Bridgerton Ball Event Attracts 1,400 Attendees
Dallas Public Library

The Dallas Public Library hosted hundreds of members of Dallas’ “ton” earlier this month at its inaugural Bridgerton Ball. Thanks to the popularity of novel-turned-Netflix-show Bridgerton, the sixth floor of the J. Erik. Jonsson Central Library was transformed into a Regency-era experience. Lords and ladies from across North Texas gathered in 1800s-inspired attire to eat, drink, dance and be merry.

Beyond the classical music and dance lessons, attendees were led in a variety of other Bridgerton-inspired activities. Lisa Torres, a Dallas College Department of Fashion professor, led two historic fashion talks. Torres guided lecture attendees through a presentation about British fashion, how it has inspired Bridgerton’s costume department and how actual historic Regency-era outfits differ from those used in Hollywood.

Between fashion talks, Bridgerton Ball attendees could view a Shakespearean theatrical performance held in the floor’s main room. The performance featured four actors from the Urban Arts Collective, a Dallas-based 501c3 organization that “uses art to tell stories from a Black and brown perspective.” After giving the crowd their bardic best, the group held a brief Q&A about Shakespearean and other theatrical experiences and knowledge.

Learn more and see event photos from the Dallas Observer.

Feature: "High price of digital content forces tough choices at libraries"
Cedar Rapids Public Library, Iowa City Public Library

As our members know, major publishers have placed severe restrictions on e-book and audiobook lending models. This includes prices that far exceed the print equivalent, time limits on titles purchased and content that can be removed with little or no notice from the offerings. A recent feature in The Gazette takes a look at how this inequity in pricing is affecting the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City public libraries.

“When you buy a book, you own that book, but if you’re purchasing digital copies of things — whether it’s an e-book or an audiobook — it’s more like a rental fee,” explains Cedar Rapids Public Library Director Dara Schmidt on why public libraries need a more equitable purchasing model for e-content. The Cedar Rapids Public Library splits its $650,000 annual book budget about 50-50 between digital and print materials, Schmidt said. That includes the downtown location and Ladd Library in Cedar Rapids’ southwest quadrant.

“The cost became too high for us to keep up with. We don’t make these decisions joyfully,” added Anne Mangano, collection services coordinator for the Iowa City Public Library. About 60 percent of the Iowa City Public Library’s annual budget for books is spent on digital material.

Read the full article in The Gazette.

Houston Public Library Awarded $200,000 Grant to Continue Vital Citizenship Programming
Houston Public Library

The Houston Endowment has awarded Houston Public Library a $200,000 grant for one year to support the relaunch of HPL’s Journey to Citizenship classes, which include “Introduction to Citizenship” and “Civics and Literacy.” These comprehensive seven-week programs are designed for adult learners to master the reading, writing and vocabulary portions of the naturalization exam.

Thanks to this grant, HPL will introduce new citizenship kits with civics flash cards, pocket-sized copies of the Declaration of Independence, an "Introduction to U.S. History" DVD and more. MYLink cardholders can borrow these kits from the library and gain valuable resources to aid their journey toward citizenship.

Read more about the Journey to Citizenship classes.

Op-Ed: "Protecting and Promoting the Right to Access"
Dayton Metro Library

In a recent op-ed for the Dayton Daily News, Dayton Metro Library Executive Director Jeffrey Trzeciak underscores the crucial role libraries play in preserving the freedom to read and our commitment to curating collections that meet the diverse needs of our communities. These insights emphasize the importance of standing firm in our mission and values, especially in these challenging times.

"It is imperative for libraries to spearhead the fight against censorship by continuing to provide a robust and diverse collection of materials," writes Trzeciak. "It’s important for people to see themselves in the stories in our 17 branches. Why? We deserve access to books for ourselves, our families and our communities. Reading books outside of our own personal experiences helps us understand diversity and strengthen our own empathy."

Read the full op-ed in the Dayton Daily News.