#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.

[inkskinned]

having good & true friends will literally save and protect you in a million unfathomable ways. like okay we have written so many times about lovers. but the way a platonic friend laughs and cries with you. the way they hold your hand at 14 years old and at 34. the way they keep a little silver tie to you, touching base over and over and over. how you can go years without talking, only to re-meet and discover: oh shit! you're still cool!

there are people who have been in my life for more than half of it, and i have loved every version of them. do you know how fucking beautiful that is. yeah love will save the world. but the way friends love you is gonna save the you.

[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.

[poetic--elixir]

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

— Gustav Klimt

[karemandohan1999]

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[2wo-knav3s]

best notification possible

[intothestacks]

It’s the Librarian’s Fault! How the public library violently made me fall in love with reading and become a writer, a guest post by Hemant Nayak

"I was born in India but was a baby when we flew over. If you take an immigrant kid and give them unlimited library resources, make them fall in love with reading fantasy, and teach them that anything’s possible—they’re going to write stories about magic in other countries and stories involving tight immigrant families and struggles with classes and colonialism and all kinds of craziness. IT’S THE LIBRARIAN’S FAULT!"

[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????

[thebookaddict7]

Good books can make you homesick for places you have never been.