Children’s library programming is often the highlight of many public library offerings. Summer Reading programs and storytime programs often attract significant numbers of children and their caregivers. Storytime, in particular, has a long history in public library services to youth, and while there have been changes in technology and attention to inclusive programs, there have not been as many changes to the format of storytime. The rhymes, songs, and sometimes even the books read remain strikingly familiar. Youth librarians often highlight how the program supports early childhood literacy for school readiness. However, adopting a broader perspective of literacies can reimagine storytime programs and root them in community practices, thus restorying storytime and offering young children opportunities of their own to story and restory their growing world.
This article explores the persistent and often overlooked threat of mold in library collections, using Western Carolina University's Hunter Library as a case study. Following multiple mold outbreaks exacerbated by aging infrastructure and environmental instability, the library undertook extensive remediation efforts, including large-scale weeding, relocation of materials, and environmental monitoring. A statewide survey of public and academic libraries revealed that mold and other environmental issues are widespread, often stemming from deferred maintenance, inadequate HVAC systems, and limited institutional support. The findings underscore the urgent need for proactive building management and sustainable funding solutions to preserve library collections. The article also examines available funding mechanisms in North Carolina, including grants and state aid, and highlights the challenges libraries face in securing resources for environmental remediation. By sharing Hunter Library’s experience and broader survey insights, the authors aim to raise awareness and encourage collaborative strategies to protect library materials from environmental damage.
The concept of ‘bringing one’s whole self to work’ draws a range of reactions and conversations; but the operational definition is neither widely understood, nor consistently applied. When workplaces attempt to move this idea from the conceptual to the concrete, there is a great deal to address regarding identity, equity, culture, workplace environments and interpersonal relationships, policy and procedure, employee safety, work/life balance, the role of leadership, and the differences between philosophy and practice. To explore this topic further, a panel discussion was planned and executed by members of the Women in Libraries Roundtable, the Leadership and Management Section, the Roundtable for Ethnic and Minority Concerns, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Areas of focus for this discussion included research and definitions related to the ‘whole self’ conversation, historical perspectives, the role of leadership, and operationalization. To capture the spirit of this discussion, this article was written collaboratively, and contributors are noted for specific topics.
Library Privacy Heroes: Trailblazing Librarians Through Time explores the history of privacy advocacy in American libraries, highlighting key figures who defended intellectual freedom against government surveillance and censorship. From early 20th-century anti-anarchist crackdowns to McCarthyism, the Patriot Act, and today’s legislative challenges, librarians like M. Louise Hunt, Judith Krug, and the Connecticut Four stood up for the right to read without fear. Their efforts shaped core library policies on confidentiality and continue to guide best practices in an era of mass data collection and surveillance.
