March 4, 2011
In a bid to attract patrons in their 20s and 30s, some libraries have started having literary speed dating evenings. According to the New York Times, the concept is believed to have begun in Europe and is now spreading to the United States. The idea appeals to young singles who hope that people who share their literary tastes might have other tastes in common with them, too.
Mary B., Reader’s Services
February 5, 2011
On February 5th, libraries all over the United Kingdom held events to protest the threatened closure of over 450 library services. Read more about the mass shhh-in and flashmob book readings, as well as the countless authors and other celebrity – along with the not-so-famous – patrons who turned out save their libraries! You might also be inspired by writer Philip Pullman’s impassioned plea. It is his hope that the protests “bring to the attention of even the thickest-headed local council member that there is a great deal more passionate feeling about libraries than they bargained for.”
January 29, 2011
I’m going to be in so much trouble here—with librarians, with library users, with my coworkers—well, just about everyone I have talked to in the last six months. In my household, we are now the sheepish owners of a Kindle with Global 3G and wifi (as well as a Kobo, and ipad).
How did this happen, you might ask? How did this librarian who loved her Kobo so much give into the hype, and purchase the least library compatible device out there??? Continue reading “My Kobo ebook Reader: A gateway drug to Kindle”
October 27, 2010
Poet Maya Angelou’s personal archive has been bought with private money and is going to be housed in the New York City Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY, according to an article in today’s NY Times. The archive will enhance the center’s outstanding collection of art, artifacts, manuscripts, books, photos, etc., and reflects the library’s mission to acquire the best examples of black culture.
Mary B., Reader’s Services
October 24, 2010
NPR, in conjunction with Sirius XM Radio, has been running a fascinating and timely series on the importance of public and school libraries in today’s cultural climate. Hosted by Bob Edwards, the programs have been airing through October on Sunday mornings at 10am. To find out more about and to link to archived broadcasts, podcasts, and transcripts of the show, visit the Bob Edwards Weekend website.
Barbara L., Reader’s Services
October 21, 2010
My lovable bike-crazy pal George Christensen has been touring the central U.S. recently, partly to visit dozens of Carnegie libraries. Besides being an amazing rider, George is quite a writer, and has been blogging about his tour. See http://georgethecyclist.blogspot.com (esp. his entries for Oct. 2 & 1, and Sept. 29 & 27).
– Jeff B.
October 15, 2010
Without city approval for a loan of approximately $600,000, the Des Plaines Public Library may need to close for the year on December 5th. The library board will meet to vote on this option next Tuesday, October 19th. For more, see the Daily Herald. In response, Des Plaines Mayor Marty Moylan wants the library to focus on making “basic reading material available” and (among other cuts) stop lending CDs and DVDs for free. Click here to read more.
September 27, 2010
The New York Times has a timely article about the controversy surrounding Library Systems & Services, Inc. (LSSI), as it continues to take over libraries around the country. But is there really anything to be concerned about? In an era of outsourcing and privatization, why not libraries as well? What is the big deal (if any)? Be sure to read (and join) the lively discussion in the comments section. (Full disclosure: Prior to serving as the Director of the Evanston Public Library, Mary Johns was director of public library operations for LSSI).
September 4, 2010
about the Right to Read and want to celebrate Banned/Challenged books, then join the discussion during a “Banned Books Week ReadOut” at Evanston Public Library on Friday, September 24 from 3 – 6 p.m. ALA’s annual “Banned Books Week” will be observed September 25 – October 2, 2010. (read more) Continue reading “ALA Banned Books Week ReadOut event at EPL” August 15, 2010
When I feel the summer heat steaming from the pavement, my childhood memories of the bookmobile provide a cooling sensation to my spirit. This feeling came back last summer on a visit to Chicago when I happened upon a parade of bookmobiles of various ages. There it was: an old Ford grille with big, round headlights that was a dead ringer for the bookmobile that stopped at my house as a child. Continue reading “Escaping The Summer Heat In A Bookmobile”
