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Wonder is around every corner, and on every plate. Ready for a beer made from fog in Chile? Sardinia’s “Threads of God” pasta? Egypt’s 2000-year-old egg ovens? The curious minds behind Atlas Obscura turn to the hidden curiosities of food, which becomes a gateway to fascinating stories about human history, science, art, and tradition—like the first book, all organized by country, lavishly illustrated, and full of surprises.
Welcome to Check Your Shelf. I am writing this newsletter with one cat perched behind me on the couch with his butt on my shoulder (Houdini) and one flatulent cat half lounging on my lap and sitting on my wrist while I try to type (Gilbert). Truly, I am blessed.
Libraries & Librarians
News Updates
Digital Public Library of America just signed an agreement with Amazon Publishing to make Amazon ebooks & eAudiobooks available to US public libraries for the first time.
The Nashville Library Board elects its first African American president.
The IMLS National Medal winners have been announced, and I gotta put in a shout out to the Highwood Public Library in Illinois, where a lot of my former colleagues now work! They did amazing work when we were all at the Waukegan Public Library (another IMLS National Medal winner!), and they continue to do amazing work now!
The Escondido (CA) library board is reviewing its weeding policy to address patron concerns, because nothing’s more terrifying than a library removing a book from its collection.
Cool Library Updates
Worth Reading
Here’s a peek at the results of the American Association of School Librarians’ survey regarding the state of schools and libraries during the pandemic.
The over-the-top library with a secret treasure.
Book Adaptations in the News
Not surprisingly, Stacey Abrams’ new book, While Justice Sleeps, will be adapted for television!
Queen Latifah’s production company is adapting The Conductors by Nicole Glover for film.
Regina King is set to direct an adaptation of the comics series Bitter Root.
Netflix will adapt A People’s History of the Vampire Uprising by Raymond A. Villareal.
Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill are returning for the Enola Holmes sequel on Netflix.
Cherry Jones joins the cast for Five Days at Memorial.
Here’s a first look and trailer for Amazon’s adaptation of Panic by Lauren Oliver.
Trailer for Lupin, Part 2 on Netflix.
Books & Authors in the News
Literati announces new book clubs from authors such as Cheryl Strayed, Jesmyn Ward, and Roxane Gay, who is actually merging her existing book club with Literati.
How women conquered the world of fiction.
Numbers & Trends
Did the pandemic change summer reading for good?
Award News
Raven Leilani wins the Dylan Thomas prize for Luster.
Here are the winners and finalists for the 2021 Publishing Triangle Awards.
Richard Osman has been named Author of the Year by the British Book Awards, for his debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club.
Simon & Schuster is launching a Books Like Us First Novel contest to create accessibility for underrepresented authors.
Bookish Curiosities & Miscellaneous
Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer Reading Camp is back!
On the Riot
Tales of a library unicorn: A magic spell to find any kid a book.
Book club questions for On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous.
Why authors shouldn’t respond to reviewers.
A perfect reading day, imagined.
Both the cats have abandoned me, although thankfully so has the smell of cat farts. And on that note, have a good weekend, everyone!
—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.