Heather at PBS Books

04/20/2026

As a librarian, PBS Books host, and avid reader, I am always reading books of various genres. As a mother, I am always looking for those special “kid” books that combine creativity, learning, and wonder…Books that capture my imagination and that I know will be fascinating for the young and the young at heart. Last week, Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell’s “102” hit the shelves. “102” explores the values of curiosity, kindness, and generosity, while George goes on a whimsical nighttime adventure with gorgeous illustrations. (I love the art!) Don’t miss this amazing book—it is especially perfect for children grades K-4…but don’t we all want to whisked away to a magical world with kindness (and crickets, mice, and beans). Thank you Matthew Cordell for inspiring imagination and adventure and Little, Brown and Company for publishing this beautiful book.

06/29/2025

Here are just a few pictures from the American Library Association conference. It is an honor to be with my Bellwood Public Library trustees and colleagues and spend time with amazing authors, talented librarians, and public service enthusiasts. Shout out to ALA’s Booklist for great work on the Carnegie Medals event.

06/27/2025

The ALA annual conference started today in Philadelphia. My dear friend ALA President Cindy Hohl welcomed all attendees and introduced the amazing Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who launched festivities of the Opening Session. I’m here with the Bellwood Public Library trustees and loving it already. Plus, PBS Books is showing its presence through its contribution in American Library Association’s Booklist Reader. Love the book recs in this fabulous publication. If you are here, please say ‘hi’ if you see me.

06/20/2025

I took my dog to the Bellwood Public Library to celebrate "Take Your Dog To Work" Day. Astor even read a few books with a child in the Youth Area later. Did you bring your dog to work today? Share about it!

06/15/2025

What books are your reading to celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month?

06/13/2025

📣 Calling All Libraries! Join Our Webinar + Apply for a $750 Grant! 📚🇺🇸

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, how will your library help your community reflect, engage, and celebrate?

PBS Books is teaming up with PBS and WETA to launch THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION library engagement initiative—built around the powerful upcoming 12-hour documentary series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, premiering November 16, 2025.

💻 Join our free webinar:
🗓 Monday, June 16
🕐 1 PM ET
🔗 Register now: https://streamyard.com/watch/uzM6kyHPJHhN

In this session, you’ll learn about:
✅ The film’s themes of liberty, democracy, and identity
✅ Free customizable toolkits, curated reading lists, and educational resources
✅ Virtual & on-demand events
✅ Special library screening opportunities (starting Oct 1, 2025)
✅ A NEW $750 microgrant to support your programming!

🎯 Grant applications are open now through July 7, 2025. Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AmRevLibraryRFP

Whether you’re planning a film screening, a book discussion, or civic programming, this initiative helps libraries bring history to life and spark meaningful community conversations.

Let’s commemorate 250 years of American democracy—together. 📖✨

05/31/2025

As we close out Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, keep on reading outstanding authors and encouraging young people in your life to be curious and read amazing books by fabulous AAPI authors. One of my favorite new middle grade books is award-winning Grace Lin’s “The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon;” this Little, Brown and Company book is already on the NY Times best-selling list! It's a gorgeously illustrated adventure story about duty, love, and balance. Based on Chinese Folklore, this beautiful novel features a lion cub and a girl, who must open a portal for the spirits. This book makes the perfect summer read, and there’s even has a gorgeous deluxe edition featuring stenciled designed sprayed edges, as well as a foil case stamp and designed endpapers.

02/17/2025

I'm a librarian—naturally, I have a soft spot for old books, which makes this post an absolute delight! As a proud Book Nerd, I love how stories connect us across time. It may sound cliché, but Jane Austen’s novels are timeless literature, shaping the legacy of female authors for generations.

This year, fans of the British romantic novelist Jane Austen are celebrating 250 years since her birth. In her homeland of England, residents are expecting a tourist boom. Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

02/15/2025