Tag Archives: libraries

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A Valentine to Libraries

Huffington Post recently asked for people’s attitudes toward their libraries. They assembled a collection of affectionate tweets explaining just what  they love about their local library. One comment I especially liked: “…the quiet mystery of absorbed & oblivious readers.” In a world where many are concerned about people becoming oblivious and indifferent to each other, a common theme was the view of a library as a public place to mingle with different types. Would you care to add a tweet of your own?

Shira S.

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Libraries Struggle to Fill E-book Demands

EarlyWord points out an interesting article in the Washington Post about the difficulties libraries have in obtaining e-books.Some facilities do not have funds to keep up with the need and some publishers are not fully cooperating with the libraries. The article highlights the friction between slashed library budgets and the growing pressure to keep up with digital media. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.   Shira S.

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“All Things Considered” considers the future of libraries

Will the youngsters in this picture enjoying the children’s room at the Evanston Public Library grow up to think of a library as a “temple of books?” If the current trend of
the digitization of reading and research continues, they may not even have to visit a library to be regular patrons. This very interesting story by NPR’s Lynn Neary on the future of public libraries ran yesterday on “All Things Considered,” and explored how the digital revolution is compelling librarians, publishers, authors, content providers, and IT professionals to be innovative and even daring in creating the library of the 21st century.

Barbara L.

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Libraries of Japan Damaged

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, the important priorities are taking care of people and housing,etc., during a natural catastrophe. However, people do always wonder about the additional things they care about. In this case, I mean books. So, what is the status of libraries around Japan? The Huffington Post linked to this Japanese collection of photos- pardon the language barrier.

Shira S.

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Some Libraries Allow Patrons To Check Out Potential Dates Along With Their Books

In a bid to attract patrons in their 20s and 30s, some libraries have started having literary speed dating evenings. According to the New York Times, the concept is believed to have begun in Europe and is now spreading to the United States. The idea appeals to young singles who hope that people who share their literary tastes might have other tastes in common with them, too.

Mary B., Reader’s Services

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“Save Our Libraries Day” in the UK

On February 5th, libraries all over the United Kingdom held events to protest the threatened closure of over 450 library services. Read more about the mass shhh-in and flashmob book readings, as well as the countless authors and other celebrity – along with the not-so-famous - patrons who turned out save their libraries! You might also be inspired by writer Philip Pullman’s impassioned plea.  It is his hope that the protests “bring to the attention of even the thickest-headed local council member that there is a great deal more passionate feeling about libraries than they bargained for.”

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My Kobo ebook Reader: A gateway drug to Kindle

I’m going to be in so much trouble here—with librarians, with library users, with my coworkers—well, just about everyone I have talked to in the last six months.  In my household, we are now the sheepish owners of a Kindle with Global 3G and wifi (as well as a Kobo, and ipad).

How did this happen, you might ask?  How did this librarian who loved her Kobo so much give into the hype, and purchase the least library compatible device out there??? Continue reading →

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Maya Angelou’s Papers Go to Library in Harlem

Poet Maya Angelou’s personal archive has been bought with private money and is going to be housed in the New York City Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY, according to an article in today’s NY Times. The archive will enhance the center’s outstanding collection of art, artifacts, manuscripts, books, photos, etc., and reflects the library’s mission to acquire the best examples of black culture.

Mary B., Reader’s Services