Even before the pandemic, Pottsboro Library in Texas had begun to focus more on health, through their community garden, and programming like cooking classes for families on a SNAP budget. But when director Dianne Connery witnessed the added challenges of COVID-19 on her community’s access to healthcare, including the technologies and skills needed to confidently access health information online, she wanted to do more to bridge the digital health gap. She applied for, and received, an outreach grant from the Network of the National Library of Medicine’s South Central Region as part of a national pilot program, to connect rural... Read more

If you're like most learners this time of year, you may be looking forward to a summer break from studies. But based on this month's list of over 85 free events, covering 23 different topic areas, it looks like library staff and volunteers can still make time for learning! Thank you to the Wyoming State Library for collecting this list of learning opportunities! It's updated monthly on the Free Training page, where you can also view the offerings by topic.

For additional training, check out the WebJunction Catalog, free and open to library staff and volunteers everywhere.

Libraries and museums are innovative community centers, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been essential to the community and national response. In addition to continuing to provide for their communities with curbside services and virtual programs, many locations are serving as testing sites, providing families with free food, sharing their collections with socially isolated community members, and using 3D to make PPE. The next big venture in pandemic response? Stepping in to assist with the US government administration’s goal of providing a vaccination site within five miles of the homes of 90% of the US population. The engagement of... Read more

The struggles low-income people face in accessing justice are well documented. These struggles have inspired advocates to search for innovative ways to effect meaningful change. One of the more exciting developments in recent years is the focus on the role that public libraries play in this effort. Public libraries exist in every corner of the country, even in the most remote regions, and libraries are typically well regarded by the community. Librarians are often considered friendly, trusted authorities by patrons, who have all kinds of research questions and needs.

However, public librarians are sometimes hesitant when legal reference questions arise.... Read more