Trace the Influence of Black Musicians Who Shaped Today’s Music

| By Gale Staff | Without the influence of black musicians, the sound of modern music would be unrecognizable. Rock riffs, for example, owe a debt to Chuck Berry, whose fast-paced style set the tempo for guitarists like Keith Richards. Throughout Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed 2015 album, we hear the unmistakable influence of Miles Davis. … Read more

Seeing Ourselves and Each Other Through the Works of Black Authors

When literature lacks diversity, it limits students’ perspectives and erases the experiences of underrepresented voices, including students of color, who may not see their identities reflected in the texts they read. Incorporating works by influential black authors creates space for students to find themselves in the stories while inviting others to engage with narratives that … Read more

Chart Darwin’s Unexpected Journey and Revolutionary Ideas

| By Gale Staff | Charles Robert Darwin was not a particularly good student. However, his uniquely inquisitive nature led him on a journey that would revolutionize the scientific world. Aboard the HMS Beagle, Darwin traveled to some of the world’s most remote destinations, collecting specimens that would broaden our understanding of the planet’s diversity … Read more

Help Your Community Improve Its Heart Health

| By Gale Staff | February is all about the heart—and no, we’re not just talking about the heart-shaped decor for Valentine’s Day. It’s American Heart Month, and your library’s subscription to Gale Health and Wellness is loaded with valuable information about heart disease and heart health. Heart disease (also called cardiovascular disease, or CVD) … Read more

Shine a Light on Ground-breaking Female Inventors

| By Gale Staff | In 1867, Wladyslaw and Bronislawa Sklodowska welcomed their fifth child, a girl named Maria. Growing up in Poland, Maria was a motivated and curious student. However, despite excelling academically, she could not attend the all-male University of Warsaw. In her early 20s, Maria left Poland to enroll at the prestigious … Read more

Explore the Quirky History Behind Groundhog Day

February can be a tough month. The days are still short, the magic of the holidays has ebbed, and spring break feels miles away. If you’re in need of a fun lesson plan to shake things up, look no further than Groundhog Day! With Gale In Context: Elementary, the lesson plan is easy to pull … Read more

Share the Stories of Pioneering Black Scientists

What would the world be like without GPS navigation, satellites, biochemical engineering, and telephone wires? All of these innovations, and countless others, stem from the brilliance of black scientists who dared to ask, “What if?” In celebration of Black History Month, we’ve curated a list of 10 pioneering black scientists using the profiles, periodicals, and … Read more

Refresh Your Library’s Marketing Strategy for the New Year

| By Gale Staff | Libraries strive to serve everyone in their community, from engaging readers to offering accessible online learning opportunities to hosting events for all age groups. Over the past few years, librarians have adapted to an array of evolving needs spurred by the pandemic. Although in-person visits are still 35% lower than … Read more

Add Some Sparkle to Christmas-Themed Lesson Plans

| By Gale Staff | With the winter break fast approaching, elementary teachers are undoubtedly preparing light-hearted, holiday-themed activities. Among other popular holidays such as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and the Winter Solstice, Christmas is one of the most widely observed holidays in the United States, with around 93% of Americans celebrating it in some fashion. Your … Read more