Sponsored by Cinder Block Publishing and Terribilita by Ben Wyckoff Shore
The rebel caprices of Enzo Ferrando have dire consequences. His father, the Risorgimento war hero, is gunned down on his veranda. His son Lucca is forced into hiding as a deckhand on a merchant ship. Enzo himself is conscripted into the Italian army and forced to wage war on the African Horn, yet he yearns to take vengeance on his father’s killers and to reunite with his son. “Mastery of storytelling makes Terribilita a powerful and emotive read that all literary, historical and family drama fans will devour.” (Readers’ Favorite, 5/5 Stars)
This is Check Your Shelf, and once again, the majority of this newsletter is COVID-19 updates.
Before we jump into the links, here’s something to make you giggle!
And here’s Book Riot’s updated story stream with COVID-19-related articles.
Libraries & Librarians
News Updates
- ALA’s annual conference has been canceled for 2020.
- All branches of the Chicago Public Library are now (finally) closed through Tuesday, April 7th.
- Temporary free access to Booklist, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, and Horn Book. Also a reminder that if you’re looking to do some continuing education while you’re at home, all of Booklist’s archived webinars are free.
- Penguin Random House is discounting eBook and digital audiobook sales to public libraries for the next 90 days.
- ALA petitions the FCC to let libraries turn their bookmobiles into mobile WiFi hotspots.
- The downtown Spokane library may become a temporary homeless shelter.
- Library services during the pandemic highlight the digital divide as well as worker safety issues. (CLOSE THE LIBRARIES.) Also, I’m in disbelief at the West Virginia college library cited in the article that requires students to have their temperatures taken before being allowed to enter the building.
- Related, here are some suggestions to advocate for closing the library, if yours is still open.
Cool Library Updates
- Families who stop by Springfield (MA) Public Schools to pick up breakfast and lunch for students can also pick up an individually wrapped book to take home, thanks to the work of Link to Libraries.
- Columbia University librarians provide the guides and design for 3D-printable face shields.
- The Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh launches an online reading program called “Stay In and Read.”
- The Fraser Valley Regional Library (British Columbia) is hosting a virtual dance party.
- Little Free Libraries are transforming into makeshift food banks.
- 19 immersive museum exhibits you can visit from your couch.
- Here are a couple articles on doing virtual story time (without violating copyright law!).
- You can now read 1.4 million books for free from the National Emergency Library.
Worth Reading
- Fighting fake news in the pandemic.
- Self care for librarians during COVID-19.
- Serving homeless patrons when your library is closed.
- Professional development opportunities to take advantage of from home.
- Advice for doing digital book clubs.
- When libraries close, it feels like the end of the world.
- Advice for those at home, working or otherwise.
- How to help librarians and archivists from your living room.
- And finally, some non-COVID news: this Brazilian teenager started a community library in Rio.
Book Adaptations in the News
- Some of the SFF adaptations that have halted production due to COVID-19.
Books & Authors in the News
- A federal court ruled in favor of PEN America, who filed a lawsuit against Trump, saying that he has used government power to retaliate against media coverage and reporters he dislikes in violation of the First Amendment.
- Stephen King, Amy Tan, and Mitch Albom are among several authors to participate in the virtual book festival Wordplay.
- Linda Fairstein sues Netflix for defamation in When They See Us.
- Netflix is planning a new show with Marie Kondo.
- Don Winslow cancels his book tour.
Numbers & Trends
- Physical book sales have dropped 10% from last week due to COVID-19.
Award News
- Valeria Luiselli is the first woman to win the Folio Prize.
- Rick Atkinson wins the American History Book Prize for The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777.
- Shortlists were announced for the Carnegie & Kate Greenaway Medals, as well as the British Book Awards.
- Here are the winners of the Bancroft Prize.
- The Lambda Literary Awards will not be held in person in June, but the winners will be announced on schedule.
- The Nebula conference is going digital, with the winners being announced May 30th via live stream.
Pop Cultured
- Kenny Rogers dies at age 81.
- Rosario Dawson has been cast in season two of The Mandalorian.
- Birds of Prey is available for on-demand viewing this week.
- Acorn TV extends its free trial, if you’re in the mood for some British crime dramas.
- Wonder Woman 1984’s theatrical release will be postponed from June 5th to August 14th.
- Here’s a list of all the movies (so far) that have been postponed due to COVID-19.
On the Riot
- This Pennsylvania library created a digital Harry Potter escape room using Google Forms!
- How to get the most out of story time, from a children’s librarian.
- Children may…misunderstand how libraries work.
- Get your child hooked on reading with 1000 books before kindergarten.
- 20 of the best books on Hoopla right now.
- Harry Potter Alliance is hosting a virtual conference through April 4th!
- How to read to a child.
Sending virtual hugs to anyone who wants them. Stay safe and healthy, friends.
Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter. Currently reading The Only Child by Mi-Ae Seo.