Obama Presidential Center Archives | American Libraries Magazine

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden smiles on stage at the "In Conversation with Carla Hayden" session at the ALA Annual Conference

A Presidential Center Preview

By Greg Landgraf | June 25, 2023

“The presidency that is the main thrust of this particular story is also the story of the first digital president,” said Obama Presidential Center museum director Dr. Louise Bernard. Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden interviewed Bernard and Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown about the Center at the American Library Association’s Annual Conference and … Continue reading A Presidential Center Preview →

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Brandy Sanchez writes: “Public librarianship often resides at the intersection of public service, education, and social work. It allows us to support the unique needs of community members through innovative services, enriching programs, and responsive collections. Yet it is this very contact with the public that puts library workers at risk of experiencing primary or vicarious trauma. Many libraries employ trauma-informed care, but it shouldn’t stop there. Library directors and managers can better support staffers by practicing trauma-informed supervision, when leaders nurture a healthy workplace culture and connect staffers with needed support and resources after a distressing incident with patrons or coworkers.

American Libraries column, May
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Megan Bennett writes: “Artist and activist Kathleen Hanna is most known as the lead singer of punk bands Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, and the Julie Ruin. Hanna’s new memoir Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk (Ecco, May) chronicles the challenges and triumphs of her life before, during, and after navigating the male-dominated genre during the 1990s, spurring the Riot Grrrl movement and paving the way for other women artists. American Libraries caught up with Hanna ahead of the book’s release to discuss her behind-the-scenes stories, return to touring, and love of libraries.”

American Libraries Trend, May 10
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Dan Kois writes: “Kids in 3rd and 4th grade are beginning to stop reading for fun. It’s called the ‘Decline by 9,’ and it’s reaching a crisis point for publishers and educators. What’s causing the Decline by 9? It might be screens, but it’s not only screens. Indeed, several people I spoke to mentioned that middle-graders’ lack of phones created a marketing problem in an era when no one at any publishing house has any idea how to make a book a bestseller other than to hope it blows up on TikTok.

Slate, May 5
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Margaret Bates writes: “Conference season is upon us with ALA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition taking place in San Diego from June 27–July 2. Conferences can be intimidating for first-time attendees, especially large conferences like ALA. Here are some dos and don’ts, and some tips, for first (or second!) time attendees.” Among her advice: Take advantage of conference orientations, network at meet and greets and mixers, and don’t overlook the importance of sleep (and comfortable shoes).

NMRT Notes, May 6
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Jacob Holmes writes: “A coalition including Read Freely Alabama, the Alabama Library Association and multiple adult and minor patrons of the Autauga-Prattville (Ala.) Public Library filed a motion in federal court Thursday to block policies recently enacted by the new board. The complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama Thursday afternoon asks the court to enjoin the policy on the basis that its provisions are overbroad, vague and implement unconstitutional content-based discrimination.

Alabama Political Reporter, May 9; Democracy Forward, May 9; Alabama Reflector, Feb. 27
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May is National Inventors Month, so American Libraries’ By the Numbers column investigates some of the connections between libraries and notable inventors, including Thomas Edison, George Washington Carver, Madam C .J. Walker, and the Wright brothers. You’ll also learn details about inventors-in-residence programs, makerspaces, and a Smithsonian traveling exhibit.

American Libraries Trend, May
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Logan Finney writes: “Larsen-Sant Public Library in Preston, Idaho, will temporarily restrict public access to its building starting May 6 in response to a new state law that opens libraries to lawsuits if minors access inappropriate content on the shelves. ‘In order to comply with House Bill 710 we are closing the library to the public.’ according to a notice on the library’s website.” The library will move young adult books with LGBTQ+ themes or characters to the adult section. Library staffers hope to reopen by June 3, and suggested patrons should direct questions or “strong feelings” to Idaho Gov. Brad Little and local lawmakers.

Idaho Reports, May 3

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