Public Libraries Archives
Report: “Dozens Object to Rule Requiring Arkansas Libraries To Restrict ‘Sexually Explicit’ Materials”
From the Arkansas Advocate: Dozens of Arkansans told the Department of Education that they oppose requiring public libraries to restrict children’s access to “sexually explicit materials” in order to receive state funding. At least 62 people submitted concerns in writing by Friday about the draft rule requiring libraries to ensure patrons age 16 or younger cannot check out materials that […]
More Perfect and Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Select Eight Public Libraries Selected for Local News Partnership Project
From an Urban Libraries Council Announcement: Today, More Perfect, an American alliance dedicated to revitalizing democracy, and the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), an organization dedicated to strengthening libraries as dynamic civic institutions, announced that eight ULC members have been selected for a national pilot program to connect public libraries to local news organizations. The program […]
UNC-Chapel Hill Launches Statewide Study on Libraries and Generative AI in Local Communities
From UNC-Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has launched a new state-wide two-year collaborative planning and pilot study aimed at understanding how North Carolina communities are encountering generative artificial intelligence and how local libraries can support AI literacy in meaningful, locally relevant and sustainable ways. [Clip] The project, “Local Libraries and […]
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ALA, ARL, COSLA, EveryLibrary, SAA, ULC, and Others Call on Congress to Fund IMLS
Via the American Library Association (ALA): Today, ten cultural organizations, including the American Library Association (ALA), called on Congress to expand federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in its fiscal year (FY) 2027 appropriations bills, which are scheduled for markup by a House Appropriations Subcommittee later this week. Addressed to members […]
District of Columbia e-Book Fairness Act Signed by Mayor, Defying Corporate Pressure and Private Equity Lobbying (Statement From eBook Study Group)
From the eBook Study Group: The eBook Study Group (ESG) celebrates a historic milestone for public digital access as District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially signed B26-0490, the “Library E-book Pricing Fairness Amendment Act of 2025.” The legislation, which was drafted by the eBook Study Group, marks a decisive legislative victory for public […]
Ontario: “Breaking Down the Ottawa Public Library’s Rebrand and Its Numbers”
From the Ottawa Citizen: Amidst a decline in physical book rentals and in-person visits to its 33 branches, the Ottawa Public Library is doubling down on a rebrand. One that positions it as a “third space” for clients. In its 2025 end-of-year report, the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) said the last year was spent laying the groundwork […]
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Report: Trump’s Proposed Budget Threatens NC Library Programs, Including Shared Books List”
From The Charlotte Observer: Advocates are warning the Trump administration’s proposed federal budget could leave libraries in North Carolina without longstanding funding that pays for services across the state. [Clip] “These dollars fund a lot of essential services, whether we talk about digital skills training for all North Carolinians or online professional development for library […]
Funding: Light at the End of Tunnel For Connecticut Libraries Program May Come. It Costs $140,000
From the Hartford Courant: A proposed 20% cut in a state program that lets library patrons check out books from public libraries beyond their own town or city has been restored by the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee, an official of the Connecticut State Library said Monday. Dawn La Valle, the director of the Division of Library Development, […]
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Chicago Public Library, Chicago Public Schools Expand Automatic Library Access to More Than 315,000 Students
From the City of Chicago: Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Chicago Public Library (CPL) are expanding access to diverse and rich digital library resources across the city through a new partnership called The 81 Club. Through this CPS-CPL partnership, the District’s more than 315,000 public school students are automatically registered and have digital access to the full resources […]
American Library Association (ALA) Announces Recipients of the I Love My Librarian Award For 2026
From the American Library Association: The American Library Association (ALA) is thrilled to announce this year’s 10 recipients of the coveted I Love My Librarian Award. Serving communities across the nation, the 2026 honorees are exceptional librarians from academic, public, and school libraries who were nominated by community members for their expertise, dedication, and profound impact […]
