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.

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.

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.

The White House honored 10 connected educators, including SLJ columnist and school librarian, Carolyn Foote. The Chicago Public Library celebrated families and early literacy with its 20th annual "Bookamania 2013: All Families, All Year", a free, daylong children’s book festival.

In the past nine months at Gum Spring Library, we have hosted numerous programs, welcomed dozens of authors and presenters, discussed books, watched movies, made crafts, and so much more. We believe we have successfully figured out what our teens enjoy, and what they find less than thrilling. And throughout it all, we've continued to take the time to evaluate, assess, and reflect.