Library Journal

05/28/2020

'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' Is a Hit | Book Pulse

Suzanne Collins's newest debuts at No. 1 on the USA Today Best-Selling Books list, Curtis Sittenfeld's "Rodham" wins the vote at No. 8 on the NYT Hardcover Fiction Best Sellers list, André Leon Talley's "The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir" walks the runway at No. 6 on the NYT Hardcover Nonfiction Best Sellers list, and more book news from Book Pulse.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins tops the bestseller lists this week, and sells more thanhalf a million copies across formats. The James Beard Awards and Horn Book Awards are both announced. Author and activist Larry Kramer has died. More summer reading lists arrive. Day of Dial...

05/28/2020

Playaway Offers Direct Delivery of Library Materials to Patrons

Playaway devices have always offered access to electronic content without requiring an internet connection, and company officials knew those use cases had not disappeared. There would be a segment of every library’s audience that couldn’t be served by ramping up online resources or promoting streaming services.

In response to coronavirus shutdown orders that have left public library branches closed across the country, Playaway—developer of products including Playaway pre-loaded audiobook devices, Wonderbook read-alongs, and Launchpad pre-loaded tablets—recently began offering its customers the option t...

05/28/2020

Opinion | Libraries Must Change

From NYPL The New York Public Library president Anthony Marx: To stay true to their mission during the coronavirus pandemic, libraries should offer more digital services.

Do you agree?

To stay true to their mission during the coronavirus pandemic, libraries should offer more digital services.

05/28/2020

Updating Congress | Notable Government Documents 2019

Now government documents will be available on the Digital Public Library of America Open Bookshelf platform. This year's selected notable government documents cover topics ranging from artificial intelligence to Alaska's gold stampede, and from family separation at the border to healthy bees to Brexit.

The Government Publishing Office (GPO) recently advanced an initiative to modernize the formatting of house committee reports and other documents to make them not only more readable on paper, but more accessible in online formats and through a variety of electronic devices. Now government documents....

05/28/2020

What the HEROES Act Would Mean for Libraries

The HEROES Act mentions libraries in two broad categories. What will that mean in practice?

On Friday, the House of Representatives voted 208 to 199 for a $3 trillion aid package called the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. It includes proposals for new stimulus payments to individuals, hazard pay for first responders, rent and mortgage assistance, and....

05/28/2020

Library Journal Day of Dialog Virtual Event

Even virtual events have attendance caps, but LJ's Day of Dialog platforms have increased "seating" capacity to a whopping 4K. So if you haven't signed up yet, now's the time! Today is chock full of exciting author and publisher events, not to be missed. #LJDoD https://www.libraryjournal.com/?event=library-journal-day-of-dialog-nyc-ve

Join usfor this year'smost anticipated day-long gathering of librarians—now fully virtual and free to attend!

05/27/2020

Silvia Moreno-Garcia on the Evolution of the Horror Genre, #OwnVoices, & Her Latest Novel, 'Mexican Gothic'

"Imagine there’s a race. Every runner has a lane. But there’s a gigantic boulder in the path of the writers of color competing in the race. Now imagine those writers still climb the boulder, like I’ve done, and reach the finish line. You might say that’s a great triumph! And, sure, it is. But I don’t believe people should have to be climbing boulders. It’s not fair, it’s not right."

Nebula Award–nominated Silvia Moreno-Garcia is known for novels that feature stellar worldbuilding, complex characters, and immersive stories spanning multiple genres, from crime fiction to fantasy to horror. LJ 's horror columnist caught up with the author to talk about her writing process, diver...

05/27/2020

NYPL Acquires Martha Graham Archive, FCC and IMLS Team Up on $50M from CARES Act, University Press of Kentucky Gets a Reprieve, and More News Briefs

Physical locations may still be closed, but there's a lot going on in the library world this month!

The New York Public Library of the Performing Arts has acquired the archive of modern dance trailblazer Martha Graham, IMLS and the FCC will team up to promote the use of $50 million from the CARESActto help address the digital divide during the ongoing pandemic, the University Press of Kentuckywill...

05/27/2020

J.K. Rowling to Release New, Free Kids' Book Online | Book Pulse

How can you resist a book titled "The Ickabog"? J.K. Rowling calls it a fairy tale “about truth and the abuse of power,” which she wrote long ago and used as a bedtime story for her kids. The rest of the story will come out online in 34 daily pieces through July 10.

J.K. Rowling has a new children's work, The Ickabog. Johny Pitts wins the Jhalak Prize. There is big adaptation news: Naomi Novik’s forthcoming Scholomance series gets optioned for a film; Amazon plans a series based on the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo books; and Everything I Never Told You by Cele...

