search
public libraries
Trends
- 1Oxford partners with OpenAI to digitize Bodleian public-domain books●In March 2025, # Oxford announced that it was working with # OpenAI to digitize # PublicDomain # books from the # Bodlei
In March 2025, the University of Oxford announced a partnership with OpenAI to digitize public-domain books from the Bodleian Library. According to the announcement, the digitized works will become searchable and more widely accessible. The collaboration has drawn attention among librarians, researchers and open-access advocates discussing the role of AI companies in digitizing cultural heritage collections.
- 2Oxford opens Bodleian Library collection to OpenAI▼Oxford lets OpenAI train its AI models on Bodleian Library
The University of Oxford has agreed to let OpenAI train its AI models on material from the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and largest libraries in Europe. The deal gives the AI company access to centuries of rare books and manuscripts, sparking debate among researchers, authors and archivists over cultural heritage being used to power commercial AI systems.
- 3Cloudflare open sources Forge code generation pipeline▼Introducing Forge: the open source pipeline for generating SDKs, CLIs, docs, and more
Cloudflare has introduced Forge, an open source pipeline that automatically generates software development kits, command-line interfaces, documentation and other developer assets. By releasing the tool publicly, the company aims to let teams standardize how they produce client libraries and docs from API definitions, reducing manual maintenance work as developer tooling ecosystems continue to grow.
- 4
Free speech organisations are warning that new education directives will broaden book bans in schools, arguing the orders will restrict what students can read. The groups say the measures give officials wider authority to remove titles from libraries and classrooms. The reports stem from Florida outlets, suggesting the policy debate centres on US state education policy, with civil liberties groups pushing back against expanded censorship powers.
- 5FCC accused of cutting internet access for schools and libraries●Donald J. Trump's Federal Communications Commission cutting INTERNET For over 100,000 PUBLIC SCHOOL AND LIBRARIES 😡😡😡 Co
Claims are circulating that the Federal Communications Commission under Donald Trump is moving to cut internet access for more than 100,000 public schools and libraries. Critics say the move would hit underprivileged students and job seekers who rely on library connections for research and applications, and the accusation is drawing anger online. Details of the alleged decision remain limited.
- 6Ireland's libraries see two million more visits in two years●"Visits to public libraries around Ireland have increased by two million in the last two years. New figures show that al
New figures show visits to public libraries across Ireland have risen by two million over the past two years, reaching almost 16 million visits in 2025, up from nearly 14 million in 2023. Borrowing has also spiked, pointing to a renewed appetite for free public cultural and reading spaces.
- 7A 19th-century autumn illustration resurfaces online●Autumn. Karl Fröhlich, from "Karl Fröhlich's frolicks with scissors and pen" New York: 1879 # illustration # art # Child
A public library in east London has removed several children's books featuring a popular cartoon pig from its shelves, including titles about migration, after complaints about the author's political views. Staff said the decision was made following concerns raised by a local campaigner, while critics, including the author himself, have called the removals censorship and demanded the books be reinstated.
- 8Library of Congress Opens Nominations for Federal Library Awards▼Library of Congress Opens Award Nominations for Outstanding Federal Libraries, Librarians and Library Technicians
The Library of Congress has opened nominations for awards honouring outstanding federal libraries, librarians and library technicians. The programme recognises excellence across US government libraries and the staff who run them. It is an administrative announcement, with no public controversy or reaction reported so far.
- 9Duke University Press Publishes 'Speaking of America' Book▼‘Speaking of America,’ Featuring Conversations from the Congressional Dialogues Series, Publishes with Duke University Press
Duke University Press has published 'Speaking of America,' a new book collecting conversations from the Congressional Dialogues series hosted by the Library of Congress. The volume brings together discussions with members of Congress, offering insight into American political life and lawmaking. The Library of Congress announced the release, highlighting the project as a way to share candid congressional conversations with a wider public audience.
- 10Trump's FCC May Cut School Internet Subsidies Amid AI Push▼Trump has promoted AI in education. His FCC may end school internet subsidies.
