Libraries

The library system reported a 169% increase in patron use of Hoopla in the past five years.

The Mississippi Valley Library District board of trustees currently has a 3-3 ideological split. Finding a replacement for a vacant board spot just a couple of months before the election could swing the board away from a conservative majority.

State Rep. Wick Thomas, who worked as a librarian, is hoping to educate colleagues about why libraries are vital to communities.

The former director of the East St. Louis Public Library was indicted in federal court on five counts of wire fraud and embezzlement.

Archivist and entrepreneur Emma Prince helps build archives for places like the City Museum and people like Carmelite Sisters in Los Angeles.

Library officials have tabled a plan to close three branches to fund other parts of the library system. Some library patrons and protesters said they worry the smaller branches won’t stay open for long.

More than half of St. Louis and St. Louis County residents are without reliable internet. The St. Louis County Library is helping patrons get internet access at home, training included.

The Quincy Public Library wants to bring back its bookmobile. The goal is to provide more access to books and improve literacy in the area.

The efforts to remove books from school libraries started with parents in local school districts and eventually led to state legislatures. After two years of controversy, one school librarian says her colleagues are leaving the profession because it has become too painful.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the goal is to send free books to all children, ages 0-5, across Illinois.