05/27/2020

Killer Clowns, Murderous Mannequins, & the Anticipated Sequel to 'Bird Box' | Horror Reviews

You had me at "Clown in a Cornfield"

Seven new and forthcoming horror books—including three starred reviews—recommended by LJ's resident horror expert.

05/27/2020

May I have the envelope please…. Library Journal and Gale Cengage Learning are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2020 Library of the Year award! Tune in live to hear the big reveal and learn firsthand from the director of the winning library what they did to become an exceptional inspiration to the field. LJ will also announce two honorable mention libraries. Come celebrate virtually with us! https://bit.ly/36fmR2w

05/27/2020

May I have the envelope please…. Library Journal and Gale Cengage Learning are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2020 Library of the Year award! Tune in live to hear the big reveal and learn firsthand from the director of the winning library what they did to become an exceptional inspiration to the field. LJ will also announce two honorable mention libraries. Come celebrate virtually with us! https://bit.ly/36fmR2w

05/27/2020

Attending BookExpo Online? Here are LJ's top session picks.

It's BookExpo time again, running through Friday. Here are the can't-miss sessions for librarians.

BookExpo online starts today and runs through Friday. Here are the can't-miss sessions for librarians.

05/26/2020

Librarians turn disease detectives to trace coronavirus contacts

"They’re the latest troops in the battle against the coronavirus: contact tracers, who track down possible exposures and contain them before the virus can spread further."

They’re the latest troops in the battle against the coronavirus: contact tracers, who track down possible exposures and contain them before the virus can spread further. NBC tech correspondent Jacob Ward introduces TODAY to librarians turned disease detectives.

05/26/2020

J.K. Rowling Releases New Children

This morning, J.K. Rowling announced on Twitter that she will be releasing an unpublished manuscript online, chapter by chapter, every weekday from today through July 10.

The Ickabog, a standalone title, will be released chapter by chapter into July and published traditionally in November. The bestselling author has created an international competition for children to illustrate it.

05/26/2020

Librarians Gear Up for Virtual Day of Dialog & BookExpo | Book Pulse

Day of Dialog AND BookExpo—all happening this week, and all virtual! And other book news as well in today's Book Pulse.

Hideaway by Nora Roberts leads holds this week. Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett is People’s Book of the Week. More summer reading lists arrive. Day of Dialog and BookExpo are this week. Middle Earth, Harry Potter, and the Omegaverse all make news. Marilynne Robinson asks “What Kind of Country Do...

05/26/2020

Join us for this year's most anticipated day-long gathering of librarians—now fully virtual and free to attend! Come hear from more than 35 authors in genre fiction, literary fiction, and nonfiction and learn about more titles and trends from editors on our popular editors’ picks panel. https://bit.ly/2RISknG

05/26/2020

Attending BookExpo Online? Here are LJ's top session picks.

BookExpo is upon us! Here are some of LJ's top picks to help you schedule your virtual experience.

BookExpo online starts today and runs through Friday. Here are the can't-miss sessions for librarians.

05/26/2020

Some Thoughts on Reopening: An Open Letter to My Fellow Directors | Opinion

Good morning! We hope the long weekend was kind to everyone. For those of you thinking about next steps for your libraries this week, keep in mind the words of Onondaga County Public Libraries executive director Christian Zabriskie, "Be patient with one another. Be kind to one another."

As we begin to reopen more and more libraries across the country the pressure you will feel as a leader is going to increase. You are crucial to your organization’s future right now. It’s okay to be nervous; it’s okay to be scared. Those emotions will not stop you from doing what you need to d...

05/25/2020

What the HEROES Act Would Mean for Libraries

What the HEROES Act Would Mean for Libraries

On Friday, the House of Representatives voted 208 to 199 for a $3 trillion aid package called the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. It includes proposals for new stimulus payments to individuals, hazard pay for first responders, rent and mortgage assistance, and....

05/25/2020

Tech Lending and Truly Mobile Hotspots Extend Library’s Internet Access

Tech Lending and Truly Mobile Hotspots Extend Library’s Internet Access

As the coronavirus makes internet access even more crucial for schooling, many jobs, and applying for unemployment, library staff have been working on creative solutions to bring access to thousands who would otherwise be without, moving beyond Wi-Fi in parking lots and cultivating external partners...

