Public libraries have long been sanctuaries of knowledge and community engagement. In recent years, however, these locations and their staff have increasingly become frontline responders to societal challenges such as homelessness, drug use, mental health crises, and associated violence. During the pandemic, seeing a security guard at the library became a … [Read more...] about Libraries on the Frontline
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ALA 2024: Advocacy, Diversity, and the Future of Libraries
The American Library Association's 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition kicked off with a vibrant start in San Diego on June 28, drawing over 13,000 attendees to the Convention Center. Keynote speaker Trevor Noah, former host of 'The Daily Show', was met with an enthusiastic crowd as he passionately advocated for the freedom to read. Noah reminisced about his childhood … [Read more...] about ALA 2024: Advocacy, Diversity, and the Future of Libraries
We Need Libraries Now More than Ever
Libraries have had it rough for quite some time. They've been underfunded, understocked, underappreciated...yet they still cling to life because their communities need them. In an interesting twist, a Pew Internet study found that far more people believe losing their local public library would have a severely negative impact on their communities than actually ever used that … [Read more...] about We Need Libraries Now More than Ever