Heather Baskin
@trippingpoly.bsky.social
Teacher-Librarian, Lifter, Lover of Pop Culture
Reposted by Heather Baskin
The love of reading is an endangered species.
Just 16% of Americans do regular leisure reading—down from 28% in 2003. Only 41% of UK parents read daily to their toddlers—down from 64% in 2012.
Books aren't merely a source of flow. They're a gateway to empathy and lifelong learning.
Just 16% of Americans do regular leisure reading—down from 28% in 2003. Only 41% of UK parents read daily to their toddlers—down from 64% in 2012.
Books aren't merely a source of flow. They're a gateway to empathy and lifelong learning.
August 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM
The love of reading is an endangered species.
Just 16% of Americans do regular leisure reading—down from 28% in 2003. Only 41% of UK parents read daily to their toddlers—down from 64% in 2012.
Books aren't merely a source of flow. They're a gateway to empathy and lifelong learning.
Just 16% of Americans do regular leisure reading—down from 28% in 2003. Only 41% of UK parents read daily to their toddlers—down from 64% in 2012.
Books aren't merely a source of flow. They're a gateway to empathy and lifelong learning.
Reposted by Heather Baskin
School libraries have always been more than just a room full of books. Today, in an age of AI, a need to support young people’s wellbeing, misinformation, and a complex and confusion online world, they are essential hubs for every kind of literacy students need to thrive, from media and AI literacy…
Why school libraries and their staff matter more than ever
Take a walk around my school library with me. It’s lunchtime and the place is buzzing. Upstairs there are students quietly studying. In the small rooms, students meet for boardgames club and Dungeons and Dragons club, forming friendships over shared experiences and interests. A group of year 11 students browse the shelves and sit and chat. They come across my pile of new books to show my younger classes and dive into the new non-fiction titles.
madisonslibrary.com
August 17, 2025 at 8:31 AM
School libraries have always been more than just a room full of books. Today, in an age of AI, a need to support young people’s wellbeing, misinformation, and a complex and confusion online world, they are essential hubs for every kind of literacy students need to thrive, from media and AI literacy…
Reposted by Heather Baskin
I signed. It's probably shouting in the wind, but I signed.
Demand the tracking and reporting of extreme weather events
Demand the tracking and reporting of extreme weather events
action.consumerreports.org
August 14, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I signed. It's probably shouting in the wind, but I signed.
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Kwame Alexander Launches Nonprofit to Boost Love of Reading, Writing
The organization, One Word at a Time, will focus on kids 8-15 and run multiple initiatives, including virtual visits from Kwame Alexander and other kid lit authors, as well as a Teacher Study program.
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
The organization, One Word at a Time, will focus on kids 8-15 and run multiple initiatives, including virtual visits from Kwame Alexander and other kid lit authors, as well as a Teacher Study program.
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
Kwame Alexander Launches Nonprofit to Boost Love of Reading, Writing
The organization, One Word at a Time, will focus on kids 8-15 and run multiple initiatives, including virtual visits from Kwame Alexander and other kid lit authors, as well as a Teacher Study program.
www.slj.com
August 13, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Kwame Alexander Launches Nonprofit to Boost Love of Reading, Writing
The organization, One Word at a Time, will focus on kids 8-15 and run multiple initiatives, including virtual visits from Kwame Alexander and other kid lit authors, as well as a Teacher Study program.
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
The organization, One Word at a Time, will focus on kids 8-15 and run multiple initiatives, including virtual visits from Kwame Alexander and other kid lit authors, as well as a Teacher Study program.
www.slj.com/story/newsfe...
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Ultracrepidarian, n.
A person who offers opinions, critiques, and advice on issues beyond their expertise.
See also: every internet comment section ever
A person who offers opinions, critiques, and advice on issues beyond their expertise.
See also: every internet comment section ever
August 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Ultracrepidarian, n.
A person who offers opinions, critiques, and advice on issues beyond their expertise.
See also: every internet comment section ever
A person who offers opinions, critiques, and advice on issues beyond their expertise.
See also: every internet comment section ever
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Did you know that Audible Exclusives are only available on Audible? This means neither your indie nor library can offer the audiobook.
Audiobooks should be equally accessible to all.
Audiobooks should be equally accessible to all.
