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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Library kiosks in TX expand book access in the state

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Monday, October 14, 2024   

With book bans in public schools increasing, public libraries have a larger purpose. The Town of Little Elm in northeast Texas has found a unique way to help people get a library book.

Little Elm is the latest city in Texas to provide the public with a 24-hour library kiosk to dispense books and DVDs.

The library's Managing Director of Library Services Diana Slavinsky said there is only one main library in the town, and they wanted to offer services to more people.

"The kiosk itself is like a vending machine," said Slavinsky. "There are 340 titles on display, and you can use your library card to check out materials from there. It - like - rotates around like a carousel. It displays everything nicely, so it's a fun kiosk."

Other library systems across the state offering kiosks include Garland, Grand Prairie, Harlingen, and Houston.

The Little Elm Kiosk is available to anyone with a library card, which are free for all Texas residents.

Slavinski said books from the main library can be transferred to the kiosk for after-hours pick-ups.

She added that with book bans increasing, she said she hopes the kiosk is a way to ensure anyone who wants a book can get it.

"I think always as a library we want to get books in hands," said Slavinsky. "We want to get library cards in hands. We definitely see this as a method of improving access to materials. "

House Bill 900, which was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023, restricts what books students can check out of school libraries - leading districts across the state to take hundreds of books off school shelves.



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