05/25/2020

May I have the envelope please…. Library Journal and Gale Cengage Learning are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2020 Library of the Year award! Tune in live to hear the big reveal and learn firsthand from the director of the winning library what they did to become an exceptional inspiration to the field. LJ will also announce two honorable mention libraries. Come celebrate virtually with us! https://bit.ly/36fmR2w

05/24/2020

Don't Leave Workers Out of the Library Narrative | Opinion

In case you missed it

There’s been a trend in articles coming out in major publications about how excited people are to get back to their libraries and how resilient libraries are. While they pay important attention to the needs libraries are still striving to meet in their communities, these narratives do nothing to e...

05/24/2020

Novel Strategies for a Novel Virus: Designing Resilient Libraries for a Post-COVID World

Novel Strategies for a Novel Virus: Designing Resilient Libraries for a Post-COVID World

Some libraries are already attempting to reopen their physical locations to the public, at least to some limited extent. Others, in harder hit areas or with local governments more focused on stopping the spread of Coronavirus, are still months away. But all are considering how to reconfigure their s...

05/23/2020

Emily Oster Launches Resource for Unbiased COVID-19 Facts

Emily Oster Launches Resource for Unbiased COVID-19 Facts

Emily Oster (economics, Brown Univ.) is perhaps best known for her evidence-based guides to pregnancy (Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong—and What You Really Need to Know) and early childhood (Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Bir...

05/23/2020

Some Thoughts on Reopening: An Open Letter to My Fellow Directors | Opinion

Some Thoughts on Reopening: An Open Letter to My Fellow Directors | Opinion

As we begin to reopen more and more libraries across the country the pressure you will feel as a leader is going to increase. You are crucial to your organization’s future right now. It’s okay to be nervous; it’s okay to be scared. Those emotions will not stop you from doing what you need to d...

05/22/2020

Some Thoughts on Reopening: An Open Letter to My Fellow Directors | Opinion

Some Thoughts on Reopening: An Open Letter to My Fellow Directors | Opinion

As we begin to reopen more and more libraries across the country the pressure you will feel as a leader is going to increase. You are crucial to your organization’s future right now. It’s okay to be nervous; it’s okay to be scared. Those emotions will not stop you from doing what you need to d...

05/22/2020

True Crime Deep Cuts: Documentaries To Distract You in Your Isolation

From murder to McDonald's Monopoly

True crime is more popular than ever; fans of Tiger Kingor Making a Murderer looking to escape the stress of self-isolating will appreciate this list of lesser-known selections.

05/22/2020

Novel Strategies for a Novel Virus: Designing Resilient Libraries for a Post-COVID World

Novel Strategies for a Novel Virus: Designing Resilient Libraries for a Post-COVID World

Some libraries are already attempting to reopen their physical locations to the public, at least to some limited extent. Others, in harder hit areas or with local governments more focused on stopping the spread of Coronavirus, are still months away. But all are considering how to reconfigure their s...

05/22/2020

Programming Through the Pandemic

Programming Through the Pandemic

With buildings closed to flatten the COVID-19 curve, libraries respond with a rapid pivot to contactless service.

05/22/2020

Emily Oster Launches Resource for Unbiased COVID-19 Facts

Emily Oster Launches Resource for Unbiased COVID-19 Facts

Emily Oster (economics, Brown Univ.) is perhaps best known for her evidence-based guides to pregnancy (Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong—and What You Really Need to Know) and early childhood (Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Bir...

05/22/2020

Reunited, Bill Clinton & James Patterson Team on New Thriller; Amazon to Adapt Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache | Book Pulse

Reunited, Bill Clinton & James Patterson Team on New Thriller; Amazon to Adapt Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache | Book Pulse

Bill Clinton and James Patterson are writing another thriller, The President’s Daughter. Amazon will adapt Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache books, to be called Three Pines. Kobe Bryant’s newest, Geese Are Never Swans, will release on July 21. The Romance Writers of America retires the RITA Awa...

05/21/2020

This Is No Time to Read Alone

This Is No Time to Read Alone

In lockdown and through our screens, we’re reminded of all that’s special and strange about group reading: a solitary, private act made public.

05/21/2020

Tech Lending and Truly Mobile Hotspots Extend Library’s Internet Access

Tech Lending and Truly Mobile Hotspots Extend Library’s Internet Access

As the coronavirus makes internet access even more crucial for schooling, many jobs, and applying for unemployment, library staff have been working on creative solutions to bring access to thousands who would otherwise be without, moving beyond Wi-Fi in parking lots and cultivating external partners...

05/21/2020

Library Associations Announce Joint Cultural Competencies Task Force

Library Associations Announce Joint Cultural Competencies Task Force

On May 18, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS), and the Public Library Association (PLA) announced the formation of the Building Cultural Proficiencies for Racial E...