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January 7, 2025 150 × 100 Building an infrastructure for cost data transparency

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Latest Library Links

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Jessica Brownley writes: “As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, I’ve been thinking about the role libraries play in supporting the emotional well-being of children in library programs. In a recent art program, a participant became frustrated when their painting did not turn out the way they expected. They stopped following instructions, changed their work, and eventually became tearful. These kinds of moments are not unusual in library spaces. Emotional reactions can show up quickly and may seem big compared to the situation—but they are very real for the child experiencing them.”

ALSC Blog, May 6
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Brett Bonfield writes: “When it comes to the ALA’s more than $66 million endowment, we trustees are mindful of the ethical impact of the Association’s investments. That’s where ESG—or environmental, social, and governance—investing comes in. ESG investing refers to the practice of incorporating environmental impact, social issues, and corporate governance into investing decisions. This column will answer the primary questions that endowment trustees are asked about ESG investments—and how ALA approaches them.”

American Libraries Online, May 11
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Dan Montgomery writes: “While the commemoration of ALA’s 150th anniversary kicked off in January, ALA staff and member leaders have been building momentum toward its largest in-person celebration, the 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition in our hometown of Chicago. I feel honored and privileged to be here in this moment as we celebrate this Magnificent Milestone! (Did you catch my Chicago pun?) I invite you to join your colleagues at Annual to observe our past, reflect on our present, and envision our future.”

American Libraries column, May
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Anne Ford writes: “For 150 years, ALA has shaped the landscape of libraries and the profession itself—but its leadership has often reflected the racial and gender biases of society at large. For this special anniversary issue, American Libraries spoke with eight barrier-busting Association leaders about their struggles, triumphs, breakdowns, and breakthroughs. The stories and lessons they share reveal how diversity fuels and transforms the power of libraries everywhere.”

American Libraries feature, May
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Thomas W. Ganzevoort writes: “Columbus (Ga.) State University’s Simon Schwob Memorial Library is home to one obsolete feature: the library’s loading dock, an original part of the 1975 structure. Rarely used after the library basement was renovated in 2012, the loading dock was repurposed as a patio deck. A 2019 renovation added safety gate and railing, a fresh coat of paint and some picnic tables. However, something was still missing. During Spring Break 2026, what has become known as the Library Mural Project reached its fruition, when an army of volunteers descended on the loading dock to make the mural a reality.”

Georgia Library Quarterly, vol. 63, no. 2, May 1
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Adrienne De Luna writes: “Passive programming gets a bad reputation. But in the right environment—especially in youth services—passive programming isn’t just helpful. It’s essential. Not all passive programming works. And when it doesn’t, it’s usually not because of the idea—it’s because of the execution. Most passive programs fall flat when they are too complicated, not immediately visible, overexplained, not relevant to the age group, or left out too long.”

Youth Services Playbook, May 1
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Mars Brint writes: “In honor of Preservation Week, I’d like to discuss the importance and enjoyment of digging through old records. People want to know their history, understand their roots, and create a connection with the past, and it is such a pleasure to be able to help bridge that information and share resources. So I’ve decided to include some of my own basic tips, tricks, and resources that can help others find genealogical information in a pinch.”

NMRT Notes, May 1

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