Young people today find themselves caught in the center of an interesting dichotomy today. Many schools districts around the country continue to ban the teaching of books like Tom Sawyer and To Kill a Mockingbird, arguing that the content of these literary masterpieces is too controversial and negative to which to expose students. [Read more…]

There aren’t many more libraries in the land of the free that hold more clout that the Library of Congress. In fact, there are probably none. The national library has a number of duties in addition to standard and expected bookkeeping, and it is about to exercise one of those duties when it gives recognition to the legendary Willie Nelson. [Read more…]

Last week, a tragedy occurred in a Charleston church that resulted in nine local residents losing their lives. While the community, now the subject of national and international press alike, has endured its share of suffering and mourning, a local library is taking time this week to recognize one of the victims that was near and dear to their operations. [Read more…]

While the modern day concept of a library has undergone several evolutions in the last couple of decades alone, the core concept of libraries as a place of knowledge and learning has existed in societies around the world for a very long time.  In the U.S., a country just under two and a half centuries old, we don’t have any ancient libraries, but we do have some impressive milestones of our own, nonetheless. [Read more…]

In 2008, Cedar Rapids experienced flooding that far and away exceeded the weather predictions residents had been given.  Experts predicted that the city would receive as much as two feet of flooding in certain areas.  Unfortunately for the National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library, they ended up with eight feet.  In an effort to protect their assets, the library staff had removed all books, manuscripts, and other materials from the bottom three feet of library storage.  Obviously, it wasn’t enough, and the damage that ensued was devastating.  Over $11 million in damage was incurred, and, needless to say, the staff was absolutely devastated. [Read more…]