| LJ Talks to 2025–26 ALA Presidential Candidates Sam Helmick and Ray Pun By Lisa Peet Voting for the American Library Association (ALA) 2025–26 presidential campaign opens March 11, and ALA members in good standing can cast their ballots through April 3. LJ invited candidates Sam Helmick, community and access services coordinator at Iowa City Public Library; and Ray Pun, academic and research librarian at the Alder Graduate School of Education, Redwood City, CA, to weigh in on some key issues. |
| 2024 Election Roundtable: Libraries Defending Democracy, Fighting for Funding, and Educating the Electorate By Hallie Rich To help break down the relevant library issues in this election year, LJ convened a roundtable of experts including John Chrastka of EveryLibrary; Nick Grove of Meridian Library District, ID; Jason Kucsma of Toledo Lucas County Public Library, OH; and Representative Ashley Hudson from the Arkansas House of Representatives. They covered everything from voter engagement strategies for libraries on the ballot to book ban advocacy in challenging districts to engaging the electorate in an important presidential election year. |
| Criminal Liability Protections for Library Employees Eliminated Under Proposed West Virginia Legislation By Lisa Peet West Virginia legislators recently advanced a bill that would remove criminal liability protections for public library, museum, or school employees accused of displaying “obscene matter to a minor." Under House Bill 4654, which passed the West Virginia House of Delegates on February 16, in an 85–12 vote mostly along party lines, any adult who knowingly and intentionally displays obscene matter to a minor could be charged with a felony, fined up to $25,000, and face up to five years in prison if convicted. |
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| Words Matter | Editorial By Hallie Rich As the 2024 election year heats up, positive framing will be increasingly important for libraries. I’m certainly guilty of falling into a “doom loop” of negativity when I think about what the future might hold for libraries—or even democracy itself. But we cannot be our smartest, most strategic selves if we focus only on negating anti-library rhetoric. We need to advance a positive pro-library narrative—one that is grounded in the history of our good work—to unite us as advocates and connect with voters across the spectrum. |
| Six Videos To Look Out For | Fast Scans By Jeff T. Dick These films to add to your queue include 1970s boarding school scenes, World War I as experienced by Scottish villagers, Éric Rohmer’s tangy trio, and a late-life romance amid Irish scenery. |
| Publishing Diversity Baseline Survey Finds Incremental Progress | Book Pulse By Sarah Wolberg The third edition of Lee & Low Books’ quadrennial “Diversity Baseline Survey” found that the publishing industry has made incremental progress in broadening its workforce. AudioFile shares the best audiobooks of February. British poet and novelist Alan Brownjohn has died at age 92. Plus new title best sellers. |
| The Hunter by Tana French Tops Holds Lists | Book Pulse By Kate Merlene The Hunter by Tana French leads holds this week. Also getting attention are titles by Lisa Unger, Elle Cosimano, Danielle Steel, and Holly Black. Jenna Bush Hager picks two books for her March book club: The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. The Stella Prize longlist is announced. Nine LibraryReads and 11 Indie Next picks publish this week. People’s book of the week is Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange. Mike Nichols: A Life by Mark Harris is being adapted for film. |
| Shortlists Announced for J. Anthony Lukas Prizes for Nonfiction | Book Pulse By Sarah Wolberg Shortlists are announced for the J. Anthony Lukas Prizes, which honor the best in American nonfiction writing. Lucinda Riley has been posthumously awarded publisher Pan’s Golden Pan award. Lily Tuzroyluke, author of the novel Sivulliq: Ancestor, is USA Today’s Woman of the Year honoree from Alaska. The UK is seeing new interest in book clubs from Gen Z readers. Hachette’s parent company outlines plans to cut costs in the publishing division. Plus page to screen. |
WEB-FIRST REVIEWS OF BOOKS AND MEDIA |
The Wedding People, by Alison Espach, is a starred fiction selection. "Witty dialogue is just a bonus in this engrossing read centering on complex women making life-changing decisions. Recommend to readers who enjoy Sally Rooney, Curtis Sittenfeld, or Elizabeth Berg." Also in fiction, Victor Lodato's Honey is another starred title. "Lodato (Mathilda Savitch) has written a stunning novel that begs for readers." And A Collection of Lies, by Connie Berry, is a starred mystery. "Berry’s fifth Kate Hamilton novel, following The Shadow of Memory, combines a cold case and contemporary murder in an outstanding traditional mystery. Fans of Kate Ellis and Jane K. Cleland will appreciate this book." See All Reviews››› |
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The University of California San Diego Library is seeking a Arts & Humanities Collection Strategist and Music Librarian. |
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