Category: Check Your Shelf

The Two Certainties of Life: Death and Book Bans

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date September 16, 2021

Libraries & Librarians

News Updates

The Campbell County Public Library has received 22 challenges to materials over the last two weeks.

The Hawaii State Public Library is requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests for all visitors.

A Craigshead County Jonesboro Public Library board member claimed that she had received a sack of…excrement in the mail after she argued that the library board should first approve titles with sensitive content, such as sexual or romantic attraction, gender theory, and family planning.

Cool Library Updates

How libraries are using Twitch to engage with teens and emerging adults.

A special education teacher created a handmade bookmobile to ride around his Chicago neighborhood.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library receives a $150K grant from the Library of Congress.

Worth Reading

The legacy of 9/11 and how it affected the library world.

Why investing in libraries is a climate justice issue.

Calculating the hidden costs of collecting fines. Plus, why libraries have gone fine-free over the past few years.

When this new mom was struggling, libraries gave her a place to belong.

8 creative ways to use your library card.

Book Adaptations in the News

Stephen Curry is producing an adaptation of Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes for Netflix.

Michael B. Jordan’s production company is teaming with Amazon Studios to adapt Charlie Jane Anders’s novel Victories Greater Than Death.

Mahershala Ali is starring in the adaptation of Leave the World Behind.

Netflix’s adaptation of the Danish crime thriller The Chestnut Man is coming out on September 29th.

Netflix is also adapting Andrea Bartz’s thriller We Were Never Here.

Netflix is also also adapting the Dark Horse comic series Grendel.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh will receive an updated TV adaptation.

The Gossip Girl reboot has been renewed for a second season at HBO.

Why turning books into movies is such a challenge.

Books & Authors in the News

Students protest book bans at the Central York High School, while the school board declines to reverse their ban.

A Glen Ellyn (IL) third grade teacher teacher has been removed from the classroom after she showcased her queer- and activist-themed classroom books on TikTok.

Stephen King and Humble Bundle have teamed up to release a new, unpublished short story, which will be used to raise funds for the ACLU.

Numbers & Trends

The first Spider-Man comic sells for a record $3.6 million at auction.

Award News

Karen Tei Yamashita has been awarded the 2021 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi has won the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction. Here is the shortlist.

The 2021 Booker Prize shortlist is here.

The National Book Award longlists for translated books and young people’s literature have been announced.

The 2021 Kirkus Prize finalists have been announced.

Bookish Curiosities & Miscellaneous

Do you think eBooks are an abomination?

On the Riot

A history of library hand.

8 TikTok book challenges and trends to join.

Book clubbing during a pandemic. Plus, how to keep the peace at book club.

Creative ways to pick your TBR.

On being a reader: before and after social media.

Raising my standards in books scared me off reading.

Another weekend coming up, folks. Be good to yourselves!

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.

Check Your Shelf

What Is “Worthwhile Reading?”

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date September 13, 2021

Sponsored by Decolonizing Wealth Project.

The accumulation of wealth is steeped in trauma. So, how can we shift industries like media, finance, and philanthropy toward reconciliation and healing if their cornerstones are exploitation, extraction, and control?

“The path to healing that he offers in these pages is welcoming to all, and…can unite people from all walks of life…”
—Bishop William J. Barber II, President & Sr. Lecturer, Repairers of the Breach; Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign

“The relationship between economic injustice and systemic racism must be understood. Edgar boldly and accessibly illuminates the connections while offering a way forward.”
—Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility

Welcome to Check Your Shelf. As a quick note, if you have any horror-loving patrons (or coworkers), be prepared for everyone to be talking about Malignant this week. Blaine and I watched it over the weekend, and I can’t remember the last time a movie made me feel so simultaneously horrified and delighted! Guaranteed long wait lists for this movie once it comes out on DVD!

Okay, let’s shift gears to books!

Collection Development Corner

Publishing News

Top Democrats are warning that Amazon’s algorithms are promoting “unethical, unacceptable” books about hoax COVID-19 cures and anti-vax claims.

A look at how the publishing business is trying to avoid supply chain disruptions.

