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Tara Murray Grove, Clara Drummond, J. Adam Clemons, and Autumn Johnson write: “Exhibitions draw people to libraries. They encourage visitors to engage with objects and media in a public space and provide opportunities for discovery within the library’s collection. Not every library has the resources to create original exhibitions, however. Traveling exhibitions, which arrive ready to set up in the library’s existing space, can alleviate some of the labor involved in creating exhibitions while providing the same benefits for the library.” This article shares three libraries’ experiences with and keys to success for hosting a traveling exhibition.

College & Research Libraries News, June
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ALA will hold its 2023 membership meeting and information session during the ALA Annual Conference June 24 at 10 a.m. Central time. For the first time, the meeting will take place in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. The meeting is open to all ALA personal members, but participants must register via Zoom by June 17 in order to receive voting credentials. (Members who register after June 17 will be able to attend and speak during the meeting.) The membership meeting allows members to discuss issues and bring resolutions to the floor that, if passed, will be forwarded to ALA Council.

ALA Member Center
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The Freedom to Read Foundation, the First Amendment legal defense arm of the American Library Association, has joined a broad coalition of authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, and readers in filing a lawsuit challenging Arkansas Act 372. That law that would restrict access to books in bookstores and libraries located within the state, and in the process violate the First Amendment rights of the state’s reading public. The bill was signed by the Governor of Arkansas on March 30 and is slated to go into effect on August 1, 2023.

ALA, June 2
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Tracie D. Hall writes: “I recently had the opportunity to visit with a group of undergraduates to talk about how I’ve navigated my career. The professor who invited me noted that I had taken brave professional stances. When it was time for questions, one young woman asked earnestly, ‘Do you ever get scared that you’ll make a mistake?’ ‘All the time!’ I answered. ‘But mistakes are unavoidable. Part of being a leader is not letting the fear of making a mistake or taking a chance stop you from doing what you think is right or important.’”

American Libraries column, June
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Bill Furbee writes: “It’s been five years since librarianship’s largest event has taken place in Chicago, the hometown of the American Library Association (ALA). So much, both in the profession and the world around us, has changed since then. But so much of the 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition will feel familiar—including top-tier authors, educational sessions, awards and celebrations, state-of-the-art exhibits, networking opportunities, and compelling speakers. The conference, which will be held June 22–27 at McCormick Place, promises to showcase conversations and innovations that will help to shape the future of libraries for years to come.”

American Libraries feature, June
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Nora Neus writes: “On a recent spring Saturday morning in Uvalde, Texas, young library patrons were learning how to set off a volcano. With help from Michelle Ramirez, outreach coordinator for the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, kids carefully poured vinegar into a glass bottle with baking soda. Almost instantly, the concoction bubbled up and overflowed, to shrieks of joy and giggles. But the activity wasn’t just for fun. It was part of a grief counseling session for children following the massacre at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, that killed 19 students and two teachers.”

American Libraries feature, May 22
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Sheree Strange writes: “Nothing beats a good podcast while doing chores, taking a drive, working out, or even making dinner. And of course, we especially cannot resist podcasts about books. We want to hear about hot new releases, indie titles we missed, and creepy books to keep us awake all night long. Not to mention those coveted author interviews and spicy opinions. Find the best bookish podcasts—and we say “bookish” because not all are limited to solely book talk. A few will cover multiple topics.”

The Uncorked Librarian, May 20