Donald Trump has publicly promoted artificial intelligence in American education, but his Federal Communications Commission is weighing an end to the E-Rate program's school internet subsidies, which help fund connectivity for schools and libraries. The potential conflict between championing classroom technology and cutting the broadband funding that underpins it is drawing attention from educators and policy watchers.
- 11New laws could criminalise librarians over banned books●Many people are unaware that book banning has escalated to the point that librarians and educators could be targeted for
Library advocacy group EveryLibrary is warning that book banning in the United States has escalated beyond removals from shelves, with new state laws potentially exposing librarians and educators to criminal prosecution for distributing materials deemed offensive. The group says many people are unaware of these legal risks and is urging the public to learn more about the legislation.
- 12Utah state board: Davis school district can keep book ban appeals private▼Davis school board doesn't need to publicly discuss book ban appeals, USBE finds
The Utah State Board of Education has determined that the Davis School District board is not required to hold public discussions of appeals over banned books. The finding resolves questions about how the district handles challenges to library materials, drawing criticism from advocates who argue community input on removals should be transparent.
- 13Florida's annual banned books list sparks fresh debate▼Florida’s annual ‘banned book’ list sparks discourse
Florida has released its annual list of banned books, renewing arguments over school library and classroom restrictions. Supporters of the list say it protects students from inappropriate material, while critics, including teachers and free-speech advocates, argue it limits access to literature and disproportionately targets books on race, gender and LGBTQ themes. The debate is drawing national attention to book censorship in US schools.
- 14Abilene Library Cookbook Club Returns with Harvest Table Theme▼Library's Cookbook Club Returns with "Harvest Table" Theme
The Abilene public library's cookbook club is restarting its meetings with a 'Harvest Table' theme, inviting members to prepare and share seasonal recipes. It marks the return of a community cooking program that brings residents together around food, with the autumn harvest focus setting the menu for the first gathering back.
- 15Campaigners warn libraries are being defunded over books●Did you know that many politicians and far-right groups are attempting to deny your freedom to simply check out a book b
The advocacy group EveryLibrary warns that politicians and far-right groups in the United States are pushing to defund public libraries in disputes over books and programmes, saying people's freedom to check out books is under threat and local libraries could be next. The organisation is urging readers to pay attention to local library funding decisions.
- 16Florida's annual banned books list reignites debate●Florida’s annual “banned book” list sparks discourse
Florida's annual list of banned books has sparked renewed discussion across the state and beyond. The publication of the list, which details titles removed from schools and libraries, is drawing attention to ongoing debates over censorship, parental rights, and access to literature in public education.
- 17Austrian library lets readers borrow new audiobooks for free●Ich liebe die Arbeiterkammer Bibliothek in Ö. Gestern kam Threshing Day raus. Und weil ich kein Hardcover kaufen wollte,
A reader in Austria says they borrowed the newly released audiobook 'Threshing Day' for free from the Arbeiterkammer library, after finding the ebook waitlist at 56th place and not wanting to buy the hardcover. The post praises the public library service, and the anecdote is drawing attention to how Austrians can access brand-new titles without paying.
- 18Cornell opens up its solar system image library▼Exploring the solar system through Cornell's image library
Cornell University is showcasing a library of images exploring the solar system, according to the Cornell Chronicle. The collection draws on decades of planetary research and spacecraft missions, offering views of planets, moons and other bodies. It highlights the university's long-running role in planetary science and gives the public and researchers access to visual material from across the solar system.
- 19N.K. Jemisin calls generative AI a 'glorified plagiarism machine'●N.K. Jemisin: "The AI [we have] today is a glorified plagiarism machine." (At the # Boston Public Library right now.) Tr
Fantasy author N.K. Jemisin told an audience at the Boston Public Library that today's artificial intelligence is 'a glorified plagiarism machine', a remark now circulating widely among readers and writers. Her comment lands in an ongoing debate over AI systems trained on copyrighted books without authors' consent, with many in the literary community voicing strong agreement.
- 20Middletown library adds multilingual books and video games▼Middletown library adds books in nine languages and its first video game collection
A library in Middletown has expanded its offerings by adding books in nine languages along with its first video game collection. The move reflects a broader effort by public libraries to serve more diverse communities and attract younger patrons beyond traditional print lending, positioning the branch as a more inclusive and modern community resource.
