Freedom to read faces federal scrutiny Following the Trump administration’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the US Naval Academy removed nearly 400 books deemed DEI-related from its Nimitz Library (later returning most of them to circulation). Meanwhile, in April, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case brought by … Continue reading 2025 Year in Review
Aldo Leopold, a writer born in my hometown and a pioneer in modern conservation, once wrote, “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” His words resonate powerfully with … Continue reading Sustainability at Our Core
It would be 24 days before the Eaton Fire was fully contained. In that time, the fire destroyed more than 9,000 Altadena homes and businesses and killed 18 people, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. While many of the buildings and houses surrounding the library were destroyed, ALD’s Main Library was … Continue reading Return to Normalcy
But providing access to technology, shelter, and information after extreme weather is only one way libraries are grappling with sustainability. Many are also guiding communities with information to address urgent and emerging ecological threats, such as air and water pollution, food insecurity, and diminishing natural resources, as well as economic, political, and social disruptions. Libraries … Continue reading Sustaining for the Future
Amid the disaster, library systems, including Altadena (Calif.) Library District (ALD), Los Angeles County Library (LACL), and LAPL, are spearheading efforts to help community members as well as library staffers through fundraising and onsite support. The American Library Association (ALA) has also set up a relief effort through its ALA Disaster Relief Fund. In addition … Continue reading During Wildfires, Los Angeles Libraries Offer Community Lifelines
The full statement reads as follows: The American Library Association (ALA) extends our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by and to those who have lost everything during the Los Angeles area fires. We know that the Los Angeles Public Library’s Palisades Branch Library was destroyed, and we await word on others that … Continue reading ALA Announces Support for Libraries Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires
New values for challenging times On January 21, ALA Council approved five new Core Values • access • equity • intellectual freedom and privacy • the public good • sustainability Council cochairs Erin Berman and Sara Dallas explained the reasons for the changes: “This is a crucial moment for our profession, as our library community … Continue reading 2024 Year in Review
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our hearts are with those whose lives have been profoundly impacted. We extend our deepest sympathies to individuals facing devastating loss and the challenges of recovery and rebuilding. We recognize the unwavering dedication of libraries to show up, to step in, and to serve their communities during this difficult … Continue reading ALA Releases Statement on Helping Communities Affected by Hurricane Helene
In just 48 hours, the Winooski River overflowed its banks and inundated the capital city. The river crested overnight on July 11, at more than three feet above major flood stage, the second highest reading on record. The basement of KHL, in the heart of downtown, filled with seven and a half feet of water. … Continue reading Picking Up the Pieces
First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski pays a visit to the Sulzer Regional branch of Chicago Public Library, which hosts a repair café every month. At these events, participants bring household items in need of mending to the library. Volunteers with toolkits fix the items, sparing them from the landfill. Next, members of ALA’s … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Sustainability Strategies
Librarians Denise Gomez and Marcia Mardis are from Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, and they know a thing or two about natural disasters. The two researchers presented “Not Another Named Storm: Disaster Planning in Public Libraries” on January 21 at ALA’s 2024 LibLearnX conference in Baltimore. They shared findings from their three-year Institute of … Continue reading Eyeing the Storm
A few months into the gig, I made a mistake. I printed the number of bargains for one luxury department store on a two-page photo spread featuring a different luxury department store. I was in so much trouble. The magazine sent the store a huge bouquet of flowers as an apology, and I couldn’t stop … Continue reading Making Trouble That Matters
