At the Libraries: Is the "Labrary" the Future?

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Each month, Miss Kathleen provides links to a variety of stories about libraries, authors, and books. If there’s something noteworthy going on in your local library, leave us a comment!

Libraries! Chugging along for another year (at least), as they enter 2013 trying to replace bookstores. Is it possible? I use the library, of course, but do you?

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Or maybe Harvard's "Labrary" is the future of libraries? Oh, that word sounds terrible out loud!

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If one of your New Year's resolutions was to donate money to worthy charities, I've got a good one for you: Talking Book, an audio computer used for oral education for rural villagers. Fascinating and helpful, a great combo!

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I know gift-giving season is over, but if there's a librarian in your life (ahem), save this handy guide to Things Librarians Fancy for all-occasion gift giving. You really can't go wrong with these items!

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Here's something I can't believe I didn't know—William Faulkner wrote a children's book! Definitely sounds ... dark.

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The James Baldwin is my favorite, but all of these pictures of famous authors partying are pretty great. And of course, good old Papa is well represented:

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We've all done it—come on now, 'fess up: Which books did you bail on this past year? I will admit to bailing on Wolf Hall (again!). Third time might be the charm with that one. 

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Librarians, can you drink your way to better librarianship? It kind of is, and kind of isn't, what it sounds like. 

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If you think you might be a hipster, and you are wondering what book to read next, well, this flow chart is for you! 

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Okay, that is more of a joke, I mean, obviously you've read Infinite Jest. But this website is for real, and can actually help you find a great book to read next!

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Find out the best use of blue legos, and other wonderful winners in quirky categories at this great round up of the year in children's literature (which is the most fun, as we all know).

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Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year! As always, let me know the latest and greatest in library news via email or in the comments. I hope you have a great month, and I will see you in February!