Library and Tech Updates, Oct. 8, 2021

Strengthening Our Voices

In ‘Library School’ we always learn and are encouraged to protect the freedom of speech.  I think we do a pretty good job at ISB.  In the Main Library, we always try to be balanced in the things we support and advertising.  That being said, there is always room to improve.  We continue to search for books with diverse characters, ideas, and messages.  While we don’t expect everyone to listen to everything everyone has to say, tolerance is the bigger message.  An example of this is, that we may not agree with all the books on our shelves in our library personally, however, we do make sure we are fair in filling requests. 

In the United States, libraries have always been considered a place of freedom.  Even public libraries are an extension of that by offering books to all and providing spaces, and training for varied groups. Oftentimes, you will find them promoting a cause, a site for voting, or even a launch point for a protest. They are public spaces and protect the first amendment rights of all Americans.  

To that end, Ms. Kehe this week shared with me a source I had not seen called Newsueumed.org.  This is a site sponsored by FreedomForum.  A group whose mission is to protect all of the First Amendment Rights. Again while we do not agree with everything that this organization or their site promotes, we really did like the news idea.  They have taken a bunch of newspaper articles from the United States where the freedom of speech has been challenged and offer the article up for you to make your own decision.  Here is a link to their site where they bring together information, articles, and videos that challenge the freedom of speech.  

Requests for Books, if you are Off-Campus, is Still Available

A reminder is that parents are welcome to check out books too. Our system for checking out books is still available through our Request a Book Form and the books are then processed and put out front for you to pick up.  

Bell’s Book Recommendation:

Breath by James Nestor 

Thought it had been a while since I recommended a Non-Fiction book so here goes.  I have been reading about how important our breath is for life.  While the easy answer is, without air we die, how we breathe is also very important.  This book by James Nestor digs into the ways we do and don’t breathe all the way back to our early cave-dwelling ancestors.  Interestingly the way we breathe can reshape our mouth and nasal passages.  I liked this book because as I was reading I found myself trying the breathing techniques and noticed some really interesting differences in myself. It also helped make me aware of my own breath and how important it is as well as how we can leverage it to help us deal with life.  A great read and something for the beach for sure. 

Have a great break everyone.

The Library Staff