#OwnVoices in Fantasy & Science Fiction

Dan presents another “Online Display Table,” this time featuring #OwnVoices literature in the fantasy and science fiction genres! (Plus a few books in other genres.) #OwnVoices is a social media hashtag used to highlights books and stories where the author and protagonist share a marginalized identity. The hashtag started in the world of YA and children’s…
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance resumes at NPL!

After being interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is again available at Newton Public Library. VITA volunteers have worked out a new approach that allows them to assist lower-income taxpayers without meeting them in person. Those seeking free VITA assistance should follow this procedure: • Visit Newton Public Library and pick…
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All sorts of operas to stream for free

By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org I’m crazy about opera – both listening to it and singing it. The COVID-19 pandemic has not been a great time to be an opera fan. Performances have been canceled all over the world, artists are out of work, and scientists are saying that singing may be one of the riskier…
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Newton Public Library is open with limited services

Newton Public Library entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan on Monday, June 15, and now offers in-library access and services on the building’s main level. Copying, faxing, computer use and in-person staff assistance are among the services that have resumed – with limits intended to prioritize the health and safety of patrons, staff and…
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Online Display Table: Black #OwnVoices

Following up on yesterday’s post about diversity and representation in the world of books and libraries, Dan put together this “Online Display Table” highlighting #OwnVoices books from African-American authors. #OwnVoices is a social media hashtag used to highlights books and stories where the author and protagonist share a marginalized identity. The hashtag started in the…
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Seeing yourself, seeing others in library books

By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org Diversity in the world of books and publishing has increased over the last few years – but the industry is still unrepresentative of the United States as a whole. According to a 2019 survey, people working in publishing are 76 percent white; 6 percent Latinx, Latino or Mexican; and 5 percent…
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