library-and-info-science – Hunger, Homelessness & Poverty Task Force

Brooklyn’s New Affordable Housing Development is Built on Top of a Public Library

“A rebuilt branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is opening with a new feature: on the seven floors right above the library, there will be 49 affordable housing units. Michelle de la Uz, executive director of Fifth Avenue Committee, a nonprofit that builds affordable housing and which partnered with the Brooklyn Public Library on the project, said she’s excited to see how those tenants engage with the library, and that the branch’s programming and resources could help people feel less isolated.

Linda Johnson, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, and de la Uz hope to see it replicated, throughout New York and beyond. “There’s an urgent need for affordable housing, and there are a lot of underutilized libraries that need modernization anyway,” de la Uz says. ‘Why not kill two birds with one stone?'”

[Photo: Gregg Richards/courtesy Brooklyn Public Library]

What Happens When Libraries Stop Sharing Wi-Fi?

“For those who are trapped in poverty and have many other circumstances that make daily existence difficult, it is even more challenging if you’re not connected to the internet,” said Sunne Wright McPeak, CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund. “This is as much a problem if not more so today if you’re trying to navigate any system or get assistance, find shelter, find food and help without having the internet.”

Since Becoming Fine-Free, Over 21,000 Items Have Been Returned to Houston Public Libraries, Officials Say

“During its amnesty period in January-February, HPL cleared accounts with balances as high as $1,000 and even received three books checked out from 1992.”

Heatherwick Studio Designs “Wellbeing” Library in Maryland

“UK-headquartered architect Heatherwick Studio has designed a community library for Howard County Libraries in Maryland, USA with a focus on wellbeing and diversity.”

More ‘Freedom Libraries’ Arrive in Louisiana State Prisons: ‘If we build it, they will come’

“Unlike prison libraries, which are not accessible around the clock, the portable Freedom Libraries are housed in the dorms, allowing 24-hour access to hundreds of books.”

The Freedom Library located at Louisiana State Penitentiary. Provided by Freedom Reads.

ShowerUp (a collaboration between nonprofits, the library and village hall)

“A sociologist named Patrick Sharkey coined the term, ‘collective efficacy,’ to describe how the institutions work together to create community. In that regard, [Director] Shaker said, ‘Our library team feels stupendously lucky to be operating in a community that has organizations and village staff who are so open to collaboration and idea sharing. It really makes Forest Park a great place to work in.'”

Navigating International Conference Opportunities (Free Webinar) May 12

Description: Do you want to learn about opportunities to advance your career by networking with international professionals? After a special introduction by Jim Neal, current IRRT Chair, Loida Garcia-Febo, Mark Mattson, and Gina de Alwis will share different paths to expand careers with international platforms. The presenters will share tips on finding and connecting with professionals outside your home country. Through the panelists personal experiences discover the benefits and opportunities in international conference attendance and collaborations.

Public Libraries Across the U.S. Are Taking Note of this Richmond-area Branch’s Parent-and-Child-friendly Design

‘To have a space where children and parents are centered is truly rare in America. Parents are so used to everything being hard in this country.’