Public Libraries

The Reby Cary Youth Library opened in August with more than 8,000 square feet designed for and dedicated to children.

Nearly all librarians, school and public, consider EDI/DEI in collection development, according to SLJ's recent survey. Leadership however, drew criticism for paying lip service to these efforts or, in some cases, bending to patron pressure, without real support for diversity, equity, or inclusion. 

Lavishly illustrated, with appealing design, browsable nonfiction has revolutionized children’s books by giving young fact lovers a fresh, engaging way to access information. And more titles are on the horizon.

High shipping costs, skyrocketing paper fees, and labor issues wreak havoc on book publishing schedules. 

Pat Scales answers questions about kids who want challenged books; a parent who objects to fairy tales due to religious beliefs; and a principal sympathetic to students who protest assigned novels. 

Natural disasters are taking a toll on schools and public libraries across the country. SLJ checked in with some librarians hit by Hurricane Ida and the Dixie and Caldor fires in California to see how they are and how people can help.

As Halloween creeps up, these five audio dramas deliver chills and thrills. 
 

I resist, not necessarily by marching in the street but by staying informed as an educator, colleague, and as a bystander. I question policies and practices that align with doing what we’ve always done just because it’s what we’ve always done.

Save the date and register to join us “In Community” for a full-day, virtual program on Oct. 28.