Results tagged “americanlibraryassociation”

Thanks to the actions of a Chicago-based ex-gay advocacy group, many libraries nationwide have found themselves in a precarious position on the topic of reparative therapy - i.e. attempts to de-gay the gay. Opponents of pro-gay books have called for everything from public book burnings to tarred-and-feathered library directors.

When a trailer for the upcoming cine-adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are debuted online this spring it caused a minor sensation, with everyone going nuts about its use of an Arcade Fire song and the decidedly non-CGI looking creatures. Although we were frankly disappointed by the Dave Eggers-penned Away We Go we're still genuinely excited; because, luckily, Spike Jonze is no Sam Mendes. In fact we haven't been this anxious to see a book-to-movie project since ... well, Wes Anderson's upcoming Fantastic Mr. Fox.

It's no secret that, here at Chicagoist, we love libraries. And why not? All those books, magazines, newspapers, and, most importantly, microfiche! Yes, we're huge nerds. But the library contains a wealth of knowledge. Maybe it's the vast number of books, the sheer volume of literature. Maybe it's the quiet atmosphere, the hush that implies a sense of sanctuary, a place to give reverence to the great literary works of our time. Whatever the reason, we can't get enough of our local branch. And according to the American Library Association (ALA), the nation's libraries are still going strong:

In case you're wondering how today's library is faring, know that library use is up nationwide among all types of library users, and the library remains the number one point of internet access for those without access at home, school or work.

Holy son of a gun, there is a lot going on in Chicago this weekend. And it is going to be HOT. And if you're anything like Chicagoist--lacking A/C in the ay pee tee--you may be thinking: "hmmm, McCormick Place may not be such a bad place to spend my weekend." In that case, lucky you, because the American Library Association will be there, hosting its 2005 Annual Conference.