public libraries

Cool Stuff Librarians Do: Librarians without borders

Librarians Without Borders (LWB) originated as a student project of Founder and Co-Executive Director Melanie Sellar, who attended library school at the University of Western Ontario. The organization’s tagline is Putting information in the hands of the world. Now nearly 10 years old, LWB’s mission is to “improve access to information resources regardless of language, geography, or … Read more

This City Just Did The Most Amazing Thing With Their Abandoned Wal-Mart

Walmart stores are literally everywhere—within easy driving distance for many Americans. But what happens when a Walmart closes? Officials in McAllen, Texas faced this situation and decided to transform the huge empty space into the largest single-floor public library in the U.S. Designers and developers removed walls and ceilings, creating an open and dramatic modern … Read more

How Libraries are Competing in the Digital Age

Libraries in New York State—like their counterparts across the country—are experimenting with new ways to draw patrons in and engage them in reading, creating, and strengthening their ties to the community. In short, they are working to become more relevant. The Pittsford Public Library, for example, hosts drop-in sessions on mastering the Kindle, the iPad, … Read more

Oklahoma Libraries as a Gateway to Citizenship

To meet Oklahoma’s demand for services to non-native English speakers, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) recently launched a citizenship and immigration pilot project that enables libraries to provide useful information about immigration and citizenship benefits. In collaboration with library-based literacy programs, the project promotes awareness and understanding of citizenship while reinforcing English language skills. … Read more

It’s All about Horsepower for Gearhead Patrons

Chilton Auto Resources at Library

By Ryan Lee Price

The 305 cubic-inch engine in the Koenigsegg One “megacar” is capable of producing 1,360 horsepower from its gas-powered V8, propelling the 1,360-kg car to a top speed of 280 mph in 20 seconds. That’s a lot of power, and one can’t help but to imagine 1,360 horses hitched to the front of the $1.5 million car attempting to pull it up to 280 mph. However, in either guise—engine or horse team—1,360 horsepower represents the work of a lot of horses, and to understand how the term has been applied to cars, we have to go back about 100 years before cars were even invented.

Read moreIt’s All about Horsepower for Gearhead Patrons

Kentucky Governor Shows Support for Libraries

In early October, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear was the state’s first signer of the Declaration for the Right to Libraries. This declaration asserts America’s right to all libraries – public, school, academic, and special. He was joined by First Lady Jane Beshear, Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson, and Madeline Abramson. Kentucky residents are encouraged to sign … Read more

Miami-Dade County Kids Crowd Public Libraries for Online Homework

Increasingly, school materials are online, and low-income students are heading to public libraries to complete their homework assignments. EveryoneOn.org, a nonprofit group that aims to improve accessibility to technology, estimates that 35 percent of households in Florida’s Miami-Dade County lack an Internet connection. The Miami-Dade library system has an extra $4 million to spend this … Read more

New Jersey State Library Offers the Opportunity to Earn a High School Diploma

Nearly one in eight adults 25 and older in New Jersey does not have a high school diploma. Career Online High School, a new program sponsored by the New Jersey State Library, aims to change that. Using grants from the state and the Clinton Global Initiative, six libraries—Camden, Elizabeth, Long Branch, Scotch Plains, Somerset County, … Read more

Inspiring Video about Cincinnati Public Library’s “Making Dreams Come True” Program

The Cincinnati Public Library has launched the “Making Dreams Come True” program. Built on the Career Online High School platform, this innovative program enables adult learners (21 or older) in Ohio’s Hamilton County, to realize their dreams of a high school diploma and a more rewarding work life. The program takes about 18 months. The … Read more

Picture This:  Your community’s photography interests covered

Photography Programming Public Library

By Tina Creguer

Jay, a young professional, has always been interested in photography.  And now he finally has the time (sort of) and resources to pursue that interest more seriously.  He’s done with taking photos on his iPhone and trying to pass them off as artistic works.  Time to learn some real skills to make the most of his new digital camera.  He has found some free how-to videos online, but wants more reliable and professional instruction.  Where can he turn for expert resources?

More than 26 million people in the US participated in photography in 20101 – with varying levels of expertise.  With the lower cost of quality digital cameras making them more accessible than ever and the increasingly “photo-centric” nature of communications (especially with social media), this hobby is gathering steam.

Read morePicture This:  Your community’s photography interests covered