When people think of genealogy libraries, they often picture quiet rooms and adults researching family trees. But at the Genealogy and Preservation Center of Montgomery County Memorial Library System in Conroe, Texas, history is an exciting activity for all ages. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of Genealogy Librarian Laura Politte, the space has become…
At the Clute Library in Clute, Texas, afternoons do not wind down when the school bell rings. They ramp up. Located directly across the street from the local intermediate school, the library becomes a steady stream of backpacks, laughter, and curiosity as students head over after class. For many families in this lower income community,…
When Marla Boswell talks about robotics at the Arlington Public Library, she does not describe it as a class. She describes it as an experience. After more than 25 years working with tweens and teens, Boswell has learned that the most effective learning happens when kids are fully engaged, curious, and having fun. Boswell began…
At Montgomery County’s Charles B. Stewart Library, Children’s Librarian Ally Graves has built a reputation for transforming everyday curiosity into unforgettable learning experiences. Her recent Bubble Lab, part of her STEAM series, drew a record crowd and even required an impromptu second session. The secret behind the success goes far beyond soap and water. It comes…
“Chicago Sun-Times Prints AI-Generated Summer Reading List With Books That Don’t Exist” read the headline. I knew that by now, three and a half years after ChatGPT had been released, AI had permeated most aspects of our lives including the workplace, but I was stunned to see it so blatantly outed for the world to…
As we turn an eye to technology use policies, let us return to the land of imagination and visit the Gotham Public Library, a small rural Texas library that recently upgraded its computer area with new public workstations, expanded Wi-Fi access, and a makerspace laptop cart funded through a community grant from the Madame Selina…
For nearly 90 years, Ector County Library has been a cornerstone of Odessa in the Permian Basin. But with no branch locations and many residents living miles from downtown, access to library services hasn’t always been easy. That’s why the return of a bookmobile, now reimagined as the Words on Wheels! (WoW!) mobile van, is…
The Plano Public Library has served as a cornerstone of learning and community connection for more than 60 years. Today, as technology shapes nearly every aspect of daily life, the library continues to evolve to meet the city’s growing digital needs. Through education, access, and personalized support, Plano librarians are helping residents of all ages…
At the San Antonio Public Library, Learn at SAPL offers more than just computer access, it provides a pathway to independence and confidence. The program, now celebrating its eleventh year, helps adults build digital skills, find jobs, and navigate everyday challenges in an increasingly online world. A dedicated space within seven branches across the city,…
Where the circulation desk of a former library once stood, a different kind of knowledge center now buzzes with activity. In Spring 2024, the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) at UT Austin opened Hello Maker Studio, a free, student-staffed makerspace in Welch Hall, steps from the college’s main gathering space known as The Nucleus. Built…