Summer Reading Programs Reimagined
July 10, 2020Summer Reading Programs Reimagined Summer is officially here. Normally, this would mean daily trips to the pool, summer camp, and afternoons spent at the local public library reading and participating in annual summer reading programs. But for many, COVID-19 has changed what this summer is going to look like. Fortunately, you can still pick up a good book and use your imagination to escape… Read more
The Groundbreaking Stories of American Women Aviators in World War II
July 2, 2020The Groundbreaking Stories of American Women Aviators in World War II Uplifting the History of the Pilots Who Confronted Gender Barriers to Women in Uniform By Erica Jaros (Top) Group photograph of eleven WASP standing outside of a building at Napier Field. The note in the bottom right corner of the photograph says, "W.A.S.P., AAFEFTC, Napier Field, Dothan, Alabama, Dec. 1944." Photo courtesy… Read more
Wi-Fi on Wheels: How—and Why—Libraries are Bringing Their Services Into Communities
May 29, 2020Wi-Fi on Wheels: How—and Why—Libraries are Bringing Their Services Into Communities Bookmobiles have long been a part of the American story, bringing library materials to patrons in remote and rural areas. But now, there’s a creative new use for these vehicles: roaming hot spots, coming to a neighborhood near you. These days, having internet access is as important as electricity and other… Read more
History at Home: Exploring African American Heritage, Stories, and Culture Through Online Museum Collections
May 19, 2020History at Home: Exploring African American Heritage, Stories, and Culture Through Online Museum Collections Museums that tell the many stories of African American history, heritage, and culture are among the many types of institutions making their collections more accessible than ever. From New York City and to New Orleans, here’s just some of the incredible work that recipients of IMLS… Read more
In the Moment: Archiving Daily Life in a Pandemic
May 1, 2020In the Moment: Archiving Daily Life in a Pandemic How Historical Societies, Libraries, Archives, and Museums are Documenting the Effects of COVID-19 By Erica Jaros Trails in Anne Arundel County parks are open for walking, running, and biking but facilities and playgrounds are unavailable for use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Erica Jaros/IMLS) History is a community story that is being… Read more
How Children's Museums are Fostering Imagination, Learning, and Creativity at Home
April 23, 2020How Children's Museums are Fostering Imagination, Learning, and Creativity at Home Physical museum buildings may be temporarily closed, but that doesn’t mean that learning, imagination, and discovery are on hold. The Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM), for example, recognizes that healthy habits begin at home and that families play a crucial role in forming children’s healthy habits. The… Read more
How Libraries are Connecting Researchers and Citizen Scientists Around the World
April 17, 2020How Libraries are Connecting Researchers and Citizen Scientists Around the World From COVID-19 to Research in Your Own Backyard, Libraries are Advancing Science Scientists and researchers across the world are currently focusing on COVID-19 in an unprecedented level of collaboration. With assistance from an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant, Indiana University… Read more
Cabin Fever Setting In? Join Polar Bears, Koalas, Tigers, and More on a Virtual Safari
April 3, 2020Cabin Fever Setting In? Join Polar Bears, Koalas, Tigers, and More on a Virtual Safari As we all try to adjust to staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic—which has closed schools around the country and forced many parents to work from home—zoos and museums are offering more remote programming. Many zoos are helping to fill the need for children’s activities with “home safaris,” virtual… Read more
Facing Challenge with Resilience: How Museums are Responding During COVID-19
April 1, 2020Facing Challenge with Resilience: How Museums are Responding During COVID-19 Online Educational Resources, Virtual Visits, Community Service Among Ways Museums are Adapting South Carolina Aquarium A visit to a museum can be educational, inspiring, calming, or encouraging. Museums bring people together, expand our horizons, teach us about the world, and provide moments of peaceful reflection… Read more
It Started at the Library: Tom Coburn, Civil Rights Ally and Friend
March 31, 2020It Started at the Library: Tom Coburn, Civil Rights Ally and Friend IMLS Director Crosby Kemper on Love in the Time of Crisis and the Life of Senator Coburn Tom Coburn, Former United States Senator Former Senator Dr. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma died on Saturday. To much of the world, he was known as the most principled fiscal conservative, a.k.a., “Dr. No”, in the United States Senate—a citizen… Read more