Public Libraries

In the coming weeks, staffers at Rhode Island’s Providence Community Library (PCL) are seeking to sign up hundreds of families for its new Ready for K! school readiness program, which aims to narrow the achievement gap for poor children.

It was "lights, camera, action!" at the Smoky Hill Library, part of the Arapahoe Library District (ALD) in Colorado, where the Teen Advisory Board has created their fourth annual book trailer. This year's endeavor brought Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero to the small screen.

The best of the "best of" lists, The Fault in Our Stars is coming! Will the new Disney film throw P.L. Travers under the bus? Catch up on the week's news via Fuse 8.

Celebrated author Neil Gaiman, complete in Victorian garb, gave a special reading of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol on December 15 at New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Following edits and prompts Dickens himself used for readings of the classic tale, Gaiman entertained a packed crowd just in time for the holiday season.

Let’s be honest. Physical resources are in decline, and the transition to digital holdings will only accelerate. So what can we do with all that library space opened up by the decline of print? Consider the Unperfekthaus, a German model that encompasses maker spaces and much more.

Patrons at the Public Library of Brookline (MA) have an engaging new way to learn about the most recommended items in circulation, thanks to teen librarian Robin Brenner: An “Awesome Box” in the shape of a half-size TARDIS, Doctor Who’s sentient spaceship.

Fifty-four percent of Americans have used the public library at least once during the past year and 70 percent of parents have taken their child to a public library or bookmobile during the past year, according to a Pew Research Center report. The nationally representative survey of 6,224 Americans indicated that the overwhelming majority continue to have a positive view of libraries, but many are unaware of all of the services and resources that their libraries offer.

Happiness is a new list. For 102 years, NYPL has consistently been producing the same list highlighting some of the best books for kids in a given year.  Now we’re pleased to announce our 2013 list and all the myriad titles it holds.  Admit it.  This is one of the most gorgeous covers on a [...]

Young adult author A.S. King has partnered with school and public libraries in four communities for multi-generational reads of her novels, producing some illuminating experiences and conversations between teens and adults. More towns and cities should try such projects, King and her librarian partners say.