#library news

[intothestacks]

A handful of states are eyeing laws that would allow criminal charges against school librarians for distributing books that contain "obscene matter."

Why it matters: GOP state lawmakers have in recent years increased their efforts to ban material they deem inappropriate from schools and libraries.

That material includes books on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia, said the bill "is designed to create confusion for educators about what kinds of materials can be taught or displayed."

The American Library Association said this type of legislation would allow for "advocacy groups and parents to sue or prosecute library workers" for providing books and other materials that present "accurate medical information about sex or puberty, describe sexual behavior, or reflect the experiences of LGBTQ+ persons."

The ALA noted that such legal action would be "based on the false claim that any material that includes information about sex, sexuality, gender identity, or sexual orientation is legally obscene and inappropriate for minors."

[kentuckylibrarian]

I recently read this article from Smithsonian Magazine where Christopher Parker discussed book bans. The Digital Public Library of America announced the launch of The Banned Book Club, which “makes e-book versions of banned books available to readers in locations across the United States where titles have been banned.” Users can download The Palace Project app and access over 15,000 titles. The Palace Project “supports the mission of public libraries by providing equitable access to digital knowledge,” and it appears that libraries across the country are willing to participate in this cause. I searched for libraries in Kentucky on the app, and I found three: William B. Harlan Memorial Library, Jessamine County Public Library, and Bell County Public Library. I chose to go through the William B. Harlan Memorial Library. I had to create a library card to borrow a book, however, but I could create one even though I am not a resident of that particular county. I selected The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera, and I could access it immediately as an eBook on my phone. I truly appreciate any initiative that supports access to all books, regardless of any challenges that these titles are up against. I hope to see more libraries in Kentucky on this app as it continues to grow.

[nudeartpluspoetry]

Recognized as an outstanding reference book by a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The 10 books recognized are deemed especialy worthy for medium-sized and small libraries. Print and electronic versions.

[bc-johnson]

DEADGIRL Picked by "The Indie Author Project," In Libraries

This morning I woke up to great news: DEADGIRL has been chosen by “The Indie Author Project,” and is available in libraries across Riverside County and the state of California in participating locations. I believe it’s also available further than that, depending upon local participation and programs. You can grab a copy here if you’ve got a Biblioboard account. Continue reading DEADGIRL Picked…

[egophiliac]

the whole school is rallying together to give these boys the full princess experience, and I think that's beautiful! they would all rather die than work together on one single group project, but hell if they won't pull through when sparkly princess outfits are on the line. (I am sad that Grim doesn't get a little ribbon of his own, though. 😔)

also, the return of my favorite literal running joke, Vargas Meets an Immovable Object Face-First at 20 MPH

[thebrainofmae]

My last post on this didn’t get a ton of traction so I’m trying again. The latest budget proposal for NYC includes a $58.3 million cut to public libraries.

Previous cuts forced NYC public libraries to close on Sundays, and this further round of cuts would likely force libraries to end weekend service entirely. Additionally, it would mean further cuts to programming and the indefinite delay of reopening libraries that have been closed for renovation, which would leave entire neighborhoods without a library.

There is a preliminary budget hearing on May 21, and until then libraries are asking people to sign a letter here to urge the mayor’s office and city council to reverse the cuts.

I know things are terrible in a lot of ways right now and people probably feel overwhelmed and burnt out, but signing this letter (or reblogging this post) is a small, quick, concrete way to make a difference.

[elletromil]

So I do a lot of book suggestion with my public libraries because, well, I'm a big reader and I can't buy all of the books, no matter how much i might want to.

Anyway, it always completely baffles me when, with series - especially when its in ebook form where you can see fairly easily on Libby whether or not there is another installment after the one you're currently reading - *I* have to suggest the next book for it to be picked up.

And not in a 'why is the librarian not buying it' way, but rather in a 'why are people not asking for it????'

For exemple, I've been reading a series of like 5-6 books total. I suggested my library get the first ebook, suggestion got accepted, i read the book and liked it well enough. About 10-ish people were in the hold queue. Of course that doesn't mean they actually liked it but whatever.

I suggested the second book, and because of the nature of ebooks reservation, some people got to read it before me. Ok fine. I read it, about 6-7 people are on the hold queue when i finish it.

Guess what? No one asked for the third book.

For EVERY book in the series, i had to ask for the next one and i'm just...

For people to read it before me, they had to have an alert on the book so they would know when it becomes available at once. Cuz obviously I have those alerts, but even just checking 5 minutes after the notification, there would be at least 2-3 people with a hold on the book already.

And its not even a 'oh, the library will get the ebooks at a certain time every months/few months so that's why it wasn't available yet'

I finished the second to last book of the series recently. It had been available since like october-ish. I had actually started back then, but since I'm not a fan of reading ebooks, I couldnt finish the book in time, so into the hold queue I went.

I know that public library. I know how often they get their ebook. If anyone had asked for the last book, it would be available already.

It wasn't.

Do people not know they can suggest books? Is the process too obscure for them?

Anyway, there is no point to this post except to say, my good peeps, you can make books (or dvds or games or whatever kind of item your public library offer) suggestion! You usually can do it online!

If you can't find where exactly, usually just googling 'purchase suggestion' or 'reccomand a title' with the name of your public library will get you to the right page

And if you're still not sure, you should ask your librarian, they'll be happy to tell you how!

[poetic--elixir]

Truth is like fire; to tell the truth means to glow and burn.

— Gustav Klimt

[2wo-knav3s]

best notification possible

[torpublishinggroup]

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[kentuckylibrarian]

Welcome to the Kentucky Librarian!

This is an online space for library news, book talks, and discussions about the trends or major headlines in the field of Library Science. I hope to share information from my studies and career, book recommendations and my personal opinions on what I have read, and different libraries and their services across the state of Kentucky!

[lazylittledragon]

ok someone please correct me if i'm wrong but am i weird for thinking those 'audiobooks don't count as reading' posts are ableist as fuck????