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WebJunction news archives

  • Close-up of two bookshelves with a sign above the shelves reading ‘friends of the library book sale’

    Neurodiversity and libraries

    In recent years, society has focused more on neurodiversity – for example, you hear it mentioned in popular media and movies, as more diverse characters are represented in mainstream media. New research has led to an expanded understanding of neurodi...

  • A man and several smiling children viewing edible books displayed on a table

    Rooted in connection: Libraries designing for belonging and community

    Despite living in an age of unprecedented digital connectivity, people are feeling the increasing effects of loneliness and isolation. These challenges extend beyond individuals, weakening the health, resilience, and trust of entire communities. The ...

  • ILpopup-FFA

    "Free for All" documentary celebrates public libraries

    Imagine having an easy way to engage your library patrons in a conversation about the importance of your library. That’s the idea behind. Free For All: The Public Library, an exciting new documentary premiering on PBS Indie Lens this April. The film ...

  • christin-hume-k2Kcwkandwg-unsplash

    Shelving with Dewey: Self-paced course updated

    Invite new staff or volunteers to become a top-notch Dewey shelver. In the recently updated course, Shelving with Dewey, learners new to the Dewey Decimal Classification system learn the fundamentals of subject-based classification, how to read call ...

  • social_card_webjunction_learning_place

    WebJunction wrap-up: 2024 highlights and top picks

    We’re celebrating another year of learning, collaboration, and innovation with public library staff at the heart of everything we do. Throughout the year, we focused on our mission to provide free and practical professional development, foster vibran...

  • Close-up of two bookshelves with a sign above the shelves reading ‘friends of the library book sale’

    Friends of the Library: Tools and resources

    A Friends of the Library group can provide great assistance to libraries—often in the form of fundraising, advocacy, or reaching underserved groups. These resources can help you as you think about starting a Friends group, revitalizing one, or boosti...

  • Two smiling young women standing at a library desk with Deterra drug disposal pouches

    Leading with compassion at the Charles County Public Library

    At the Charles County Public Library (CCPL) in Maryland, staff started looking at the opioid crisis through a lens of understanding and empathy to serve their community. Karen Wilson, the Peer Outreach Coordinator at CCPL, shared that learning about ...

  • Official National Day of Racial Healing graphic

    2025 National Day of Racial Healing

    The National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) is an opportunity for people, organizations, and communities to call for racial healing, bring people together in their shared humanity and take action together to create a more just and equitable world.

  • group of patrons in line to check out books at a library, with the words ‘On-demand-courses: Dealing with Difficult Situations’

    Dealing with Difficult Situations

    Public libraries are meant to be safe and welcoming spaces, but sometimes difficult situations arise that can affect both staff and patrons. In the new self-paced course, “Dealing with Difficult Situations,” you’ll explore a range of scenarios, the i...

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    Books and barks: Library pet programs for everyone

    Libraries are going all out to celebrate their furriest fans! From therapy dogs that help kids build reading confidence to cat-themed storytimes and library pet spotlights, these creative programs warming hearts and sparking inspiration.