These days, staying on top of technology trends is not only critical to career success, it also helps us connect with family, friends and the wider world. But if you don’t have a computer, or you are new to using a particular device, the experience of working with technology can often be intimidating, or downright frustrating.

Libraries today offer an important service to communities, through access to technology equipment and training to overcome tech barriers, but they can’t always do this alone. As budgets shrink and resources are spread thin, maintaining a rich course curriculum -- and even sourcing and... Read more

There is a blitz of digital literacy initiatives in libraries across the nation as the imperatives mount for all citizens to get up to speed on 21st century skills and tools. At the same time, there is a rising tide of makerspaces percolating into library spaces, or setting up in collaboration with libraries. Is there a connection between these two trends?

Take the poll: which 21^st century skill sets do your patrons need?

Library culture in the city of Houston is undergoing an exciting shift as the Houston Public Library repositions itself as a destination for community gathering, both inside and out. The library is using a creative placemaking approach pioneered by the Project for Public Spaces (PPS), to rethink programming outside its four walls and create a library "front porch."

Through recent placemaking workshops guided by PPS, the local community "explored the potential of libraries to be active centers of public life and creativity, not merely static warehouses for books."

The Virtual Summer Book Club is a national, two month reading challenge across public library teen groups and individual teens. During the challenge, teens will log on to the Get Schooled website weekly for inspiration and engage in point-earning activities all focused around reading activities.

These include online games, polls, trivia, discussion boards, check-in opportunities, and more.

Activities will focus on two books - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie and Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - and cover many other reading-focused topics.