Texas libraries make “significant” contributions to the state’s economy, according to a recently released study.
‘Indispensable’: Study Says Libraries Play Significant Role in Texas Economy as San Antonio Slashes Workers
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Anythink Nature Library
The Anythink Nature Library, which is the first of it kind in the United States, opened in Thornton, Colorado.
Folger Shakespeare Library Poetry Series
“Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of ‘the beloved community’ in his speech ‘The Birth of a New Age,’ the Folger invites audiences into a space where poetry sparks connection, conversation, and imagination. This season celebrates the power of literary fellowship—welcoming everyone to listen, learn, share, and see the world through new perspectives—and showcases voices that embody King’s enduring legacy of reflection, creativity, and transformative change.”
Massachusetts Families Confronted with Increasing Food Insecurity
“Food insecurity is on the rise across Massachusetts, impacting roughly 1.1 million Bay State households, a rate that the Greater Boston Food Bank says is a record and has doubled since 2019.”
West Side Library Officially Opens Food Pantry Inside Facility
The Library-Based Food Access program is free and operates like a full-service grocery store, providing a rotating selection of meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and other essential staples.
The Chicago Public Library is the second library system in the nation behind Baltimore, Maryland, to launch the innovative idea, which served over 700 families in its first eight weeks.
EveryLibrary Assesses 2025 and Looks Ahead
Political action committee EveryLibrary has released its 2025 annual impact report, detailing its recent efforts to create pro-library model legislation and encourage coalition-building related to librarianship.
Sharks Foundation Refreshes Elementary School Library as Part of the Goals for Kids Program
LEAD Elementary School Librarian Shannon McGovern said, “The [kids] are so excited about getting all of the new books, they’ve been talking about it since the first day I told them.”
More than 40 volunteers from Team Teal and SAP joined nonprofit Access Books Bay Area to refurbish the library at LEAD Elementary school in San Mateo. Volunteers prepared 1,170 books by stamping, alphabetizing, applying bar codes, wrapping, and shelving them.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library Expands to Alabama Foster Kids
State agencies broadened access, ensuring every foster child aged 0-5 receives a free book monthly, cultivating a love of reading and early success.
New Photography Exhibit at Central Library Highlights Mementos of Those Living on the Streets
“It is not the homeless person that needs to be humanized,” Lommasson said. “It is us. One thing I’ve learned from this project is that any of us, if one or two circumstances changed in our lives, we could be unhoused. There’s a whole list of factors why people are homeless.”
Dolly Parton Gifts Record $4.5 Million to Nashville Public Library
“We are humbled by Ms. Parton’s incredible act of generosity,” Nashville Public Library Foundation President Shawn Bakker said. “Not only has The Dollywood Foundation given all the books necessary to fulfill a key pillar of the program, but the historic financial contribution will enable the Library to accelerate [the] launch of this program within the fiscal year.”
