JectureNov 15

How the Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library transforms access by removing barriers for blind, low-vision, and print-disabled readers with free talking books, Braille e-readers, digital downloads, tech coaching, and tactile creation labs. It’s a model of dignity-centered, user-first literacy infrastructure.

equalentry.com/assistive-technology-print-disabilities/

#a11y #PrintDisability #BlindCommunity #InclusiveDesign #LibrariesTransform

NotQuiteSuperhumanNov 5

Beyond Books: How Libraries Can Warm Hearts (and Hands) This Winter——What if libraries became hubs for sharing kindness—through coat libraries, meal kits, and more? Even if someone takes or resells an item, maybe that just means they needed it most.

#LibrariesTransform #CommunityCare #BeyondBooks #LibraryLove #KindnessInAction #NotQuiteSuperhuman

https://notquitesuperhuman.com/2025/11/05/beyond-books-how-libraries-can-warm-hearts-and-hands-this-winter/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Beyond Books: How Libraries Can Warm Hearts (and Hands) This Winter - Not Quite Superhuman

What if libraries became hubs for sharing kindness—through coat libraries, meal kits, and more? Even if someone takes or resells an item, maybe that just means they needed it most. #LibrariesTransform #CommunityCare #BeyondBooks #LibraryLove #KindnessInAction #NotQuiteSuperhuman

Not Quite Superhuman
DrWebJun 3, 2025

What to Do if You Can’t Make it to ALA

The ALA Annual Conference is one of the highlights of the year for many librarians—an inspiring mix of sessions, conversations, and ideas. But let’s face it: attending in person isn’t always possible. Whether due to travel costs, work commitments, or personal obligations, plenty of librarians won’t be packing their bags for Philadelphia.

The good news? You can still stay engaged, learn, and connect—even if you’re not onsite. Here are five ways to make the most of ALA season from wherever you are:

  • Follow Along on Social Media
    Twitter (or X), Instagram, and Threads will be buzzing with conference highlights. Follow hashtags like #ALSC, and #LibrariesTransform. You’ll catch glimpses of key takeaways, speaker quotes, new book announcements, and more. Bonus: It’s a great way to engage with the community and ask questions from afar.
  • Connect with Colleagues Locally or Virtually
    Just because you’re not at the conference doesn’t mean you can’t have meaningful discussions. Set up a virtual coffee chat with a colleague who is attending to hear about what they’re learning. Or organize a local meetup or Zoom call with others who also couldn’t make it and want to talk shop.
  • Explore Free or Low-Cost Professional Development
    Missed the in-person sessions? ALSC and ALA offer a treasure trove of webinars, toolkits, and archived content on everything from early literacy to inclusive programming. Check out: ALSC’s Webinars and Online Learning or ALA eLearning. You can build your skills and stay current without the airfare.
  • Host Your Own “Mini Conference”
    Make a weekend or half-day retreat for yourself. Pick a few webinar recordings, read blog posts and comments, and jot down your takeaways. Bonus points if you create an action plan or share your insights with your team. It may not have vendor booths or tote bags—but it can still spark new ideas and momentum for your work.
  • Check the ALSC Blog
    During the conference, look for posts from our Conference live bloggers who will be sharing what they are learning and experiencing. (We are currently soliciting volunteers for this fun and important job!  If YOU are interested in participating as a volunteer conference blogger, just complete the Conference Blogging Interest Form.

  • Missing out on ALA doesn’t mean missing out on professional growth. With a little intention, you can still learn, connect, and feel inspired—right from your library, your living room, or wherever summer takes you.

    Today’s blogger is Whitney Hasler. Whitney is the Children’s Services Supervisor at the Eldersburg branch of the Carroll County Public Library (MD) and a member of the ALSC Program Coordinating Committee.

    The post What to Do if You Can’t Make it to ALA appeared first on ALSC Blog.