New & Upcoming Titles

Stephanie Grisham, the White House spokesperson for the Trumps, is publishing a memoir.

Here’s a look at the cover of Stacey Abrams’ children’s book, Stacey’s Extraordinary Words.

And here’s the cover reveal for Samira Ahmed’s upcoming YA novel, Hollow Fires.

The 40 best books of 2021 (so far).

Weekly book picks from Bustle, Crime Reads, New York Times, and USA Today.

September picks from Bitch Media and Tor.com (SF).

Fall picks from CBC, Polygon (SFF), and Washington Post.

What Your Patrons Are Hearing About

Beautiful World, Where Are You – Sally Rooney (Electric Lit, The Guardian, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Time, USA Today, Vulture, Washington Post)

On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint – Maggie Nelson (LA Times, NPR, USA Today, Washington Post)

Matrix – Lauren Groff (LitHub, NPR, USA Today)

Forever Young: A Memoir – Hayley Mills (Hollywood Reporter, LA Times, and Washington Post)

The Moment – Andrea Constand (Time, Washington Post)

Happy Hour – Marlowe Granados (New York Times, USA Today)

Say it Loud!: On Race, Law, History, and Culture – Randall Kennedy (New York Times, Washington Post)

Poet Warrior – Joy Harjo (NPR)

RA/Genre Resources

Reframing female anger in psychological thrillers.

Exploring black horror in the YA space.

On the Riot

The most highly ranked and widely read books of 2021, according to Goodreads.

8 current and future YA sci-fi titles to add to your TBR.

Agatha Christie’s Crooked House and the thrill of guessing the killer.

What is “dark academia,” and why is it so popular?

What is “worthwhile reading?”

Barrels of bad apples: copaganda in crime novels.

What makes a good board book?

All Things Comics

Marvel has broken ties with Immortal Hulk artist Joe Bennett. This decision comes shortly after a statement from Bennett’s partner, Al Ewing, who stated that he would not be working with Bennett again due to “reprehensible” artwork.

The Marvel Unlimited app relaunches with exclusive content.

The best comics published in August.

On the Riot

12 of the best Korean light novels you can read right now.

Audiophilia

5 audiobooks set in schools.

On the Riot

7 audiobooks for Science September.

20 must-read audiobooks for the whole family.

Book Lists, Book Lists, Book Lists

Children/Teens

17 middle grade titles for Hispanic Heritage Month.

YA books to read for Hispanic Heritage Month.

YA books with Muslim main characters.

12 YA books to read if you have big city dreams.

Adults

A literary guide to understanding Afghanistan, past and present.

20 books to read if you love Sally Rooney.

8 enthralling books for fans of Mexican Gothic.

5 books that examine the American penal system.

5 mystery novels to read if you loved Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.

11 romances featuring older couples.

14 books to help you slow down and cheer up.

8 memoirs of women hiking in the wilderness.

10 standalone fantasy novels to combat series fatigue.

7 novels to help you live out your cottagecore fantasies.

6 genre-defying westerns.

On the Riot

Reach for the stars with these zodiac books for babies.

20 of the best fall books for kids.

15 delightful books like The Vanderbeekers.

5 YA books with great grandparents.

8 YA heist novels you won’t be able to put down.

8 books that preach the gospel of health at every size.

10 genre-blending fantasy books.

10 chilling historical thrillers.

Books about gamblers and gambling.

Level Up (Library Reads)

Do you take part in Library Reads, the monthly list of best books selected by librarians only? We’ve made it easy for you to find eligible diverse titles to nominate. Kelly Jensen created a database of upcoming diverse books that anyone can edit, and Nora Rawlins of Early Word is doing the same, as well as including information about series, vendors, and publisher buzz.

Catch you on Friday!

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.

Check Your Shelf

Racism in the Dewey Decimal System

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date September 9, 2021

Sponsored by Little, Brown Book for Young Readers.

George M. Johnson returns with a striking memoir that celebrates Black boyhood and brotherhood in all its glory. This is the story of George, Garrett, Rall, and Rasul — four children raised by Nanny, their fiercely devoted grandmother. The boys hold one another close through early brushes with racism, first loves and losses. With Nanny at their center, they are never broken.

