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Welcome to Check Your Shelf. If anyone’s wondering from the last newsletter, the Cubs lost when Blaine and I went to the game on Sunday, but honestly, being back at a live baseball game was hashtag-worth-it. Easily the most enjoyable Cubs loss I’ve ever watched. And now Blaine and I just have an excuse to try and get tickets to another game this season.
But this isn’t a baseball newsletter – this is a library newsletter! Let’s library!
Libraries & Librarians
News Updates
The Maryland state bill that would ensure public libraries the right to license and lend ebooks available to consumers in the state has become law.
(TW: transphobia) Halifax Pride has announced that they are ending their partnership with the Halifax Public Library after library officials said that they would not remove the book Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier from their collections.
This patron returned an overdue Bob Dylan record to an Ohio library 48 years past its due date along with an apologetic note.
Cool Library Updates
In the Rochester Public Library’s recent survey about their shift to a fines free policy, nearly 50% of responders said that eliminating fines improved their access to materials during the pandemic.
Worth Reading
To survive, libraries must transform.
If you want a closer look at how libraries can show the impact of their services, make sure to read this interview with Christian Lauersen, the director at the Roskilde Library in Denmark.
Thieves can make millions at the library.
The book club of this reader’s dreams was at the library all along.
Book Adaptations in the News
Netflix’s Anna K, a contemporary adaptation of Anna Karenina, will be its first Russian original drama series.
Apple orders a series adaptation of The Big Door Prize by M.O. Walsh.
Alex Michaelides’ upcoming novel The Maidens has been snagged for a series adaptation.
Casting update for Sandman and Bridgerton Season 2.
29 movies based on books that are actually worth watching.
Books & Authors in the News
Lois Ehlert, beloved children’s illustrator of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, has died at age 86.
Akwaeke Emezi made the cover of Time magazine as a Next Generation Leader.
Mary Parrish’s firsthand account of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has been published 100 years later.
Award News
The winners of the 2021 Lambda Literary Awards have been announced.
David Diop wins the 2021 Booker International Prize for At Night All Blood is Black.
Jalal Barjas wins the 2021 International Prize for Arabic Fiction.
The US Selfies announce their 2021 shortlist.
Bookish Curiosities & Miscellaneous
The Portage NAACP created a coloring book to teach children the ABC’s of social justice.
On the Riot
100 years of the Newbery Medal.
A guide to the fantasy and science fiction award scene.
A day in the life of an indie bookseller.
On the unpredictable impact of books.
Being a “book butler” is actually a thing!
All right, you crazy kids. I hope you all had a relaxing holiday weekend, and I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the shorter work week this week. Catch you on Tuesday!
—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter. Currently reading Children of Chicago by Cynthia Pelayo.