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11m

In response to demand, PLA is bringing its regional symposium on equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice to a fourth location in 2019. “Social Justice and Public Libraries: Equity Starts with Us“ will now be offered in Toledo, Ohio, December 9–10. The earlier symposia in Denver and Charleston, South Carolina, were well-received, and the Chicago session sold out two months in advance. The symposium will be led by Mia Henry and members of the PLA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice. Registration will be limited to 100 per session and attendance on both days is required.

PLA, Oct. 8
21m

It’s a bustling weekday afternoon in the McGovern Stella-Link branch of the Houston (Tex.) Public Library, which reopened in May after it became one of 12 branches in Houston and Harris County that closed because of damage from Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Of the 12 libraries, one Harris County branch and seven Houston branches remain closed, many with indefinite reopening dates. The city estimates $1–$5 million will be needed for repairs, but library officials say they’re stuck in limbo waiting for recovery funds from FEMA and other federal grants. Meanwhile, temporary libraries and mobile bookstores help satisfy the patron needs.

Houston (Tex.) Chronicle, Oct. 10
31m

Emily Hampton Haynes writes: “This week I watched a new report, ‘Student Needs Are Academic Needs,’ make the rounds of community college listserv discussions. The researchers found that students ‘see the library not only as an informational resource, an academic resource, or simply a quiet place to study, but also as a community resource within the campus context.’ I think that’s the part some readers are taking issue with: the idea that students see the library as the place for both academic support and personal assistance. But I think we should be redirecting the conclusions of this report outside the library.”

ACRLog, Oct. 9
17h

How should librarians envision their young adult users? Now showcasing an even more rigorous debate about the theory and practice of YA librarianship, the new second edition of Transforming Young Adult Services, published by ALA Neal-Schuman, has been updated and expanded by author and editor Anthony Bernier to incorporate recent advances in critical youth studies. The new text offers LIS instructors, students, and practitioners a valuable tool for aligning YA services to more fully reflect our diverse populations of young people.

ALA Neal-Schuman, Oct. 9
19h

Phil Rockrohr writes: “As public concern over climate change grows, libraries across the US have begun offering a wide range of programs on the topic—and, in at least one case, celebrating literature that supports and promotes environmental sustainability. Santa Monica (Calif.) Public Library has offered green programming for many years, addressing not just climate change but the economic and social sustainability of green initiatives. An April 27 program, ‘Hope for Our Planet,’ featured a speaker from the Citizens’ Climate Lobby—an environmental advocacy group based in Coronado, California—who discussed local, national, and international remedies.”

American Libraries Trend, Oct. 9
19h

America’s libraries are committed to promoting literacy and a love of reading with diverse collections, programs, and services for all ages. In an increasingly digital world, libraries are investing more in ebooks and downloadable media, and thousands of people discover and explore new and favorite authors through both digital and print collections. ALA and libraries across the country are asking you to voice your opposition to Macmillan’s new library ebook policy by signing this petition and telling Macmillan CEO John Sargent that access to ebooks should not be delayed or denied.

RUSA Update, Oct. 8
21h

High school students in Columbia County, Georgia, will have a few less options for reading material after three books recommended by teachers were not approved by the school district and may not be in the schools’ media centers. The books not recommended are The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Dear Martin, and Regeneration. Superintendent Sandra Carraway said the district does not have a process to decide what books are allowed in the media centers but will begin looking at a review procedure. When asked why those books could not be redacted, Carraway said “the content was extreme.”

Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle, Oct. 8

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