News & Features

It’s the 4th of July and I am delighted to share another important declaration.   Our new ALA President, friend, former school librarian, and Syracuse iSchool professor, Barbara Stripling declares that libraries are essential to a democratic society. She shares: My presidential initiative, entitled Libraries Change Lives, will focus on increasing public understanding of the value of libraries, [...]

On the Sunday morning of ALA, I attended the 2013 Alex Awards program. Three of the ten winning authors spoke – Derf Backderf, My Friend Dahmer Julianna Baggott, Pure Robin Sloan, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore Each author spoke for 10 minutes, followed by Q&A with the audience and a signing, with the books donated by [...]

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) revealed its inaugural Best Apps for Teaching and Learning list on Jun 30 at the American Library Association annual conference. Head of children's services at Darien Library, CT, Kiera Parrott highlights some of her favorites from the 25 winning apps that cover a broad range of subjects, inspire curriculum connections, and can be used for classroom instruction and public library programming.

A stellar new production by the ever-inventive team at Nosy Crow, a Earth-bound intergalactic duo, and an interactive trip back in time to 79 CE, share this month's list of favorite apps.

How did we end up here, with me sticking my head out of a hole to pay tribute to Randolph Caldecott? Let’s start at the beginning. This past weekend I aggressively underpacked, saddled up my trusty metal steed and lit out for the bustling metropolis of Chicago and the American Library Association Annual Conference. For me [...]

My high school readers (and most other serious readers I know) are obsessed with Good Reads. And if they’re not, they are connected on either LibraryThing or Shelfari. Socially connected readers seek and trust the recommendations and lists of their networks; reviews purchasing and borrowing opportunities, as well as the attractive shelf metaphors, fun quotes, [...]

In this month's column, the lives and work of scientists both past and present feature prominently.

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, two noteworthy titles focus on another nation and its struggle for freedom from British rule: India. Whether drawing comparisons to our country's fight for independence, learning about Mohandas Gandhi or India for the first time, these books will open readers' eyes to an important period in this nation's history.

With her aunt's wedding day fast approaching, 16-year-old Ann Gilardi is determined to lose '45 pounds.' In her effort to do so, she learns more about herself−and her family−than she expected. Author K. A. Barson talks about the genesis of the book.