September/October 2023

Features & Trends

2023 Library Design Showcase

By Sallyann Price

Living History Cincinnati and Hamilton County (Ohio) Public Library, Walnut Hills branch The oldest branch in its system and the first of several of Cincinnati’s Carnegie libraries, Walnut Hills recently underwent its first significant improvements since its construction in 1906. The branch is now fully accessible. The architects preserved its French Renaissance–style details—red brick, a … Continue reading 2023 Library Design Showcase →

2023 ALA/AIA Library Building Awards

The following libraries are winners of the 2023 Library Building Awards, sponsored by Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures (a division of the American Library Association) and the American Institute of Architects. The awards, recognizing the best in library architecture and design, are open to any architect licensed in the US. Projects may be located anywhere in … Continue reading 2023 ALA/AIA Library Building Awards →

A cartoon depiction of a librarian holding a stack of books with a group of protestors behind her.

How We Fight Back

By Christina Sterbenz

All because she spoke at a public library board meeting last year. “I said, ‘Hate and fear have no place in Livingston Parish,’” says Jones. “It was an innocuous speech, a speech on censorship that any librarian would give.” The meeting, which occurred in July 2022, was intended to address general book content at Livingston … Continue reading How We Fight Back →

Columnists

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ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office has released the updated Advocacy Action Plan Workbook, which is available for free download online. The workbook is an adaptable guide to engaging individuals and groups in library advocacy on any issue. It guides users through actionable steps in creating an advocacy plan, including community analysis, building a library ecosystem, goal setting, and message development and delivery. Workbook activities keep users focused on needs assessment, implementation steps, and effective outreach for best results.

ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Sept. 18
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Brian Fung writes: “The US government aims to restore sweeping regulations for high-speed internet providers, reviving ‘net neutrality’ rules for the broadband industry. The proposed rules from the Federal Communications Commission will designate internet service as ‘essential telecommunications’ akin to traditional telephone services, and would ban internet service providers from blocking or slowing down access to websites and online content. The FCC plans to vote Oct. 19 on whether to advance the draft rules by soliciting public feedback on them, a step that would precede the creation of any final rules.” ALA issued a statement in support of the proposal.

CNN, Sept. 26; ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Office, Sept. 26
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All ALA members are invited to volunteer for ALA standing committees for the 2024–26 term. Committee service provides members with opportunities to gain valuable professional development and leadership experience, make an impact on key issues and policies within ALA and librarianship, engage with colleagues from various types of libraries across the nation, and build their resumes. Volunteer via the online ALA volunteer form by September 30. (Be sure to select “ALA” in the drop-down menu on the main form). ALA President-Elect Cindy Hohl will make committee appointments, with notifications sent to appointed individuals throughout Spring 2024.

ALA Governance Office, July 18
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The ALA Publishing Committee Carnegie-Whitney grant provides up to $5,000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes, or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library. Projects funded last year include “Creating Accessible and User-friendly Black Genealogical Tools,” “Unlocking Our History Video Interview Collection,” and “Cultivating a Culture of Care: Trauma-Informed Librarianship,” among others. Applications must be received by November 3, 2023.

ALA Publishing, Sept. 14
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Megan Bennett writes: “Rick Riordan is best known for his Greek mythology–inspired Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, which has since inspired a larger franchise. In May he released The Sun and the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure (Hachette) with coauthor Mark Oshiro, about the son of Hades and his boyfriend on a journey to the Underworld. And September 26 Riordan returns to his original protagonists with The Chalice of the Gods (Disney Hyperion), chronicling Percy’s efforts to get into college. Riordan spoke with American Libraries about his newest works and the longevity of Percy Jackson.”

American Libraries Trend, Sept./Oct.
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ALA has released a new LibGuide designed to help library workers use Library of Congress (LC) digital collections in programming and educational opportunities. “Programming with Library of Congress Digital Collections,” is designed to help all types of libraries explore primary sources available from LC’s online collection and connect with their communities through programming and educational opportunities. The guide focuses on eight LC collections (Arts, Civics, Folklife, History, Literature, Maps, Military Experience and STEM) with collection highlights and suggested program ideas that are accessible and adaptable for various library types and audiences.

ALA Public Programs Office, Sept. 18
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Anne MaiYee Jansen writes: “It’s hard to find fault with librarians, those lovably nerdy folk who make a career of recommending books to readers in the community, even when they’re fictional. After all, what’s not to love about someone who passes their days in some of the only remaining quiet spaces in big cities and small towns alike? Since I am talking about fictional librarians in literature, there are some less-than-amazing ones out there. Despite the presence of one or two duds in the pages of all manner of novels, they’re worth taking a look at.

Book Riot, Sept. 18