Public Libraries

Administrators need to make swift decisions based on immediate community needs, not what will look good to funders, mayors, and boards.

"Now is an especially critical time to inform readers," writes Kathy Ishizuka, SLJ editor in chief. "That means publishing stories centered on the people who power libraries and schools. We are here for it, and we hope you are, too."

With signs, books, and passion, educators support Black Lives Matter around the country.

As childhood trauma is recognized as a public health issue, librarians and educators help students who have experienced violence, loss, and other issues.

A New Jersey school librarian fought to keep Fun Home on the shelves, an author is uninvited from a teen lit festival, the Carle Honors Art Auction is underway, and a few tech resources added features for the start of the new school year in this edition of News Bites. 

Libraries can provide safe spaces from bullying and overpolicing.

Getting more families into libraries is one goal of the FamLAB Project, which has tapped a cross-sector cohort to expand out-of-school learning opportunities for young children and their families.

The founding members of the group, all librarians, hosted "Reading my World: Diverse Books for Birth to 8."