Category Archives: Libraries

Is Your Library Mysterious

Posted on April 6, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Well-timed to coincide with the National Archives’ release of the 1940 Census, the Milstein Division of the New York Public Library has posted this charming video teaser about the library’s research facilities. The Milstein Division collects materials documenting American History … Continue reading →

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We Love Margaret Atwood (even more)

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The prophetic, bestselling author Margaret Atwood is galvanizing public support for striking library workers in Toronto, Canada, while challenging shortsighted proposed cuts to library budgets. This week, Ms. Atwood said that “People support libraries, but sometimes don’t understand that it … Continue reading →

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In March, Read Books You’ve Always Meant To Read

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

In 1935, President Roosevelt initiated the Works Progress Administration to both create jobs and to encourage community spirit. The much respected New Deal agency recruited millions of Americans from all walks of life and launched thousands of valuable public service … Continue reading →

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Found Libraries

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Even though there are still more than 13,000 public payphones on New York City sidewalks, they are seen by most residents as dead technology, if they are noticed at all. But NY architect and civil society activist John Locke, the … Continue reading →

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Lost Libraries

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

In an age of data retrieval, when just about anything ever printed can be seen online and is eternally preserved there, and when modern anxiety is fuelled by too much information, we would do well to remember that the loss … Continue reading →

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Lincoln in Books

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The brand new Center for Education and Leadership at Washington DC’s Ford’s Theater Museum sports a ten meter-tall tower of 6,800 books all about President Abraham Lincoln. The books are all histories or biographies about the 16th President, along with … Continue reading →

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What’s a Rare Bookman

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

The exhibition “Ray Safford, Rare Bookman,”  which opened yesterday at the Grolier Club, New York City, offers a look into the famed New York firm of Charles Scribner’s Sons and the literary, publishing, and rare book worlds in turn-of-the-century New York. … Continue reading →

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Hot Bagels for Breakfast

Posted on February 11, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Who doesn’t love a hot bagel? Never had a bagel? So sad for you. This wonderful short film is from the Brooklyn Public Library film archives. Filmed in the heart of Brooklyn, New York during the 1970s, the film is … Continue reading →

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America’s Most Literate Cities

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

For the second consecutive year, Washington, D.C. , has been ranked as the most literate city in the country, according to an annual statistical survey from Connecticut Central State University in New Britain. Here is the top 10 for the … Continue reading →

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Deutschland Joins World Book Night

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Germany has become the third country to join the World Book Night celebrations. Started in the UK last year, World Book Night will take place this year on April 23rd and is centered on the give-away of millions of books … Continue reading →

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