- 21Library Advocates Rally Support for Libraries and Literacy●Like, follow, and share if you love libraries, literacy, and books! # library # libraries # read # reading # book # book
EveryLibrary, the US-based library advocacy organization, is calling on supporters to like, follow, and share its message in support of libraries, literacy, and books. The appeal promotes its wider campaign for public libraries, reading, and literature, encouraging book lovers to amplify its work across social media and grow its community of library supporters.
- 22Utah bans seven more books, total now 44▼Utah bans seven new books, bringing state total to 44 prohibited titles
Utah has added seven new titles to its statewide list of prohibited books, bringing the total number of banned books to 44. The move comes as part of the state's ongoing review of materials available in schools, which has made Utah one of the most active states in restricting library and classroom titles. The decision is drawing attention amid the broader national debate over book bans and content standards in public education.
- 23Swiss libraries put 140 million pages of books online●RE: https:// rbfirehose.com/2026/09/27/univ ersity-of-basel-140-million-pages-of-knowledge-history-accessible-online-fou
Four Swiss libraries, led by the University of Basel, have launched a platform called Books as Data, making roughly 140 million pages of digitised historical texts freely accessible online. The database, available in English at books-as-data.ch, opens centuries of printed knowledge to researchers and the public as machine-readable data.
- 24University of Arizona excels in global subject rankings●U of A shines in library and information sciences, earth sciences, water resources in latest global subject rankings
The University of Arizona has placed highly in the latest global subject rankings, earning particular recognition in library and information sciences, earth sciences, and water resources. The university highlighted the results as a sign of strength across several of its academic programs, and the showing has drawn attention to its research profile in environmental and information fields.
- 25Campaign urges Americans to show support for libraries●Show that Americans love their libraries! 👉 Like 👉 Follow 👉 Share # library # libraries # read # reading # book # books
EveryLibrary, a US library advocacy organization, is asking Americans to publicly demonstrate their support for libraries through likes, follows, and shares. The appeal, circulated with hashtags promoting reading, books, and public libraries, aims to build visible grassroots backing for library funding and awareness. Supporters are encouraged to spread the message across social media.
- 26Book Bans Have Long Targeted Marginalized Communities▼This is Nothing New: Book Bans and their History of Targeting Marginalized Communities
The ACLU of Indiana argues that today's wave of book bans is not a new phenomenon, but a continuation of a long history of censorship aimed at marginalized communities. The group draws links between past efforts to remove books and current challenges in schools and libraries, framing restrictions as tools that have repeatedly silenced minority voices.
- 27563-drug harm-reduction library launched in 9 languages●I updated our drug profile to 563-drug harm-reduction library in 9 languages on Cloudflare's free tier — here's the stac
A contributor has expanded a drug-profile resource into a harm-reduction library covering 563 substances, translated into 9 languages, and hosted on Cloudflare's free tier. The project shares its full technical stack openly, framing it as a community tool at the intersection of software development, mental health, and public health information.
- 28Justice Amy Coney Barrett helps dedicate Benedictine College's new library▼Justice Amy Coney Barrett helps dedicate Benedictine College’s new library
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett took part in a dedication ceremony for Benedictine College's new library in Atchison, Kansas. The Catholic liberal arts college marked the opening of the facility with the justice as a featured guest. The event drew local coverage, with attention focused on Barrett's continued public appearances at religious-affiliated institutions since joining the Supreme Court.
- 29Steam global stats tracker logs new games and playtime●:steam: The global statistics have been updated! Owned Games: +3 (2675052) Total playtime: +1 day 4 hours 44 minutes htt
A Steam statistics tracker reports its latest global update: the number of owned games across tracked accounts rose by 3 to 2,675,052, while total logged playtime increased by 1 day, 4 hours and 44 minutes. The figures come from GStats, a service that aggregates public Steam library data, and are shared as routine periodic updates for gaming statistics watchers.
