What better way to celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month than with a book that puts libraries front and center? Daniel Kirk's charming Library Mouse introduces us to Sam, a tiny mouse who lives behind the children's reference books and discovers the magic of storytelling. When Sam starts writing his own books and secretly [...]| Idaho Commission for Libraries
The Idaho Commission for Libraries is pleased to offer its annual round of the Indigenous Idaho: Future, Past, & Present library staff training course this October! Come learn alongside your library peers about Idaho’s federally recognized tribal nations. Past, present, and future perspectives will be explored. Learn how public and school libraries can partner [...]| Idaho Commission for Libraries
"A Walk in the Words" by Hudson Talbott is a picture book memoir about learning to read at your own pace. Talbott shares his childhood struggles with words and reading, showing how overwhelming they once felt to him. Instead of giving up, he discovered that stories could be unlocked one word| Idaho Commission for Libraries
The ICfL is excited to launch another year of the Idaho Teen Reading Challenge (ITRC). This program is a tool for library staff to engage with teens and encourage them to read outside of their comfort zone. There are two big changes to the program this year: For the first time, ALL books read [...]| Idaho Commission for Libraries
What begins as an awkward family reunion transforms into an eye-opening journey in Rita Williams-Garcia’s "One Crazy Summer." "One Crazy Summer" is a powerful middle-grade novel set in 1968 Oakland, California, and told through the eyes of 11-year-old Delphine, who is spending the summer with her two younger sisters and their estranged mother, Cecile. Cecile has| Idaho Commission for Libraries
"Fighting for Yes! The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann" is a picture book biography that takes readers inside the life of disability activist Judy Heumann, from her challenging childhood in the 1950s to her successful organization of the historic 24-day San Francisco 504 Sit-in in 1977. Groups of activists engaged in protests across| Idaho Commission for Libraries
This week we’re diving into "Women Heroes of the American Revolution: 20 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Defiance, and Rescue" by Susan Casey—a nonfiction gem that brings to life the courage, cunning, and convictions of the women who helped shape America’s fight for independence. Often left out of the spotlight, these brave women worked as spies, soldiers,| Idaho Commission for Libraries
The First Amendment's Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses create a constitutional balance: the government cannot establish a state religion nor impede individual religious practices. This delicate equilibrium has posed challenges for public schools, which must remain religiously neutral while not infringing upon personal religious expression. Historical Supreme Court rulings have defined this balance by prohibiting school-led religious activities, while recent decisions have leaned toward...| Politics in Practice
Parents play a crucial role in the ecosystem of school libraries. Their advocacy, support, and involvement are often key to securing the budget to maintain and expand library services. Engaging parents effectively means communicating the multifaceted value of the library not just to individual students but to the entire school community.| Politics in Practice
Empower your school library advocacy through the power of social proofs. Discover how endorsements drive coalitions and funding success.| Politics in Practice
From the Associated Press: Nearly one million books published as early as the 15th century — and in 254 languages — are part of a Harvard University collection being released to AI researchers Thursday. Also coming soon are troves of old newspapers and government documents held by Boston’s public library. [Clip] “It is a prudent […]| Library Journal infoDOCKET
The First Amendment is a crucial defense against book bans, particularly those targeting LGBTQ+ stories, critical race theory, and BIPOC authors. However, schools often navigate around these protections through| Politics in Practice