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January 11, 2022 150 × 99 NEH announces $24.7 million in new grants

National Endowment for the Humanities

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Nick Potkalitsky writes: “We’re living through a profound shift in how text gets created. For the first time in history, our children will grow up in a world where much of what they read (homework help, explanations, stories, even ‘personal’ messages) might be generated by artificial intelligence (AI) rather than written by humans. Most AI literacy curricula focus on older students. By the time students reach high school, they’ve already spent years passively consuming AI-generated content without tools to evaluate it. The curriculum that follows teaches elementary students practical detective skills for the world they’re actually living in.

Educating AI, Nov. 30
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Jane Jiang writes: “All too often, the library is not fully included in conversations that guide student learning and academic support. When the library is treated as background infrastructure rather than as an active learning environment, the entire academic mission is weakened. Students lose access to research instruction. Faculty lose collaborators who can reinforce critical thinking and source evaluation. Institutions lose a key space where academic integrity, inclusion, and intellectual curiosity are nurtured, and the larger research community loses a vital foundation for sustaining these principles.”

The Scholarly Kitchen, Dec. 2
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Anthony Sinnott writes: “Despite the undeniable advantages of e-books, what at first glance seems like a demonstration of the decline of print, in fact shows a story of the persistence of print. Despite tech advancement, print books stubbornly persist on library shelves. This post explores five core reasons why physical books continue to hold a vital place in the digital library ecosystem.” Also read about the enduring appeal of printed children’s books and the importance of print for communities.

Librarianth, Nov. 28; Jane Friedman, Dec. 2; The Conversation, Nov. 25
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On December 3, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) issued this statement reinstating its terminated grants: “Upon further review, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has reinstated all federal grants. This action supersedes any prior notices which may have been received related to grant termination. Grantees should access the agency’s electronic grants management system for further information.”

Institute of Museum and Library Services, Dec. 3
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Lily Meyer writes: “Everyone from parents to publishers is susceptible to undervaluing board books. It’s easy to dismiss them, as they are intended for children not only too young to read, but too young to even follow a story. Can’t we just show a baby anything? We shouldn’t. Beginning in utero, one of the greatest benefits of shared reading is bonding, and the more engaged parents are in the book they’ve chosen, the greater its impact.”

Mother Jones, Nov. 26
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The Public Library Association (PLA) is seeking proposals for short programs on the How-To Stage and the new Hot Takes event at the PLA 2026 Conference, to be held April 1–3 in Minneapolis. The How-To Stage features 20-minute sessions intended to teach practical, hands-on skills. Hot Takes is a learning and networking event featuring 5-minute, high-energy talks from passionate public library workers sharing their “hot takes” on the future of public libraries. The submission deadline for these programs is December 15.

Public Library Association, Dec. 2
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Catherine Hollerbach writes: “Public libraries built decades ago are often not well suited for the way libraries are used in 2025. Typically, there are too few windows, tall shelves, a lot of brick, and a lack of comfortable seating. Customers now expect bright buildings with dedicated spaces that provide the programs and services they need in a comfortable, well-maintained environment. They also want to know that their tax money is being spent thoughtfully and responsibly. Here are some ideas for how to spruce up your library’s space without spending millions of dollars for a full renovation or building replacement.”

Public Libraries Online, Dec. 2

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