“An intensely emotional, stunning read.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“There’s not a lot of current literature that explores stories of young, Black, gay men. This accessible and reflective memoir helps fill that gap.” —Booklist, starred review

Welcome to Check Your Shelf. The holiday weekend has completely thrown me off, so I’m perpetually in a state of panic about how much time I have to get stuff done this week. Honestly, this newsletter is about the only constant I have to help me figure out what day it is!

Libraries & Librarians

News Updates

A Danbury, CT officer has been suspended for his remarks caught on body camera during a First Amendment audit at the local library.

The Indianapolis Public Library interim CEO talks about plans to rebuild relationships and trust.

After facing community backlash about its Pride Month Display, the Prairie du Chien (WI) Library has received dozens of donated LGBTQ+ books with more on the way.

The Library of Congress and NPR announce a National Book Festival podcast series.

Cool Library Updates

Nancy Pearl has received the National Book Foundation’s 2021 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service!

Full-time librarian Kristy Cooper has written and self-published a memoir called I Was a Stripper Librarian: From Cardigans to G-Strings. I would read the HELL out of this book!

Worth Reading

Librarians in Rhode Island are trying to dispel misconceptions about school librarians with the documentary Overdue: The Value of School Librarians.

The surprisingly big business of library ebooks.

Services for people impacted by incarceration.

Racism in the Dewey Decimal System.

Book Adaptations in the News

Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Woman’s Search for Justice in Indian Country by Sierra Crane Murdoch is being adapted as a TV series.

Taraji P. Henson and Gabrielle Union are adapting the graphic novel Sorcerority for film.

C.L. Polk’s Kingston Cycle is headed to TV.

Netflix is adapting D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

Casting update for the remake of Salem’s Lot.

Books & Authors in the News

Gillette, Wyoming residents continue to call for controversial books to be moved (or removed) from the library.

An Indianapolis woman calls for the banning of LGBTQ books at the West Perry Library in Indianapolis.

Teachers at Central York High School (PA) say that a recent list of banned books, movies, and other teaching materials has made them “afraid to teach.” “Let’s just call it what it is — every author on that list is a Black voice.”

Amanda Gorman is the new face of Estée Lauder.

Lessons to learn from the Kate Clanchy memoir fiasco.

Pop Cultured

I don’t know that this necessarily belongs under “Pop Culture,” but Elizabeth Holmes’s trial is set to begin, so you may get patrons asking for a copy of Bad Blood to refresh their memories about Holmes and Theranos.

Bookish Curiosities & Miscellaneous

LeVar Burton’s Reading Rainbow is being celebrated in a new documentary called Butterfly in the Sky.

How social media is reinventing the book club.

On the Riot

What are libraries doing for National Library Card Sign Up Month?

Do romance novels ruin relationships? (No. No they do not.)

Authors and parasocial relationships.

Virtual book clubs during the pandemic.

Is it the weekend yet? Are we in September? Where am I? I think I’ll see you on Tuesday.

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.

Check Your Shelf

Angry Women, Jealous Women, and Women Who Lose Control

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date September 7, 2021

Collection Development Corner

Publishing News

Hilary Mantel and William Boyd warn of a book industry collapse if post-Brexit copyright rule changes go into effect.

Why authors are turning down lucrative deals in favor of Substack.

In literary organizations, diversity disputes keep coming.

New & Upcoming Titles

Indie publisher Milkweed Editions announces a new disability-focused literary series that focuses on neurodivergence and “different ways of languaging.”

James Norbury, the self-published author of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, snags a six-figure publishing deal.

LeBron James is writing his second children’s book.

Take a look at Marlon James’ Moon Witch, Spider King, which is a follow-up to Black Leopard, Red Wolf, and will be published in February 2022.

Padma Lakshmi is publishing a picture book with a message.

Here’s a first look at Nghi Vo’s upcoming novel, Siren Queen, and the cover is just as gorgeous as The Chosen and the Beautiful.

Indie speculative fiction picks for August.