August 8, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Did you know that Audible Exclusives are only available on Audible? This means neither your indie nor library can offer the audiobook.
Audiobooks should be equally accessible to all.
Audiobooks should be equally accessible to all.
Reposted by Heather Baskin
I’ve long said this, and with the rise of AI, it rings more true than ever—the jobs our kids will have in the future have yet to be invented. But if we teach them how to be creative problem solvers, we’ll set them up for success.
August 3, 2025 at 9:14 PM
I’ve long said this, and with the rise of AI, it rings more true than ever—the jobs our kids will have in the future have yet to be invented. But if we teach them how to be creative problem solvers, we’ll set them up for success.
Reposted by Heather Baskin
“It’s just a tool! People used to hate on photoshop too.”
Take away my photoshop, take away my tablets, I can still draw. Take away your plagiarism machine and what are you gonna do? Shout prompts at me?
Take away my photoshop, take away my tablets, I can still draw. Take away your plagiarism machine and what are you gonna do? Shout prompts at me?
August 2, 2025 at 8:47 AM
“It’s just a tool! People used to hate on photoshop too.”
Take away my photoshop, take away my tablets, I can still draw. Take away your plagiarism machine and what are you gonna do? Shout prompts at me?
Take away my photoshop, take away my tablets, I can still draw. Take away your plagiarism machine and what are you gonna do? Shout prompts at me?
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Now that Trump and Vance’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has passed, here’s how it is impacting your wallet.
op: vincentchanco vis IG
op: vincentchanco vis IG
August 3, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Now that Trump and Vance’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has passed, here’s how it is impacting your wallet.
op: vincentchanco vis IG
op: vincentchanco vis IG
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Join @levgrossman.com for a virtual fireside chat about his latest bestseller THE BRIGHT SWORD, an epic retelling of the story of King Arthur featuring a gifted young knight and a fellowship of oddballs. Join from anywhere! Thursday, September 4, 7 p.m. Register at link in bio.
July 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Join @levgrossman.com for a virtual fireside chat about his latest bestseller THE BRIGHT SWORD, an epic retelling of the story of King Arthur featuring a gifted young knight and a fellowship of oddballs. Join from anywhere! Thursday, September 4, 7 p.m. Register at link in bio.
Reposted by Heather Baskin
July 31, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Well, this is straightforward messaging we can get behind 👀
DITCH AUDIBLE. USE LIBRO.FM.
July 29, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Well, this is straightforward messaging we can get behind 👀
Created a fun library book display sign today and thought I’d share. www.canva.com/design/DAGuj...
July 29, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Created a fun library book display sign today and thought I’d share. www.canva.com/design/DAGuj...
Reposted by Heather Baskin
SAVE THE DATE!
2026 Annual Spring Conference
April 19-21, 2026
Tan-Tar-A Conference Center
2026 Annual Spring Conference
April 19-21, 2026
Tan-Tar-A Conference Center
July 28, 2025 at 7:23 PM
SAVE THE DATE!
2026 Annual Spring Conference
April 19-21, 2026
Tan-Tar-A Conference Center
2026 Annual Spring Conference
April 19-21, 2026
Tan-Tar-A Conference Center
Reposted by Heather Baskin
2025 - 2026 MASL Diversity Book Club Book Preview!
Registration and Book Club Dates Coming Soon
Registration and Book Club Dates Coming Soon
July 28, 2025 at 7:24 PM
2025 - 2026 MASL Diversity Book Club Book Preview!
Registration and Book Club Dates Coming Soon
Registration and Book Club Dates Coming Soon
Reposted by Heather Baskin
New LBL blog: We came in with a plan—but the students at JAMS showed us what they really needed. Here’s how we reimagined the library to be simple, sustainable, and student-centered.
bldglibraries.substack.com/p/listening-...
bldglibraries.substack.com/p/listening-...
Listening and Watching From the Library, For the Library
We came in with a plan.
bldglibraries.substack.com
July 25, 2025 at 8:03 PM
New LBL blog: We came in with a plan—but the students at JAMS showed us what they really needed. Here’s how we reimagined the library to be simple, sustainable, and student-centered.
bldglibraries.substack.com/p/listening-...
bldglibraries.substack.com/p/listening-...
