all but toppled Haiti’s capital city and other population centers, news is slowly becoming available about how Haitian libraries and their staff members fared. The library community elsewhere is responding by starting multiple initiatives, which the coincidental convergence of librarians in Boston at the January 15–18 … Continue reading Library Community Rallies to Aid Earthquake-Stricken Haiti
The fun and excitement continued on Sunday at ALA's Midwinter Meeting 2010. Some conference attendees spent the day shuttling between venues in relatively warm weather, while others browsed the exhibit hall visiting book signings. The ALA store and the Uncommons proved to be places that attendees like to spend time, and as always attendees enjoyed … Continue reading Sunday at ALA Midwinter 2010
Saturday was an exciting, fun filled day at the ALA's midwinter conference. Early risers were treated to the first installment of the Sunrise Speaker series with author Elizabeth Gilbert. On the exhibit floor many attendees took the opportunity to stop by the multiple book signings, which took place throughout the day. And there was much … Continue reading Saturday at ALA Midwinter 2010
Friday, at ALA's Midwinter Meeting 2010, was a day for new sights, discussions, grand openings, and games. Librarians and library lovers met and mingled at happy hours while admiring the Boston skyline. Others attended the opening of the exhibit floor, eager to see the displays. And later in the evening, attendees played games while forging … Continue reading Friday at ALA Midwinter 2010
Facing widespread criticism for its firing of the library staff, the entire board of trustees of the Swanton (Vt.) Public Library resigned January 12 after ratifying a year’s worth of decisions it had made in apparent violation of the state’s Open Meeting Law. The following morning the town’s governing selectboard rehired the four staff members, … Continue reading Swanton Library Reopens with Rehired Staff; Trustees Resign
The abrupt firing of the director of the Swanton (Vt.) Public Library, followed by the dismissal of the assistant director, has led to what initially appeared to be a walkout by the remainder of the staff and the subsequent closure of the library. The board of trustees terminated Director Marilyn Barney and Library Assistant Jody … Continue reading Vermont Library Remains Shut a Week after Trustees Fire Director
Katherine Paterson, two-time Newbery Award winner for Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved, has been appointed the 2010–11 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Center for the Book of the Library of Congress and the Children's Book Council's Every Child a Reader initiative. Paterson succeeds Jon Scieszka, who became the first-ever … Continue reading Newbery Award Winner Named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