- 30The Internet as a Shared Library of Human Knowledge●The internet isn't just infrastructure. It's a shared library of human knowledge — one where anyone can add a page. What
Commenters are reflecting on the internet's cultural value beyond its technical role, describing it as a shared library of human knowledge where anyone can contribute. The discussion praises the openness that lets ordinary people add to this collective resource, and asks what society would do without such free access to shared information.
- 31
The Jackson-Madison County Library has been awarded a $19,762 grant to support technology improvements. The funding, announced by local outlet WBBJ-TV, is expected to help the Tennessee library expand or upgrade its technology services for patrons. Further details on how the money will be spent have not yet been released.
- 32Education commissioner orders removal of sexually explicit books▼Education commissioner tells districts to remove sexually explicit books before parents complain
Florida's education commissioner has directed school districts to remove books deemed sexually explicit from libraries and classrooms proactively, before any parent files a challenge. The directive shifts the burden onto districts, which must review materials without a formal complaint. It has drawn criticism from free-speech groups who say it invites over-removal, while supporters argue it protects students from inappropriate content.
- 33
October marks National Book Month in the United States, an annual celebration of reading and literature. Universities, libraries and book organizations are marking the occasion by encouraging students and the public to pick up new titles, share favorite reads and take part in literary events throughout the month.
- 34Simon Fraser University launches searchable killer whale call catalog●🐋 NEW: A new open-access catalog from # SimonFraser University collects decades of # killerwhale recordings into a searc
Simon Fraser University has released an open-access catalog compiling decades of killer whale recordings into a searchable online library. Listeners can identify populations, clans and pods by their calls alone. The collection highlights how the three Pacific ecotypes carry distinct dialects, and how clans within a single population differ vocally, giving researchers and the public a new tool for studying orca communication.
- 35Spotsylvania closes school libraries amid book ban fight●Spotsylvania, Virginia, is the latest battleground where a community has pushed back against banning books, and the answ
In Spotsylvania County, Virginia, residents pushed back against efforts to ban books from school libraries. Instead of resolving the dispute, local politicians responded by closing the school libraries altogether. Library advocacy group Everylibrary is highlighting the case, calling Spotsylvania the latest battleground in the widening fight over book bans and access to reading materials in American public schools.
- 36Social media push urges people to support libraries●Like, follow, share to help support libraries! # library # libraries # read # reading # book # books # librarylove # aut
Library advocates, including the nonprofit EveryLibrary, are asking the public to like, follow and share posts as a simple way to boost support for libraries. The campaign highlights reading, public libraries and literature, encouraging book lovers to amplify messages that keep libraries visible and funded.
- 37Jordan Vallone: Challenging books belong on shelves▼Jordan Vallone: The books that challenge us belong on shelves
Jordan Vallone argues in a newspaper column that books which challenge readers deserve a place on library and school shelves. The piece pushes back against efforts to remove difficult or controversial titles, defending access to a wide range of ideas. It adds to an ongoing public debate in the United States over book bans and content restrictions in schools and libraries.
- 38SIU's Morris Library to host banned books discussion▼SIU's Morris Library hosts discussion on banned books Oct. 2
Southern Illinois University's Morris Library will hold a discussion on banned books on October 2. The event gives students, staff and the public a chance to talk about book censorship and challenges to library materials, a topic drawing renewed attention in schools and libraries across the United States.
- 39Krazy Ivan marks 30 years since its Spanish release▼Aquest any és el trentè aniversari de la publicació a casa nostra de "Krazy Ivan" per "Sega Saturn" de # Sega 🕹🎮. # Kraz
Krazy Ivan, the shooter released for the Sega Saturn, is marking its thirtieth anniversary of publication in Spain. Retro gaming fans are recalling the title, originally developed by Psygnosis, as part of the Sega Saturn's classic library. Posts celebrating the milestone have been circulating among Spanish-language gaming and retro gaming communities.
- 40Farmington Public Library launches garden seed lending program▼Farmington Public Library kicks off Garden Seed Lending Program
Farmington Public Library in Maine has started a Garden Seed Lending Program, letting patrons borrow seeds for home gardening and return saved seeds after harvest. Seed libraries have grown in popularity as a way to promote local food growing, biodiversity and community self-sufficiency, and the Farmington initiative follows that model.