Weekly book picks from Bustle, Crime Reads, New York Times, and USA Today.

September picks from Barnes & Noble, BookMarks (SFF), Brightly (children’s/YA), Bustle, Crime Reads, Entertainment Weekly, Kirkus, NPR, and Washington Post.

Fall picks from Esquire, LitHub, Publishers Weekly (indie releases), and Time.

A running list of the best books of 2021.

What Your Patrons Are Hearing About

My Heart is a Chainsaw – Stephen Graham Jones (Crime Reads, Slate, Tor.com, Washington Post)

A Slow Fire Burning – Paula Hawkins (USA Today, Washington Post)

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois – Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (New York Times, NPR)

RA/Genre Resources

Here’s a list of readalikes for patrons who are waiting for A Slow Fire Burning.

How 9/11 has influenced literature over the last 20 years.

Why small towns are perfect settings for romance.

The new canon of “dark academia.”

On the Riot

Must-read September children’s and YA releases.

Weekly new releases to TBR.

Where to find the best children’s book reviews.

Use the #TransBooks365 hashtag to find tons of great trans reading recommendations!

Romance tropetonite: famous fake flings.

All Things Comics

Alicia Keys is adapting her song “Girl on Fire” into a graphic novel.

On the Riot

Is DC really making Superman gay?

10 comics to put on your pull list this month.

A quick-ish history of licensed comics.

Audiophilia

The September 2021 Earphones Award Winners have been announced.

How to become an audiobook narrator.

Celebrating Women in Translation Month with European mysteries on audio.

4 romance audiobooks that mix the professional with the personal.

On the Riot

8 Native memoirs on audio from Erin & Dani’s Book Club.

Book Lists, Book Lists, Book Lists

Children/Teens

17 children’s books by Latinx authors to add to your kid’s bookshelf.

3 books perfect for middle-school readers.

11 books to read after They Both Die at the End.

11 YA books about addiction and recovery.

12 YA romances that take place abroad.

Adults

The American Library Association’s ranking of the 100 Most Banned Books.

8 books about women dealing with professional jealousy.

10 books by Malaysian women authors.

Books to inspire activism and advocacy.

Books that channel the powerful force of women’s anger.

8 books about women breaking free, losing control, and taking charge.

9 of the worst jobs in literature.

5 books that changed Megan Rapinoe’s life.

16 self-help books to empower you.

18 books that deserve more hype.

On the Riot

8 uplifting and feel-good speculative YA books.

9 of the best dark YA dystopias.

9 books like Verity by Colleen Hoover.

8 books about voter suppression to ignite your inner activist.

9 LGBTQ enemies-to-lovers romance novels you’ll love reading.

10 bibliomemoirs about the life-altering power of reading.

Monstrify your bookshelf with these horror novels about monsters.

8 horror novels about witches that are truly scary.

13 LGBTQ books that will make you cry.

The best slasher novels for a bloody good time.

15 top investment books for new investors.

Level Up (Library Reads)

Hopefully your schedules aren’t making you want to scream right now. I’ll see you all on Friday!

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter. Currently reading Don’t Call It a Cult: The Shocking Story of Keith Raniere and the Women of NXIVM by Sarah Berman.

Check Your Shelf

Library Cats and Library Ducks

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date September 2, 2021

Libraries & Librarians

News Updates

Public libraries in the Northeast report a recent rise in “first amendment audits.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, hostile school board meetings have members calling it quits.

Ohioans are increasingly turning to libraries for coronavirus testing.

Cool Library Updates

This library has started dressing up their (incredibly patient) library cat to promote the library, and the photos are ADORABLE.

The Jaffrey (NH) Public Library introduces a Farm Fresh Checkout refrigerator to promote food literacy.

Denver Public Library cards now give patrons free access to the Denver Tool Library, which normally charges $120 for a yearly membership.

Worth Reading

The US Copyright Office weighs in on Maryland’s new library eBook law.

Take a look at PLA’s 2020 Public Library Technology survey.

WiFi extenders vs. boosters vs. repeaters (helpful if your library is looking to loan out WiFi technology to patrons!)

