Libraries

“Libraries are a Vital Resource During Economic Downturn”

April 15, 2008 -- Washington, D.C. — Gerald W. McEntee, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, today called for increased funding for the nation’s libraries, noting their importance to communities and workers coping with the downturn in the national economy.

New York Public Library: Photo by Andy Cross (CC)    » read more »

October 23, 2007 -- SEATTLE -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced today $8.3 million in grants to help public libraries in 10 states provide quality access to computers and the Internet. The new "Opportunity Online" hardware grants are for public libraries serving communities with high concentrations of poverty and that are at risk of having outdated technology. Libraries must provide matching funds to be eligible for the grants. These required local funds are expected to total $4.75 million.    » read more »

09/18/2007 -- Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen is urging communities across the state to celebrate the benefits of books for young children during the second annual Imagination Library Week in Tennessee. Bredesen proclaimed Sept. 16-22 as Imagination Library Week, which is full of events aimed at boosting enrollment and community support across the state.    » read more »

Michigan Author Leslie Helakoski's 'Big Chickens' Helps Kids Relate to Challenge of Overcoming Fears

- On Exhibit September 20, 2007 through January 5, 2008
- Exhibition part of Folger Shakespeare Library's 75th Anniversary Celebration

August 27, 2007 -- Fifty years ago, on September 26, 1957, "West Side Story" opened on Broadway. The show went on to become a landmark musical in a league with works such as "Show Boat" and "Oklahoma!" The Library of Congress celebrates the golden anniversary of this historic musical with "West Side Story: Birth of a Classic."    » read more »

14-Week Training Program to Begin Sept. 4

August 28, 2007 -- Each year the Library of Congress receives more than 1 million visitors eager to view the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., and to learn about the treasures it contains. Led by staff and a cadre of volunteer docents, the number of tours is expected to increase when the Library debuts its new interactive experience for visitors in April 2008 and the tunnel from the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center to the Library is later completed.    » read more »