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Libraries

This Tennessee library can offer more services — when it pays as much as McDonald's

by Kai Ryssdal and Richard Cunningham
Oct 3, 2022
“We don't have enough people to add new things," like social services, says the director of the Marshall County Memorial system.
"We have people who come to the library who need help with housing or help with food," says Jennifer Pearson, director of the Marshall County Memorial Library System.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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COVID-19

Library e-book checkouts soar during the pandemic

by Ashley Milne-Tyte
Dec 24, 2020
Publishers may want to turn the page on this moment, though, to get back to more store sales of books after COVID-19.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, library checkouts of electronic books have shot up by more than 50%. And libraries expect the demand to last.
fizkes via Getty Images
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Libraries have spent years reinventing themselves. Will they have to do it again?

by Kai Ryssdal and Alli Fam
May 14, 2020
Just when libraries had figured out how to be a community space, they might have to change again.
Jennifer Pearson, director of the Marshall County Library in Tennessee, with a bag of books for curbside pickup.
Courtesy of Jennifer Pearson
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Why e-books make things complicated for libraries

by Andie Corban and Kai Ryssdal
Dec 4, 2019
Digital books are more expensive than physical books and create logistical challenges for libraries.
A librarian displays a recently-arrived e-book at the Chicago Public Library in 2000.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images
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In Denmark, long opening hours for unstaffed libraries

by John Laurenson
Apr 3, 2019
Almost half of Denmark's libraries are open 24 hours a day.
Almost half of Denmark's libraries are open 24 hours a day.
Golden_Brown/iStock/Getty Images Plus
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Instead of buying toys your kids will soon outgrow — how about borrowing them?

by Ryan Kailath
Dec 27, 2018
"Toyeries" are making a comeback.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
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How "social infrastructure" can save us all

by Sabri Ben-Achour
Sep 11, 2018
An author told us how spaces like parks and libraries can end up being a driving force in the economy and a saving factor in a crisis.
People walk past a mural along the High Line Park trail in New York City January 30, 2018. Opened in June 2009, the High Line meanders at an altitude of about 18-30 feet (5-9 meters) above the streets through blocks of office buildings and private residences on Manhattan's West Side. 
EVA HAMBACH/AFP/Getty Images
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