Nothing to see here, just an adorable family of ducks waddling their way through a university library.

Book Adaptations in the News

Game of Thrones star Jacob Anderson has been cast as Louis in the upcoming adaptation of Interview With the Vampire.

The CW just ordered a series for Tom Swift, a Nancy Drew spinoff series.

Netflix announced an adaptation of Samanta Schweblin’s novel Fever Dream.

Lionsgate and Picturestart are adapting the YA horror graphic novel, Squad.

Season 2 of The Baby-Sitters Club will release on Netflix on October 11th.

Books & Authors in the News

Romance authors are teaming up to support Haiti earthquake relief.

After more than thirty years, a suspect has confessed to the murder of Lois Duncan’s daughter.

The Chelsea (MI) school board votes to keep The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison in the library, despite pushback from parents.

Salman Rushdie is serializing a new novella on Substack.

Numbers & Trends

3 in 5 Americans hope their summer reads will make them look smarter.

BTS leader RM unwittingly demonstrated the “K-pop effect” when he was spotted reading an out-of-print book, which ended up being republished and hitting the best-seller lists thanks to demand from K-pop fans.

How #BookTok is helping Canadian authors and retailers gain new audiences.

Award News

The 2021 Anthony Award winners have been announced!

The Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education has announced the creation of the Margaret Wise Brown Board Book Award.

The Republic of Consciousness just launched a new Prize for Small Presses in the US.

Bookish Curiosities & Miscellaneous

You know you’ve hit the big time when you’ve made it into the MLA Style Handbook, and TikTok has been added to MLA’s list of citation guidelines.

Words invented by authors.

New York’s legendary literary hangouts.

On the Riot

Billions of dollars in library funding hang in the balance during Congressional budget negotiations.

Advocate for a public good: library fundraising ideas.

A personal history of library use.

Every bookish movie coming to Netflix this fall.

The Hunger Games’s three-finger salute: a symbol of resistance to tyranny in Asia.

A better world for disabled readers.

A history of Little Golden Books.

An ode to the author’s note.

The best apps to sell used books.

And, you know, it’s okay if you don’t like to read.

Come work with Book Riot — we’re hiring an Ad Operations Associate! Apply by September 30th.

It’s a long weekend, friends. Take time for yourself, and I’ll see you on Tuesday!

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.

Check Your Shelf

I am the Thing That Haunts the House

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date August 30, 2021

Sponsored by Wattpad Books, publisher of Rest Easy.

When heartsore Dee Warrington and eccentric Naya Stephens both find themselves volunteering at Salvation Hill Nursing Home, the sparks are sadly earthbound. But as they slowly unravel the history of a resident at the home together, they find that some friendships can withstand the test of time. Inspired by a true story, Warona Jolomba shares a tale of love and loss, and a bond that forms in the unlikeliest of places.

Welcome to Check Your Shelf. Our state has implemented a new mask mandate effective this week, and I’ve been designated as the second-in-command for enforcing masks with patrons. Now, we’ve gotten off pretty easily in terms of dealing with people refusing to wear a mask so far, but I feel like we’re in uncharted territory now, and I’ve got to be honest, my stomach is sinking at the thought of what the next few weeks are going to be like. This is the kind of stuff they don’t train you for in library school.

So let’s distract ourselves with some book news, shall we?

Collection Development Corner

Publishing News

PRH announced that not only will Amanda Gorman’s upcoming book be double its original length, but it will also increase in price.

What lies ahead for the publishing industry this fall.

New & Upcoming Titles

Penguin Classics launches a “new canon” of environmental literature in the UK.

C.L. Polk is writing a noir fantasy novella, Even Though I Knew the End, which is slated for a Fall 2022 release.

Representative Cori Bush has landed a book deal for The Cori Chronicles.

Here’s a peek at Paul McCartney’s upcoming book The Lyrics, which will include handwritten lyrics to an unrecorded and never-before-seen Beatles song from the early 60’s.

Ruta Sepetys will be publishing a new book in February 2022, called I Must Betray You.

First look at Sabaa Tahir’s new standalone novel, All My Rage.

