Catherine Masrour

2 months ago | slj.com | Mary Russo |Laura Silver |Kara Yorio |Catherine Masrour

The public good is under attack. Whether in public health, public schools, or public libraries, those who work to support the public good are on the defensive. As we work to defend libraries, we must remember that they are not alone. As sociologist Eric Klinenberg points out, libraries are part of our social infrastructure. It therefore follows that defending libraries can be part of defending our social infrastructure, which also includes parks, schools, and more.

Nov 6, 2024 | slj.com | Laura Silver |Kara Yorio |Catherine Masrour

SLJ Modified: Photo by Suradin/Getty Images In a quiet meeting room at Hubbard (OH) Public Library, residents of a local assisted-living facility wait, anticipation in the air. Suddenly, spontaneous smiles light up faces, and lively conversations fill the void as families with elementary-age kids burst into the room. The bookend generations are here for Reading Pals, the intergenerational book group run by my public library.

Oct 24, 2024 | slj.com | Mary Russo |Kara Yorio |Catherine Masrour

Cyclo-biblio—a library-to-library bike tour designed by and for librarians—first came on my radar 10 years ago when I was working at a safe streets organization, charting connections between bikes and books for a presentation at the National Bike Summit. I’m now a school librarian, and I joined the tour this year to expand my horizons and library learning while flexing my calf muscles and rusty French language skills.

Sep 11, 2024 | slj.com | Catherine Masrour |Kara Yorio |Caroline Nieto

On Tuesday, September 17, Norman (OK) North High School library will host a voter registration drive on National Voter Registration Day. Teacher librarian Molly Dettmann has run the event annually (with a COVID closure disruption) since her local chapter of the League of Women Voters reached out to her when she arrived at the school seven years ago. That first drive, she recalls registering “maybe 10” students, but the event has grown.

Aug 1, 2024 | slj.com | Kara Yorio |Catherine Masrour |Caroline Nieto

Houston Public Library's LaTrisha Milton opened the "Big Feelings" programming that included sensory stations (right) for the youngest patrons. Photos by Deisy Valle The idea for a mental health program at the library came to LaTrisha Milton after the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. The youth and family services manager for Houston Public Library (HPL) wanted to do something to help parents and families manage difficult situations and feelings.