#public-libraries

#public-libraries

The Alabama Public Library Service Board of Directors approved a rule Thursday that orders the removal of content related to "transgender procedures, gender ideology or the concept of more than two biological genders" from children's and young adult sections across the more than 200 libraries in its system. The directive bans all "sexually explicit or other material deemed inappropriate" from youth sections, though it does not define sexually explicit content.

The 65-year-old Grand Concourse Library in the Bronx is about to be replaced. First renderings of the new public library show a brick-lattice façade on the first two floors and a double-height reading space that looks airy and bright. But perhaps the most unusual feature of the library is not what's inside but what's on top of the stacks: 113 affordable, rent-stabilized units.

"All of us work here because we believe in the library and our community impact,"

My district is home to some of the most active senior centers in the city, as well as beautiful libraries. Unfortunately, many of the institutions are under threat from federal funding cuts. In order for these havens of lifelong learning to continue to provide the highest quality services possible we need to ensure that funding can be replaced by the city.

On October 3, the library shared a video on its Instagram page in which two staff members prepare to perform a trust fall. Rather than catching her colleague, however, one of the librarians swiftly sidesteps away to deliver a message to the camera. Behind her, a thud rings into the air, presumably from her colleague crashing into the ground, while another colleague rushes out from behind the circulation desk in shock.

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works through strategically placed needles that trigger healing throughout the entire body. Urban planner Jaime Lerner's concept around targeted architectural interventions find success in China as well as neighboring countries in Asia, where localities are revitalized through simple interventions. Libraries, specifically, are bringing in social, cultural, and economic transformation to the continent. Necessity drives innovation. Rapid urbanization, limited public funding, and diverse geographic and cultural contexts have forced architects and communities to think beyond traditional library models.

New York City is investing billions in workforce development yet continues to overlook three of its most powerful, scalable, and community-rooted workforce engines: the arts, public libraries, and the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

Mayer's tenure included increasing the library budget by $6 million, hiring over two dozen new staff, and expanding services like Sunday openings at specific branches.

A nostalgic memoir morphs into a comprehensive exploration of America’s public library system, highlighting its community significance while addressing ongoing challenges such as book bans and funding cuts.