And here’s a first look at Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jessie Q. Sutanto.

Here’s the cover reveal for Wendy Heard’s upcoming Dead End Girls, which is described as Thelma & Louise meets Heathers and I am HERE. FOR. IT.

Here’s the cover reveal for the third book in Nnedi Okorafor’s Nsibidi Scripts series, Akata Woman.

These are the sexiest books of 2021.

10 new books written and translated by women.

Spellbinding new books about witches.

New novels to help you read across the 20th century.

Fall picks from Amazon (mysteries/thrillers), Brightly (picture books, middle grade, YA), CBC (poetry) Entertainment Weekly (memoirs), Goodreads (mysteries/thrillers), L.A. Times (general picks, thrillers, nonfiction), Publishers Weekly (cookbooks).

Weekly book picks from Bustle, Crime Reads, New York Times, and USA Today.

August picks from Crime Reads (debut novels, true crime).

September picks from Epic Reads (YA), and New York Times.

What Your Patrons Are Hearing About

Seeing Ghosts – Kat Chow (New York Times, NPR, Shondaland)

Real Estate: A Living Autobiography – Deborah Levy (L.A. Times, NPR, Washington Post)

The Women of Troy – Pat Barker (The Guardian, Washington Post)

The Guide – Peter Heller (New York Times, USA Today)

RA/Genre Resources

A beginner’s guide to science fiction and fantasy.

Becoming the thing that haunts the house: Gothic fiction and the fear of change.

On the Riot

Weekly book releases to TBR.

8 of the best horror novels to creep you out this fall.

Weird westerns explained.

It’s okay to be an adventurous reader.

Please don’t make me read in order.

How to find themes in books.

All Things Comics

Here’s the teaser trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home.

25 graphic novels your kids will love reading.

On the Riot

Where to start reading Marvel comics.

Comic books don’t count as reading, and other lies people tell you.

Light novels vs. manga: we can have both.

Under the sea comics for all ages.

20 of the best light novels.

11 emotional manga that will give you all the feels.

Audiophilia

7 great audiobooks to listen to this month.

3 audiobooks that explore family.

End-of-summer romance listening.

Book Lists, Book Lists, Book Lists

Children/Teens

24 YA mystery and thriller novels you’ll consume in one sitting.

10 YA books that prove the ocean is a scary place.

10 of the best horror novels for teens.

Adults

Books that reimagine Greek mythology.

4 books to help understand Haiti.

The best books about islands.

10 great SFF novellas and novellettes.

6 books about women leaving strict religious communities and finding themselves.

7 vampire books for fans of What We Do in the Shadows.

Appalachian SFF recommendations.

Perfect books for dog lovers.

19 books for a cozy fall day.

6 books about reincarnation.

On the Riot

18 of the best books for autistic children.

9 books by women from Afghanistan to read right now.

8 remarkable Black lesbian fiction books to add to your TBR.

12 great Indigenous memoirs.

8 high-tech mysteries for when social media becomes deadly.

26 of the best cozy mystery series.

10 of the best horror novels featuring cults.

The most-translated books from every country in the world.

20 must-read books from university presses.

Level Up (Library Reads)

Keep wearing your masks, and take care of yourselves. I’ll catch you on Friday.

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.

Check Your Shelf

The Value of Library Labor

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date August 26, 2021

Libraries & Librarians

News Updates

As most people know already, there was a bomb threat outside the Library of Congress last week, prompting an evacuation and an hours-long standoff with the police, but thankfully no one was injured.

The Indianapolis Public Library CEO steps down in response to allegations of systemic racism.

A GOP congressional candidate for Wisconsin terrified a young library worker with his anger over a Pride Month display in the library.

The Campbell (WY) library board tells community members that if they have a concern with books on the library’s shelves, they need to follow proper procedure and file a formal complaint.

The Craigshead County (AR) Public Library Board narrowly voted down two new proposals that would have made the board responsible for approving monthly displays and guest speakers.

One resident’s query about allegedly biased books at the Pasadena Public Library prompts a city council discussion on how books are selected.

A new proposal from the San Diego Public Library calls for bigger library branches in low-income areas.

