Aspen Institute Report: Rising to the Challenge

A new report from the Aspen Institute, Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries examines ways that public libraries can drive personal and community
advancements--unlike any other public institution. The report recommends that communities leverage three key library assets: connecting people and fostering relationships to strengthen the human capital of a community; using both the physical and virtual spaces of libraries in new and innovative ways; and tapping into high-speed interactive platforms to create, curate and share ideas and knowledge. Rising to the Challenge also highlights examples of groundbreaking work and includes 15 action steps that library leaders, policymakers and the community can take. Read the complete report.

Free for All Needs Your Support

The Kickstarter fundraising campaign to support production of Free for All: Inside the Public Library - a multiplatform documentary that celebrates the vital role of public libraries in vibrant communities continues until October 27, 2014.

Watch the new trailer and support this groundbreaking work which will be a powerful resource for library patrons, leaders and advocates everywhere.

Killer Apps in the Gigabit Age

As the age of gigabit connectivity advances, technology experts foresee changes across all aspects of people's lives. They predict hyper-personalized interactions, 3D holograms, immersive virtual reality and a deepening dependency upon machines as we navigate our lives. A new report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project - Killer Apps in the Gigabit Age - summarizes input from 1,464 respondents--most of them tech experts--who were asked to consider the likely evolution of the Internet and the Web and their impact on daily life. Read or download the full report. 

Librarian of the Year: Nominations Open

Library Journal is accepting nominations for the 27th Annual Librarian of the Year Award which will honor a professional librarian for outstanding achievement. Previous winners include ULC Library Directors Corinne Hill (Chattanooga Public Library), Luis Herrera (San Francisco Public Library) and Rivkah Sass (Sacramento Public Library). The deadline for nominations is November 3, 2014. Find out more.

Apply for Maker Movement Grant

2014 Top Innovator: Civic & Community Engagement

Wichita Public Library is a 2014 Top Innovator for Activate Wichita,a library-designed and led online town hall that engages citizens in conversation about the challenges facing the metropolitan region. In its first year of service, Activate Wichita welcomed over 10,000 visitors who viewed 5,400 pages per month with over 1,000 active participants in online community conversations. Find out more and visit the complete Innovations Resource Center.   

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It's Library Time

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library's band - The Literaries - has hit the big time! Their song, "Library Time," was created "...for kids who love to cruise the stacks, learn some facts and dance in celebration of all that libraries have to offer." Check it out. 

  

Another Emmy-Winning Library

Lexington Public Library recently won a regional Emmy for its production of Body Maps: Transplantation Inside and Out. Produced in collaboration with the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, Body Maps is a documentary journey through the experience of eight individuals who have received donor transplants. Here's a link to the trailer as well as the one-hour film.  

 

 

Recognizing Fiscal Excellence

    

The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library has received the Ohio Auditor of State's Award with Distinction. "Clean and accurate record-keeping are the foundation for good government," says Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost."The taxpayers can take pride in the Library's commitment to accountability." Click here to view the library's report.