Articles

Catch up on the latest in library programming news.

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Curious Kids Club: Full STEAM Ahead!

This library transformed a traditional summer reading program into the Curious Kids Club, a six-week, hands-on summer program with a science-camp feel that combined literacy with STEAM.

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Stitched Stories: Where Quilting, Literacy, and Elders Meet

In the African American tradition, quilting is both practice and philosophy. Stitched Stories was built to put that inheritance directly into young people’s hands, pairing books with needle and thread.

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Libraries as the Connective Tissue in Addressing the Digital Divide

Through ALA's Community Connect initiative, libraries in small towns have enhanced internet access for underserved populations, opening doors for patrons and increasing the visibility of libraries as key hubs in their communities.

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Q&A: 3 Expert Librarians Share Their Summer Reading Décor Secrets

We asked three librarians with decades of combined experience planning large-scale summer reading décor to share their advice and go-to materials.

Libraries and Voter Registration

From voter registration events to programs related to voting, libraries are an important part of the civic education process.

Digital Literacy for All Ages

Digital technology has become the driving force for many aspects of life. Here are some tools and resources to help empower learners of all ages through digital literacy.

Enhancing Library Accessibility for Older Adults

Though age is not a disability, many older adults experience barriers that directly impact their interactions with their environment. Senior patrons share what they're looking for in library accessibility upgrades.

Children's Earth Day Books and Programs

A lot of children’s nature literature, though well-meaning, pushes a narrative of “it’s up to you to save the world!” The librarians behind the Blueberry Award share ideas for excellent Earth Day programs and book suggestions that inspire a love for nature in young people without inciting climate anxiety or fear.

Sorry, We Are Out of Eclipse Glasses

Was your library's phone ringing off the hook on the day of the solar eclipse? Did you run out of eclipse glasses quicker than anticipated? Libraries share their solar eclipse day successes and stresses.

Incorporate Media Literacy Teaching in Everyday Library Interactions

One of the best places to teach media literacy is at the point of need, where the users are. Most library interactions occur during the delivery of services, such as reference interviews, technology classes and interactions at the circulation desk. Consider these five ways to incorporate small lessons about media literacy into your regular services.

What Neurodivergent Patrons Want from Small and Rural Libraries

Many libraries have found that to make their libraries truly accessible spaces, they need to consider the specific concerns of neurodivergent patrons. What are the accessibility priorities of these individuals, and how can libraries address them?

Programs to Teach Adult Patrons Internet Literacy

These program ideas teach media and internet literacy skills that allow patrons to think critically about how the architecture of the internet influences what they see and do online.

Welcoming Patrons with Disabilities in Rural Libraries

Small and rural libraries provide essential services to their communities. But for the 1 in 3 adults in rural areas who live with a disability, these libraries are not always accessible. How are small and rural libraries addressing the needs of patrons with disabilities?