A look inside a Florida library that was converted to a COVID-19 treatment site.

The Chicago group Protect Our Parks has filed a request with the Supreme Court to halt construction on Obama’s presidential library in Jackson Park, arguing that the federal government failed to conduct the legally required reviews of the building’s environmental impacts.

Cool Library Updates

Leslie Jones sparked “happy tears” for a middle school librarian, who was looking to raise money to provide free PPE for staff and students in a mask-optional district.

Worth Reading

No single staffer should control collection decisions.

Calculating the true value of library labor.

Weeding is fundamental: on libraries and throwing away books.

Take a look at the 2021 Public Library of the Year winner!

9 unique library jobs that have nothing to do with books.

These mobile libraries give hope to girls in Afghanistan.

Thinking beyond crafts.

Book Adaptations in the News

The BBC is adapting The English Patient into a TV series.

Disney Branded Television is developing an original movie based on the book From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks.

Lakeith Stanfield is starring in the adaptation of Victor LaValle’s The Changeling.

MGM scores the rights to Lisa Taddeo’s novel, Animal.

Candice Carty-Williams is adapting her novel Queenie as a drama series.

Margaret Truman’s Capital Crimes series is being adapted into a TV series.

Here’s a first look at the Wheel of Time series.

Here’s the trailer for the Apple TV+ adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy.

SFF books that could make for good adaptations.

Books & Authors in the News

Oprah selects The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers for her latest book club pick.

Children’s author and illustrator, Jill Murphy, has died at age 72.

Advance copies of Sally Rooney’s unpublished novel keep popping up for sale online, often for hundreds of dollars.

Numbers & Trends

The romance novel sale boom continues.

The endless cycle of book cover trends.

Award News

The winners of the American Book Awards have been announced.

For your hard-core horror fans: the 2021 Splatterpunk Awards have been announced.

Pop Cultured

Make LeVar Burton the new Jeopardy host, you cowards!

On the Riot

The Golden Library of the Moscow tsars that no one can find.

The 5 best libraries to see in Cambridge.

Your in-depth guide to romance novel awards.

5 bookish hills this reader is willing to die on.

Have a restful weekend, everyone. I’ll see you on Tuesday!

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.

Check Your Shelf

150 Of the Most Anticipated Books For Fall 2021

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date August 23, 2021

Collection Development Corner

Publishing News

Hachette Books will acquire Workman Publishing.

The police officer involved in Breonna Taylor’s shooting returned his book advance and is now looking for a new publisher.

New & Upcoming Titles

Here’s a look at Seanan McGuire’s Seasonal Fears, the follow-up to Middlegame.

Scholastic is releasing a set of illustrated children’s books based on the characters from Friends.

Barbra Streisand is working on a memoir.

George Floyd’s aunt, Angela Harrelson, will be coming out with a book in 2022.

150 of the most-anticipated books for Fall 2021.

Canadian fiction and nonfiction books to look for this fall.

5 gripping new thrillers to get lost in.

9 dazzling new debut novels.

The best books of 2021 so far.

Weekly book picks from Crime Reads, New York Times, and USA Today.

August picks from Crime Reads (psychological thrillers, international crime), and Tor.com (YA SFF).

September picks from Barnes & Noble (adult, children/teens), Chicago Tribune.

What Your Patrons Are Hearing About

The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You – Maurice Carlos Ruffin (Entertainment Weekly, L.A. Times, New York Times)

The Reckoning: Our Nation’s Trauma and Finding a Way to Heal – Mary L. Trump (The Guardian, USA Today, Washington Post)

Silent Winds, Dry Seas – Vinod Busjeet (New York Times, NPR)

Velvet Was the Night – Silvia Moreno-Garcia (USA Today, Washington Post)

Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality in America – Eyal Press (New York Times, NPR)

The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War – Craig Whitlock (New York Times, Washington Post)

RA/Genre Resources

NPR readers’ 50 favorite SFF books from the last decade.

Why we need ADHD representation in fiction.

How to diversify your reading, and why it’s so important.

On the Riot

New releases by women in translation.