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Looking to boost the adult reading culture at your school? I added a few ideas here 1/2
July 24, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Looking to boost the adult reading culture at your school? I added a few ideas here 1/2
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Bookmark this. Print a copy and keep it handy. So many absolute gems:
“The freedom to read is a shared right, not a zero-sum game.”
“Censorship doesn’t happen all at once… it chips away at freedom, one title at a time.”
“The freedom to read is a shared right, not a zero-sum game.”
“Censorship doesn’t happen all at once… it chips away at freedom, one title at a time.”
Debunking the Myths: Responding to the Most Common Arguments for Book Censorship
Book censorship arguments often disguise efforts to erase diverse voices. Responding with facts, empathy, and First Amendment values helps protect everyone’s right to read.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
July 19, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Bookmark this. Print a copy and keep it handy. So many absolute gems:
“The freedom to read is a shared right, not a zero-sum game.”
“Censorship doesn’t happen all at once… it chips away at freedom, one title at a time.”
“The freedom to read is a shared right, not a zero-sum game.”
“Censorship doesn’t happen all at once… it chips away at freedom, one title at a time.”
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Finding Spanish-language books for older readers continues to be a challenge, but we’ve curated this list that includes translations of Jason Reynolds and Raina Telgemeier’s popular titles and a Spanish-original YA about an undocumented teen.
11 Must-Read Spanish-Language Middle Grade, YA, and Graphic Novels
Finding Spanish-language books for older readers continues to be a challenge, but we’ve curated this list that includes translations of Jason Reynolds and Raina Telgemeier’s popular titles and a Spani...
www.slj.com
July 15, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Finding Spanish-language books for older readers continues to be a challenge, but we’ve curated this list that includes translations of Jason Reynolds and Raina Telgemeier’s popular titles and a Spanish-original YA about an undocumented teen.
Reposted by Heather Baskin
There might be a reason I'm reading more lately...
July 14, 2025 at 5:28 PM
There might be a reason I'm reading more lately...
Reposted by Heather Baskin
Experts estimate USAID cuts are leading to 88 deaths PER HOUR. A UN office called these “the deepest funding cuts ever to hit the international humanitarian sector.” If funding isn't resumed, they estimate an additional 10 million cases & 2 million preventable deaths by 2030: tb.impactcounter.com
Tuberculosis Impact Counter | Tracking TB Funding Impact
Tracking the impact of TB funding via USAID
tb.impactcounter.com
July 8, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Experts estimate USAID cuts are leading to 88 deaths PER HOUR. A UN office called these “the deepest funding cuts ever to hit the international humanitarian sector.” If funding isn't resumed, they estimate an additional 10 million cases & 2 million preventable deaths by 2030: tb.impactcounter.com
Reposted by Heather Baskin
We can still save the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Here's a practical guide to what to do right now to save not just the agency's funding but its future all together.
Part of this is messaging on reauthorizing the Museum and Library Services Act.
bookriot.com/we-can-still...
Part of this is messaging on reauthorizing the Museum and Library Services Act.
bookriot.com/we-can-still...
We Can Still Save the Institute for Museum and Library Services
Act now to help save the Institute for Museum and Library Services and ensure the well-being of public libraries nationwide.
bookriot.com
July 8, 2025 at 11:13 PM
We can still save the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Here's a practical guide to what to do right now to save not just the agency's funding but its future all together.
Part of this is messaging on reauthorizing the Museum and Library Services Act.
bookriot.com/we-can-still...
Part of this is messaging on reauthorizing the Museum and Library Services Act.
bookriot.com/we-can-still...
Potential $13.5 million loss in my congressional district. Low-income students are the ones who will suffer most. Absolutely disgusting!
Last week, instead of sending school districts the $6+ billion which they are owed by law, USED told states it would hold back the money pending a review. This is hugely harmful to schools getting ready for the school year--but not everyone is hit equally. 1/ www.newamerica.org/education-po...
A District-by-District Accounting of the $6.2 billion U.S. Department of Education Has Held Back from Schools
The Education Department is refusing to release billions of dollars for public schools. See the impact by school system and congressional district.
www.newamerica.org
July 8, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Potential $13.5 million loss in my congressional district. Low-income students are the ones who will suffer most. Absolutely disgusting!