Leadership, loyalty, and change are at the heart of author Stephen Davenport's upcoming novel, Saving Miss Oliver's, which takes place in an all-girls school. Emotionally charged, and politically fraught, the novel also contains valuable content for aspiring leaders who want to overcome resistance to change. We asked Stephen to share his perspective and inspiration on this aspect of the book. Read More  

Ann Cox, MLS, Collection Development Librarian
Are you caught up in The Great American Read fever yet? It seems that no matter where I look, everyone has an opinion on the 100 books that made the list, let alone what book should be the top pick for America’s favorite fiction title. (Sorry, nonfiction fans: they weren’t considered for this list.) Kicking off on May 22, the eight-part PBS series will include interviews with authors, celebrities, notable Americans, and regular book lovers across the country, all advocating for their favorite book. Themed episodes explore the concepts behind the books, how readers are affected by these stories, and what their status in the American psyche says about us as a diverse nation with a shared human experience. Voting will take place throughout the summer and fall, leading up to the final episode to reveal the results of nationwide voting and crown America’s best-loved novel. Read More  

Season 4 is here with a unique look at lessons from #TheLibraryLife ! Two Librarians and a Microphone: What I Didn’t Learn in Library School.  Read More  

There’s an online audience for every book. That’s a nice thought, right? If only connecting those booklovers with your content, the content they want and may not yet be aware of, was as simple as knowing they exist. Read More  

Becky Walton, Collection Development Librarian 
BABY TEETH Zoje Stage’s first adult novel, is about a wicked seven-year-old girl named Hanna who really has it in for her mother, Suzette. You see, if Suzette were out of the picture, Hanna would have her dad, Alex, all to herself. As early as page one, the reader gets a sense of how Hanna feels about her mom and dad, and soon it’s revealed that Hanna wants to kill her mother! Read More  

by Jill Andreasen and Wendy Rancier, Collection Development Librarians
It’s clear that authors, artists, and creators in the children’s publishing world feel a responsibility, an urgency, to raise a level of empathy and awareness in the newest generation around many issues our country is facing. In 2018, many are highlighting the plight of refugees and immigrants including those fleeing war, persecution, or poverty. Read More  

We caught up with the Seattle Public Library during PLA to chat about one of our favorite stories from #TheLibraryLife—their superbly successful Somali children’s board book project.  Read More  

An independent bookstore can provide a place for friends to gather, a cozy environment to read, or a communal spot where people can bond over the love of books. But have you considered your bookshop to be a potential place where more than the love of books can be found? Could your store deliver more romantic stories than the novels that lie on your bookshelf? We think so! Read More  

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc) has provided booksellers support for over 22 years, and their substantial impact has changed our industry. Binc has created an easy way to give back to brick and mortar bookstore- employees during financial crisis. They have given over $6.5 million in tax free financial assistance and scholarships to more than 7,300 families and they are always striving to make a difference in the book industry. We recently spoke with Pamela French, Binc’s Executive Director, to hear about how they are continuing to help and influence the lives of indies. Read More