     The ALA Annual Conference is one of the highlights of the year for many librarians—an inspiring mix of sessions, conversations, and ideas. But let’s face it: attending in person isn’t always possible. Whether due to travel costs, work commitments, or personal obligations, plenty of librarians won’t be packing their bags for Philadelphia. The good news? You can still stay engaged, learn, and connect—even if you’re not onsite. Here are five ways to make the most of ALA season from wherever you are: Missing out on ALA doesn’t mean missing out on professional growth. With a little intention, you can still learn, connect, and feel inspired—right from your library, your living room, or wherever summer takes you. Today’s blogger is Whitney Hasler. Whitney is the Children’s Services Supervisor at the Eldersburg branch of the Carroll County Public Library (MD) and a member of the ALSC Program Coordinating Committee.
    The post What to Do if You Can’t Make it to ALA appeared first on ALSC Blog.  Read More

    ALSC Blog

    For Sharing

    #ALSC #LibrariesTransform

    Trish HepworthJun 1, 2025

    Have you ever wanted to learn to make kombucha? A bird feeder? A zine? Or learn how to be an influencer? A Kpop dancer?

    If this intriguingly eclectic list has wet your appetitive and you are in SA - check out the Firstival program from Libraries SA! Kicks off in a month and bookings open now for the first events #LibrariesTransform https://firstival.com.au/

    Home - Firstival

    Fill 2 Try somethingnew in July! Hundreds of events for all ages across South Australia. Explore the program Fill 5 Fill 1 Fill 1 Fill 1 Fill 3 https://firstival.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/30-sec-Firstival-Website-Video-_1_-_1_.mp4 Fill […]

    Firstival
    TechSoupApr 11, 2025

    #TechSoup's CEO Marnie @webb wrote this piece five years ago, and all the reasons to love and fight for #libraries is still true today.

    Read more, via the #TechSoupBlog: http://spr.ly/6186FLvTO

    #Library #LibraryTech #LibrariesTransform #NationalLibraryWeek

    TechSoup's Marnie Webb on Why We Fight for Libraries Everywhere

    Libraries are the best place to work. They provide access to information, give us the key to culture, opportunities for expression, and so on. Read more!

    Vernon Area Public LibraryMar 14, 2024

    In an effort to provide library patrons with access to reliable, accurate answers to the questions they have during this year's election cycle, we retained a "Political Scientist in Residence." She recently spoke with Chicago Public Radio about the engagement:
    https://www.wbez.org/stories/chicago-area-library-launches-political-scientist-residency-ahead-of-general-election/1efb46bf-51c1-4b40-9f12-ea0bfafeffac

    #USpol @libraries #LibrariesTransform #democracy #elections #government #LocalGovernment

    Chicago-area library launches political scientist residency ahead of general election

    Alexandra Filindra is the first person in the role and recently spoke with WBEZ about what she hopes to accomplish.

    WBEZ Chicago
    Vernon Area Public LibraryFeb 5, 2023

    Before Nick Offerman was fighting zombies on #TheLastOfUs, he was helping to promote #PublicLibraries

    https://youtu.be/r7IESxDtn8Y

    #EldersOfTheInternet #LibrariesAreForEveryone #LibrariesTransform @libraries #libraries #bookstodon

    HT @[email protected]

    Elders of the Internet

    YouTube
    Vernon Area Public LibraryOct 30, 2022
    Hello, world! Any other public libraries on this elephant site? #library #publiclibrary #publiclibraries #librariesofmastodon #twittermigtation #fREADom #LibrariesAreforEveryone #LibrariesTransform #information #culture #community #accessibility #equity
    CK's Technology NewsNov 25, 2021

    RT @[email protected]

    Today, like every day, we are thankful for the hard work of library professionals everywhere. To libraries big and small: thank you! #LibrariesTransform

    Pictured: Owls Head Village Library, Maine. Population 1,607

    🐦🔗: https://twitter.com/ALALibrary/status/1463955659972648965

    American Library Association on Twitter

    “Today, like every day, we are thankful for the hard work of library professionals everywhere. To libraries big and small: thank you! #LibrariesTransform Pictured: Owls Head Village Library, Maine. Population 1,607”

    Twitter
    Martin SigaardSep 28, 2018
    I will just retweet this and not comment on Texas.
    I love libraries
    RT @[email protected] Research proves it: libraries are a smart investment!
    #LibraryCardSignUp #LibrariesTransform