01/08/2025
Did you know Public Libraries Online is also on BlueSky? You can find us at https://bsky.app/profile/publiclibrariesmag.bsky.social --
BlueSky is an emerging social media platform that prioritizes decentralized and user-driven experiences. As we continue to explore new ways to connect with our readers and share valuable resources, we’re excited to expand our presence to this innovative space.
Join us on BlueSky for updates, insights, and conversations about the latest in public libraries. Let’s continue building an engaged and informed community—see you there
publiclibrariesmag.bsky.social
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01/06/2025
Linked data offers a new way to structure library catalogs, promising better discovery but sparking debate about readiness and feasibility. Read more at PL Online's latest post: "Transforming Library Catalogs: The Promise and Challenges of Linked Data" https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2025/01/transforming-library-catalogs-the-promise-and-challenges-of-linked-data/
12/31/2024
Discover how the Library Workers Support Group is helping staff cope with trauma, build resilience, and create healthier workplaces.
Read more about this initiative at https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/12/the-library-workers-support-group-a-response-to-workplace-trauma/ 📚💙
Public Libraries Online - A Publication of the Public Library Association
A Publication of the Public Library Association
12/19/2024
On this episode of the FYI Podcast, we explore the Arlington (VA) Public Library's Holiday Gift Nook, a free, donation-driven program that provided 758 attendees with over 2,200 gifts in 2023. Join us to hear how this initiative promotes sustainability, supports families, and redefines holiday giving! 🎁 https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/12/new-fyi-episode-arlington-librarys-gift-nook-holiday-giving-reimagined/
Public Libraries Online - A Publication of the Public Library Association
A Publication of the Public Library Association
12/17/2024
David Tereshchuk's powerful memoir A Question Of Paternity is many things: a compassionate examination of the people who raised him, an unflinching look at the darker passages of his own life, and a riveting behind-the-scenes glimpse into Tereschuk’s career as a journalist. He spoke with us about what went into writing his incredible book. Read more here: https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/12/tereshchuk/
Public Libraries Online - A Publication of the Public Library Association
A Publication of the Public Library Association
11/15/2024
🎙️ New FYI Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️
In this episode, we explore how libraries can navigate crises and support both staff and patrons using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques. Joining us is Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw, a licensed clinical social worker and former Chicago Public Library social worker. We discuss insights from her upcoming book, 'Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries,' covering topics like de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and managing burnout among staff. Don’t miss this practical conversation! 🎧📚 https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/10/new-fyi-podcast-navigating-difficult-situations-in-public-libraries/
10/30/2024
Unlock a year of early literacy adventures in 2025 with PLA's Early Literacy Calendars! Share these fun, reproducible calendars with families at your library, and watch early literacy skills bloom. Shop the PLA Early Literacy Calendars available in English and Spanish today: https://alastore.ala.org/2025-pla-early-literacy-calendar-english-language-version-pdf-download
PLA & ALA members: Check your inbox for instructions on applying your 20% member discount!
10/17/2024
Libraries play a vital role in fostering civic engagement, and the ALA’s Reader Voter Ready campaign offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help libraries empower their communities. Through relatable stories and hands-on programming, libraries can spark a lifelong commitment to democracy, preparing all citizens to make informed choices at the ballot box. Click the link to read more.
https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/10/resources-for-civic-engagement-in-libraries-for-all-ages/
Public Libraries Online - A Publication of the Public Library Association
A Publication of the Public Library Association
10/01/2024
Call for Submissions! ✍️ Public Libraries Magazine is excited to announce the themes for our 2025 issues, and we invite you to contribute your insights and stories. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
✏️ Your Library Career
✏️ Serving People in Crisis
✏️ Library Resource Sharing
✏️ Public Library Human Resources
✏️ Multigenerational Programming
✏️ Strategic Plans
Ready to share your expertise and make a difference in the library community? You can find more information about writing for PL here: https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/09/call-for-submissions-public-libraries-magazine-2025-themes/ #
09/18/2024
In the latest FYI Podcast episode, we're joined by Ris Labib and Amber Salmon, both Adult Services Librarians from the Akron-Summit County Public Library in Ohio. 🎙️We discuss the predictors and contributors to burnout and, most importantly, finding effective solutions to combat it. We also look at common causes, such as work overload, role ambiguity, and challenging interactions. Tune in: https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/08/fyi-podcast-episode-navigating-workplace-burnout/
08/09/2024
Inspired by Mychal Threets and his message of library joy, PLA is seeking YOUR stories of library joy for a special podcast episode! Whether it’s a heartwarming encounter, a funny mishap, or a life-changing discovery, we want to hear from library workers like you.
📌 Story Length: Up to 2 minutes spoken aloud
📌 Format: Voice memo or recording (start with your name and library/location)
📌 Submit by end of day on Wednesday, August 16
📌 Email your voice memo or recording clip to: [email protected] (Subject: Library Stories Podcast Episode)
Share your library joy with us and be featured in our upcoming episode!
Public Libraries Online
A Publication of the Public Library Association.
http://publiclibrariesonline.org/
07/12/2024
Inspired by Mychal Threets and his message of library joy, PLA is looking for YOUR stories of joy from the library for a special FYI podcast episode! Whether it’s a heartwarming encounter, a funny mishap, or a life-changing discovery, we want to hear about it.
📌 Story Length: Up to 2 minutes spoken aloud
📌 Format: Voice memo or video recording (start with your name and library/location)
📌 Deadline: Submit by end of day on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
📌 Email to: [email protected] (subject: Library Stories Podcast Episode)
07/11/2024
ICYMI: Public Libraries magazine has gone digital for the summer, offering downloadable PDFs and interactive flipbooks for May/June and July/August 2024 editions. In this issue, you'll find insights on readers' advisory and family engagement, including a comprehensive guide to creating a RA website for your library and the national initiative Take Your Child to the Library Day.
Members & subscribers, check your inbox to access your digital issue. Happy reading! 💌
06/20/2024
"Food justice work aligns with programs and services many libraries already provide, and the community forming around this work is growing all the time," shares PLA member Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz about the program, “Food is a Right: Libraries Respond to Food Inequity”.
is right around the corner! These two PLA members, Lauren Boeke, Assistant Youth Services Coordinator Toledo Lucas County Public Library & Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz, Executive Director Lorain Public Library System, are joining forces with Urban Libraries Council to talk about food justice in libraries at the conference.
Read more: https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/06/pla-member-spotlight-food-justice/
06/14/2024
Happy ! 🏳️🌈 From Drag Queen Story Hours to LGBTQIA+ booklists, public libraries across the country are celebrating Pride. Read more: https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/06/public-libraries-celebrate-pride/
05/22/2024
In the latest FYI podcast episode, The Seattle Public Library's Digital Media and Learning Expert, Juan Rubio, joins us to provide insights from his article, "The Role of Libraries in Navigating an AI-Empowered Future," originally published in the May/June 2024 issue of Public Libraries Magazine. Tune in! https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2024/05/new-podcast-episode-the-role-of-libraries-in-navigating-an-ai-empowered-future-with-juan-rubio/