Public Libraries

A class-action lawsuit alleges Lucy Calkins, Heinemann Publishing, and Fountas & Pinnell, among others, engaged in "deceptive and fraudulent marketing" that resulted in harm to students exposed to the whole language reading method and curricular products; registration is open for LibLearnx in January; auction offers rare items and experiences to benefit We Need Diverse Books; and more in News Bites.

Physical books that play narration can increase students' reading confidence. Parents also like the format as an alternative to digital devices.

Readers had their say about "Dictionaries on the Chopping Block," the latest Scales on Censorship column, and more.

These books nurture literacy, empathy, and understanding.

Librarians share views on the best way to help kids get ready to read.

A survey from SLJ revealed the extent to which individual librarians have faced hostility from community members, organizations, and in some cases, their administration.

'Wimpy Kid' tour will highlight “extraordinary” local libraries, librarians at bookstore events around the country. Kinney donates $100,000 to distribute to libraries chosen by local users, along with diverse books to enhance collections, courtesy of multiple publishers.

Faltering federal investment in after-school, coupled with the high cost of participation, puts millions of children at risk. Nonprofit partners offer advice to libraries looking to serve their communities.

Use these tools to engage students of every age in Hour of Code, planned for the week of December 7-13.