Who would have ever imagined that librarians would become targets in contemporary culture wars? Most of today’s battles are over banning and censorship, as we know. (Shown at right, Belle da Costa Greene)

And though book banning is nothing new, it wasn’t the primary concern of the librarians highlight here today. They were blazing trails in other ways (you’ll frequently see “the first” here). All of these professionals were visionaries who elevated the role of libraries as cultural hearts of communities.

These librarians proudly built diversity and cultural awareness into the fabric of what has evolved into the contemporary library. And that’s something that can’t be unraveled. Read More→

If you love learning about fascinating women of the past, but aren’t inclined to read full-scale biographies that take you from the second they were born (or earlier) to the minute they died, another fantastic route into their lives is via novelizations, also known as biofiction.

This type of novel usually focuses on a particularly interesting portion of a fascinating real-life person’s journey. This seems to be a growing genre, and when done well, as in the small sampling following, is entertaining as well as illuminating.

To create these novelizations successfully requires a delicate balance involving deep research and creative license.  Here’s a small sampling. Read More→

Literary gift boxes are a fun and thoughtful way to celebrate great books and authors. These boxes are perfect for book lovers who enjoy reading and want something special. These are great for birthdays, holidays, or book clubs. 

You can fill these boxes with items inspired by famous women writers. With the right packaging, items, and design, you can create a gift box that reflects the writer’s theme. 

Let’s explore some unique ideas to create a gift box that every book lover will appreciate and cherish. Read More→