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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.” -
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. -
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.” -
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. -
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.” -
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.” -
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.” -
Phil Morehart writes: “Most librarians don’t work with astronauts or watch space shuttle launches, but it’s all in a day’s work for Sheva Moore. A video librarian and researcher at Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Moore provides materials from the onsite video, photo, and audio collection to production companies, TV networks, advertisers, and private citizens with an interest in space and NASA. She also helps produce NASA’s social media content, segments for NASA TV, and science and mission briefings.” -
Robert F. Lambert, president of York County (Pa.) Libraries, writes: “We are deeply saddened and disappointed by the decision of the Central York School District School Board to blanket ban or ‘freeze’ over 300 resources—children’s picture books, K–5 books, middle and high school books, videos, webinars, and web links suggested by the district’s diversity education committee over a year ago. Many of the authors, illustrators and spoken word artists, as well as their subjects, are people of color. Many of the subject matters are uplifting, affirming, and encouraging.” -
Jolanie Martinez writes: “Before entering a state library, people must show their vaccine card or a negative test result, which must be taken within 72 hours. However, public libraries are finding it a challenge trying to balance enforcing the new requirements and providing services to their guests. ‘Unfortunately, one of our managers’ cars was scratched with keys,’ said State Librarian Stacey Aldrich. Aldrich says since the vaccine and test mandate went into effect September 13, some people have been verbally abusive toward librarians who are trying to enforce the rule.” -
Alison Flood writes: “Published for the first time this week in the Strand Magazine, Tennessee Williams’ 1952 story ‘The Summer Woman’ was found in his archives at Harvard University’s Houghton Library. It follows an American academic who visits Rome each summer to continue his relationship with a woman he first met when she was working the streets. But as the years pass after the end of the second world war, he finds hostility towards Americans growing.” -
Hannah Campbell writes: “A Craighead County Jonesboro (Ark.) Public Library board meeting September 13 ended with citizens voicing their concerns and a board member stepping down. Amanda Escue resigned from her position, stating she and her family had moved to Randolph County. Escue argues that sensitive content, including sexual or romantic attraction, topics of gender theory, and family planning, should first be approved by the board so that the library is ‘considerate of the parent’s role.’ Library Director David Eckert calls it censorship.”
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