Public Libraries

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.

I was vilified for criticizing the Dewey Decimal system. We librarians need to stop perpetuating its systemic racism in our libraries.

It’s September, and we look to another school year, although certainly not an ordinary one. We at SLJ seek to provide the content and context to serve our readers in a ­remarkable time. I want to update you on recent efforts.

In covering achievements in the library world, it’s natural to focus on outcomes, reporting and raising up the endpoint of success. This story represents a win, for sure. But as Colleen Kilbreath, director of the Stanton County (KS) Public Library recalls, it stemmed from failure.

With COVID abating, the mood is palpably lighter. Not so for Asian Americans, who fear a return to school and work—just 18 percent of Asian eighth graders returned to in-person classrooms this spring. Schools and employers must take specific action to protect AAPIs from hate, say advocates, with alternatives to more policing.

Questions about the ethics of fines, a public library crowded with kids during the pandemic, and a librarian who doesn't want kindergarteners to borrow books.

Pat Scales offers advice and opinion on student privacy, tween advisory boards, labeling, and serving students during the pandemic.

As more Native writers make inroads into childrens' publishing, educators and readers must set aside internalized misconceptions about Native life, people, and nations.

Meg Medina, Jason Chin, Nikki Grimes, and other creators discuss how quarantine life has impacted their imaginations and work.