New and forthcoming YA disability nonfiction.

New weekly picks to TBR.

Horror books for beginners.

What makes a book an absorbing read?

Mystery series you can read out of order.

How you know the mystery genre is still leaving out marginalized voices.

This reader’s point of view about POV in romance.

All Things Comics

Walter Mosley is writing a six-issue series featuring The Thing, which will debut in November.

New DC comics are coming to Webtoon, the South Korean webcomics publisher.

Cixin Liu’s short stories are being adapted into graphic novels.

It’s actually almost impossible for most writers and artists to make money in comics.

8 must-read modern Superman comics.

On the Riot

Where to read comics online for free.

What is a light novel?

The impact of crowdfunding on indie comics.

8 of the scariest manga to keep you up at night.

10 manga like Jujutsu Kaisen for monster lovers.

Exactly how big is the Marvel Comics Universe?

Audiophilia

After 46 years, Judy Blume’s Forever is finally becoming an audiobook.

Your audiobook guide to book awards.

17 audiobooks to make your next road trip that much more fun.

On the Riot

6 myth retellings on audio.

7 audiobooks under 7 hours to help tune out the world.

Book Lists, Book Lists, Book Lists

Children/Teens

30 books about consent and bodily autonomy for toddlers and kids.

Adults

A reading list for the 20th anniversary of September 11th.

The best books about Western intervention in Afghanistan, past and present.

15 books that reimagine fairy tales and classic literature.

11 modern classics every book collection needs.

5 tense books that blend sci-fi and horror.

33 tales about campus life.

7 thrillers about the dark side of academia.

8 SFF heist novels.

6 books about reincarnation.

On the Riot

11 thoughtful divorce books for kids.

5 YA books about being the new kid.

What to read after Get a Life, Chloe Brown.

15 more books about Appalachia to read instead of Hillbilly Elegy.

15 Argentinian books in translation.

16 of the best contemporary romance novels since 2016.

10 genre-defying memoirs you need to read.

8 thought-provoking books about adults going back to school.

10 thrilling books that take place at an amusement park.

Level Up (Library Reads)

I hope your own pandemic obsessions continue to bring you entertainment. Catch you on Friday!

—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.

Check Your Shelf

What is an ISBN, Anyway?

Post author By Katie McLain
Post date August 19, 2021

Sponsored by Be Strong by Pat Zietlow Miller; illustrated by Jen Hill.

A picture book about finding strength in unlikely places from the team behind the hugely popular New York Times bestseller Be Kind.

Welcome to Check Your Shelf. My husband went in for planned surgery this week and is resting at home (doing fine), and somehow I thought I was going to get work done from home during all this. I stand seriously corrected. We’ll try again next week. Meanwhile, hubby and I are re-watching The IT Crowd to get our Noel Fielding fix now that we’ve mostly caught up on Great British Baking Show.

Libraries & Librarians

News Updates

The Craighead County (AR) Library board voted “no” on two key policy changes that would have created board oversight on the creation of library displays, as well as all materials added to the children’s collection.

If the library tax renewal fails in Lafayette Parish, only one or two libraries may be able to remain open in the entire parish.

Hawaii’s public libraries are enforcing temporary closures due to high COVID rates.

Worth Reading

The critical role that Black librarians play.

During the height of segregation, Indiana’s first Black librarian changed lives.

Can Maryland’s new eBook law help change the marketplace?

Book Adaptations in the News

Jodie Comer talks about Killing Eve’s bittersweet end. (My husband and I became similarly obsessed with Killing Eve this year, as well as with Jodie Comer. She is magnificent.)

Mindy Kaling is adapting Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin for Amazon Studios.

Carol Leonnig’s Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service is being adapted for TV.

Vince Vaughn is starring in the Apple TV+ series Bad Monkey, based on the Carl Hiaasen book of the same name.

Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches series is being developed for TV at AMC.

The graphic novel Gun Honey is reportedly being adapted for TV.

John Lithgow joins the cast of Killers of the Flower Moon.

Jack Kerouac’s estate is working to produce new podcasts based on his work.

24 book-to-screen adaptations that didn’t disappoint.