People
Christian Zabriskie and Lauren Comito have partnered to make Urban Librarians Unite a powerful grassroots organization, while serving as a model for how teamwork can get things done—earning them the shared title of LJ's 2020 Librarian of the Year.
The White House recently honored the bestselling author for his work supporting citizens’ engagement with literature. Patterson has committed extensive philanthropic support to literacy, public libraries, teachers, and bookstores. He has also developed programming nationwide to improve literacy and education among Americans, and to support all citizens’ love of reading. LJ asked Patterson about the books he loves, how he feels about winning, and what libraries can do collectively to support literacy and create stronger readers.
The editors of Library Journal need your help identifying the emerging leaders in the library world. Movers & Shakers profiles 50 or more up-and-coming, innovative, creative individuals from around the world--both great leaders and behind-the-scenes contributors--who are providing inspiration and model programs for others. From librarians and non-degreed library workers to publishers, vendors, coders, entrepreneurs, reviewers, and others who impact the library field, Movers & Shakers 2020 will celebrate those people who are moving all types of libraries ahead. Learn more and submit your nominations.
“Fair, just, and fearless.” That’s how New York Library Association (NYLA) Sustainability Initiative’s (SI) Rebekkah Smith Aldrich describes her cochair, Claudia Depkin. It’s not surprising that Depkin, raised by parents who were actively involved with their local library, sees this institution as a conduit for addressing climate change.
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy devastated much of coastal New Jersey. Libraries became a refuge for residents, who showed up in droves to check in with relatives, power up their devices, file insurance claims, fill out Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) forms, or simply get warm. Libraries were a mix of safe haven, recovery center, technology and information hub, and HQ for local volunteer groups.
It takes two hours by boat to get to Rotuma, an isolated island at the very tip of Fiji, the South Pacific island nation. Opeta Alefaio and his team from Fiji’s National Archives (NAF) made the trip during a government outreach event in 2015 to bring a bevy of archival material, including land and genealogical records, photos, and historical audiovisual footage. This was the first time the islanders had seen these records, says Alefaio, and they formed a huge line outside the tent housing the documents.
Days after Amber Alexander became library director at Presque Isle District Library (PIDL), she was given a highly unusual task for a library: stewardship of the cherished 1937 Rogers City Theater, donated by a community member to prevent its closing. Undaunted, Alexander jumped in, hired a manager for the 280-seat venue, navigated tax laws, and facilitated a diversity of programs, from first-run films, speakers on local history, and authors’ presentations to arts and cultural programming through the Michigan Arts and Humanities Touring Directory.
Skye Corey was still in library school in 2014 when she attended an Ontario Library Association Conference and saw a presentation by staff from the Toronto Public Library about their Middle Childhood Framework. It focuses on developing innovative programs, services, and collections for six- to 12-year-olds through intimate spaces that draw kids in and inspire them.
Lindsey Dorfman spent several years traveling and working in high-end restaurants before earning her MLIS and joining Kent District Library (KDL), Michigan’s second-largest public library. She says working in the hospitality industry, with its focus on providing gracious, professional service, has helped her shape KDL’s service model and address Michigan’s third grade literacy issue.