It’s incredible how much the definition of libraries has evolved. No longer subscribers to what Rachel Zukowski calls “that whole shushing thing” (Bookey, 2015), libraries are now, among many other things, classrooms. In our “Library as Classroom” lecture, Dr. Stephens describes how libraries are no longer limited to quiet study spaces (though those are still around!) and have bloomed into environments for learning through exploring, creating, playing, and peer-to-peer collaboration. One of my favorite ways this “Library as Classroom” spirit has manifested is in culinary literacy programs. “Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.” — C.S. Lewis Cooking nurtures literacy. A young mom recently raved to me about…

“What is a person, if not the marks they leave behind?” ― V.E. Schwab, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue This musing of Addie’s is a rather reductionist take on humanity, but it nonetheless contains truth: we do crave to leave some sort of legacy. This is by no means a recent development. I remember my undergrad professor instructing us on the concept of kleos in the Iliad, this Greek idea that one can attain immortality by performing deeds worthy of being told in stories. More than craving to leave a lasting impression, we also often yearn for deep connections with those living alongside us today. As Eberhart (2018) describes,…

There’s no escaping artificial intelligence (AI). I don’t mean this in a scary, AI-holding-us-hostage sort of way, but more in an AI-is-proliferating-and-increasingly-common way. This is simply a fact of 2024 life. Another is that AI is affecting education. As such, it behooves us as librarians to understand these tools and use them to academic advantage (okay, so maybe this one’s an opinion). I think many people fear the deleterious effect AI may be having on young minds, and I don’t find that fear entirely unfounded. Unsurprisingly, we already have AI influencing toddler development via smart speakers like Alexa. This can be good and bad. As child psychologist Rachel Severson points…