Federal bill equates trans identity with sexually explicit material

One of the core tenets that I embrace as a librarian serving young people is that readers need stories about people who are both like and who are unlike them. A diverse library collection should ideally encompass many facets: including race, sex, gender identity, differing abilities, who a person is attracted to, and more.

Librarians I admire (Hohl, Threets, and Helmick)

With a couple of photos that came across my timeline, I want to honor three librarians I admire: Cindy Hohl, Mychal Threets, and Sam Helmick.
https://youtu.be/2XxcIyjl6-s

Soul Matters : My ‘Resistance’ must oppose book censorship

As part of a “Soul Matters Sharing Circle” through my church, I receive a monthly packet to facilitate reflections around the theme for the month. Something that especially resonated for me with this month’s theme of “Resistance” actually came via my American Library Association membership.

April 25, 2023 is National Library Workers Day

April 25, 2023 is National Library Workers Day, a time to recognize library staff for their contributions in changing lives and supporting their communities. From the April 2023 issue of Library Worklife, here is an invitation to celebrate your library “stars.”

https://ala-apa.org/newsletter/2023/04/12/time-to-celebrate-library-workers/

LIS 5804 : Ways that libraries enrich my life

In its Declaration for the Right to Libraries, the American Library Association lists several ways that libraries change people’s lives. Among them are statements that “Libraries empower the individual” (ALA, 2013, p. 16), and that “Libraries support literacy and lifelong learning” (ibid).

ALA supports Missouri librarians

The American Library Association supports Missouri librarians in opposing administrative rule 15 CSR 30-200.015, which “threatens to diminish library programs and services for all Missourians.”

Professional library associations

My studies this week for LIS 5100, “Foundations of Librarianship,” included an exploration of professional library associations. I shared the benefits I’ve derived from two association memberships, the American Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children.

ALA Virtual 2021 : ‘Conference at Home’

Video: With ALA’s annual conference held virtually in Summer 2021, attendees were able to enjoy the “Conference at Home” experience. Appreciation to everyone who had a hand in shaping and underwriting this event.

ALA Virtual 2020 : An Appreciation

ALA Virtual 2020 : Community Through Connection was my first ALA Conference. With this video, I thank numerous individuals and supporters who made this event possible.

I voted in ALA’s annual election

Now in my 10th year of continuous membership in the American Library Association​, this morning I cast my vote in the ALA’s 2020 election. Polls close on Wednesday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Information: http://www.ala.org/aboutala/governance/alaelection.

Library display: ALA Youth Media Award winners

A definite highlight is the announcement each year of the Youth Media Awards, presented by the American Library Association during its midwinter meeting. To commemorate the latest celebration in “the best” among children’s literature, I looked for Medal winners and Honor books that were already present in our library, and I arranged them on a counter-top display. More books, having recently been ordered, are currently in processing. Throughout the library, I also put out books that were honored during previous years.

Youth Media Award winners in SRCSA library

A definite highlight to this past week at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts, was the arrival of books honored among the best of children’s literature by the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards. I await with interest early each year as the awards are announced, but how much more exciting to be able to read some of these books for myself, and to know that my library customers will be able to enjoy them too. Appreciation to the School for the Arts Community Organization, for purchasing these wonderful new arrivals.

Banned Books Week: 2016’s ‘Top 10’

Each year, the last week in September is observed as Banned Books Week, an annual expression of support for “the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.”

ALA resists cuts to federal library funding

At “District Dispatch,” American Library Association President Julie Todaro shares ways that library professionals can fight U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed cuts in federal funding. Todaro states that while it is unclear at this time how deeply federal library funding will be impacted, “One thing we all know for certain: Real people will be impacted if these budget proposals are carried through.”

Library professionals combat ‘fake news’

According to Julie B. Todaro, American Library Association president, “one of the biggest assignments” facing the library professional is to combat “fake news” and help readers to verify credible authors as well as accuracy and purpose of content.

“We have decades of research data, curricula, best practices, tutorials, and marketing approaches to combat this scourge. But now more than ever we have to step forward on this topic because it’s no longer business as usual.”

Todaro suggests library workers can learn from a powerful shift in language being engaged in by journalists: “Reporters and anchors who used to say that ‘X is speaking today on Y’ now say ‘X is giving his or her impression of Y.’”

ALA opposes recent Trump administration actions

Executive orders and actions of the Trump administration stand in stark contradiction to the values of the American Library Association. In a statement released Monday, ALA President Julie Todaro asserts, the ALA “strongly opposes any actions that limit free access to information, undermine privacy or discriminate on any basis. This includes the temporary suspension of visas and entrance to the U.S. based on anyone’s nationality or religion as well as the increased scrutiny of any individual’s communication such as mobile phone and/or social media activity.”

Government censorship of science

The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom issued a statement this week, condemning demands by the Trump Administration that scientific findings by the Environmental Protection Agency be subject to review for consistency with the administration’s political viewpoint.

‘Lowriders’ wins Pura Belpré Award for illustrator

Each January, I await announcement of the American Library Assoication’s Youth Media Awards, representing the top books, video and audiobooks for children. And it’s gratifying when a book that I’ve read and enjoyed receives its due acknowledgement.

The Pura Belpré Awards honor a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience, and for 2017, the Illustrator Award went to Lowriders to the Center of the Earth (Chronicle Books, July 2016).

Illustrated by Raúl the Third and written by Cathy Camper, Lowriders to the Center of the Earth is the second book in a series. The first book, Lowriders in Space (Chronicle Books, 2014), introduced the three main characters: Lupe Impala, Elirio Malaria and El Chavo Flapjack Octopus.

ALA president apologizes for press releases that ‘normalize’ Trump administration

In a post to American Libraries blog, The Scoop, Julie B. Todaro, president of the American Library Association, apologized for recent press releases that appeared to capitulate to, and normalize, the incoming Trump administration.

ESSA includes favorable library provisions

President Obama signs the ESSA. Photo credit: U.S. White House

President Barack Obama has signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and American Library Association (ALA) President Sari Feldman credited ALA members’ advocacy efforts with favorable provisions for school libraries.