Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
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bobbinewman.bsky.social
Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
@bobbinewman.bsky.social
2.5K followers 1.2K following 1.8K posts
She/her. Iowa City. Keynote speaker. Author. Professor. Librarian. Workplace Well-being. Mindfulness Student. Dog Mom.
Personal account, obviously.
https://librarianbyday.net/
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
thenewlede.bsky.social
Iowa has the second-highest rate of cancer in the nation, and has become one of only two US states where cancer overall is increasing.

Chris Jones says Big Ag is a major culprit and is running for office to address the problem.

✍️ @keithschneider69.bsky.social
www.thenewlede.org/2026/01/time...
“Time to change”- Iowa water quality scientist launches long-shot bid for state office
Three years ago Chris Jones was a highly regarded research engineer at the University of Iowa, where he directed stream pollution monitoring work and published details about the state’s dismal water q...
www.thenewlede.org
January 30, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
nlisn.bsky.social
✨We're launching Our First Conference 🥳 (July, Leeds)

📣Call for papers is on:
nlisn.org/conference/

We welcome anything related to neurodivergence & #library, information, or #archive work.
Short or long talks, workshops or wildcard ideas

#Neurodivergent
#Neurodiversity
#LibraryWorker
#Librarian
Conference
We’re launching our first two day conference in 2026 with our call for contributions and our booking site, both now open. (See below). This page will evolve as we add more details about the c…
nlisn.org
February 9, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
thrivelib.bsky.social
Many of you already know that our colleague and founding board member, Fobazi Ettarh, has passed away. We want to take a moment to acknowledge her loss and honor what she meant to libraries, our community, and her friends and loved ones.
www.thrivelib.com/news/honoring-fobazi-ettarh
Honoring Fobazi Ettarh — ThriveLib
Many of you already know that our colleague and founding board member, Fobazi Ettarh , has passed away. We want to take a moment to acknowledge her loss and honor what she meant to libraries, our co...
www.thrivelib.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:13 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
a busy week - panel, facilitation, discussion with SLIS program students (not my own), grading, prepping for the @thrivelib.bsky.social CFP!
February 9, 2026 at 2:40 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
Government overreach and an attack on intellectual freedom
Iowa House Study Bill 636
www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/e...
Iowa bill advances to ban school-library partnerships over book fears
House Study Bill 636 would ban partnerships between schools and public libraries over fears that kids have access to inappropriate books.
www.desmoinesregister.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:25 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
Hundreds turn out in Cedar Rapids to support immigrants at ICE check-ins
littlevillagemag.com/cedar-rapids...
#Iowa
Hundreds turn out in Cedar Rapids to support immigrants at ICE check-ins; Ashley Hinson 'disturbed' by legal observer trainings - Little Village
More than 400 people gathered outside the ICE field office in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday to observe and support seven immigrant families attending mandatory check-in appointments. The crowd of supporters...
littlevillagemag.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:23 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
'Reading is so important, but...': Iowa House panel advances expanded ban on gender, sexuality materials in schools littlevillagemag.com/expanded-ban...
'Reading is so important, but...': Iowa House panel advances expanded ban on gender, sexuality materials in schools - Little Village
The House Education Committee moved forward Wednesday with legislation that would prohibit instruction and materials on gender identity and sexual orientation for all K-12 students. HF 2121, approved ...
littlevillagemag.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:48 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
When you’ve defunded education

HSB 547 would require the Regents to develop a policy for students applying to state Us who don't qualify for admission based on the regent admission index

www.press-citizen.com/story/news/e...
Bill changing Regent admission requirements advances to House vote
House Study Bill 547 may change how state universities determine admission through different test scores.
www.press-citizen.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
maxberger.bsky.social
Me, in a meeting [society is collapsing]: hey! how is everyone doing? let's do a quick check-in
February 5, 2026 at 6:16 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
Iowa House bill restricting LGBTQ topics in school passes out of Education Committee

www.kcrg.com/2026/02/05/i...
Iowa House bill restricting LGBTQ topics in school passes out of Education Committee
An bill banning LGBTQ subjects for middle and high school students is advancing through the Legislature.
www.kcrg.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:27 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
Iowa lawmakers move to ban partnerships between public schools and local libraries

www.iowapublicradio.org/state-govern...
Iowa lawmakers move to ban partnerships between public schools and local libraries
Some agreements between public schools in Iowa and local libraries would be blocked under a bill advanced Wednesday by the House Education Committee. The bill would bar schools from letting students u...
www.iowapublicradio.org
February 5, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
dislisjournal.bsky.social
JJ Pionke interviews @bookjockeyalex.bsky.social about their book The Hidden History of Napa Valley, Luddism and information literacy in a high school setting, their work doing book reviews and sensitivity reading, and why we keep fighting for progress.
Interview with Alex Brown on Hidden Napa Valley
JJ Pionke interviews Alex Brown about their book The Hidden History of Napa Valley, Luddism and information literacy in a high school setting, their work doing book reviews and sensitivity reading, an...
cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu
February 5, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
fobettarh.bsky.social
With sorrow, we announce the passing of FOBAZI M. ETTARH 1989 - 2026. Fobazi changed so many lives with her friendship, love, and brilliance. She was so loved, and leaves behind a powerful legacy. We thank Fobazi's community for their support over the last several months of her illness. A private burial will be held for family. We will be in touch with further information about a future Celebration of Life event, as well as ways to support Fobazi's family and legacy.
February 5, 2026 at 12:19 AM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
What now? Libraries after LITTLE V. LLANO COUNTY www.oif.ala.org/what-now-lib...
#publibs #skybrarians
What now? Libraries after LITTLE V. LLANO COUNTY
In December 2025, the Supreme Court declined to review a Fifth Circuit Court case about whether the government can remove books from a public library’s shelves. This guide provides an overview of the ...
www.oif.ala.org
February 4, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
grace-e-king.bsky.social
Public schools across Iowa will struggle to pay their bills if the state’s general funding for K-12 schools increases by 1.75 percent — as proposed by Republican lawmakers — education advocates warned Tuesday during a legislative hearing. @erindmurphy.bsky.social www.thegazette.com/state-govern...
1.75% K-12 funding increase panned by Iowa education advocates
Public schools across Iowa will struggle to pay their bills if the state's general funding for K-12 schools increases by just 1.75 percent — as proposed by Republican lawmakers — education advocates w...
www.thegazette.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:56 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
Someone introduced me to Jetpens yesterday by mentioning this sampler and I'm so excited to order it. They also share some lovely Japanese notecards and writing paper. This may be a problem I already have too many pens and notebooks!
www.jetpens.com/JetPens-Oliv...
JetPens.com - JetPens Olive Green Pen Sampler
Evoking rugged independence and the great outdoors, olive green ink pens infuse your writing with a can-do spirit and connection to nature. This sampler includes our favorite and most popular olive gr...
www.jetpens.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:35 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/c...
How Charlie Kirk lawsuits in Iowa could reshape public employee speech
Iowa lawsuits tied to reactions after Charlie Kirk’s killing are forcing courts to weigh how far public employees’ speech protections extend.
www.desmoinesregister.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
slurmsmackenzie.bsky.social
Whole lot of you following Neil Gaiman, and I assume it's because you forgot you did so and he stopped posting when it was revealed he is a rapist.

Since he's trying to make a return, do yourself a favour and check if you're following @neilhimself.neilgaiman.com and if so unfollow and block.
February 2, 2026 at 9:20 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
Iowa City VA honors former nurse Alex Pretti
Community members, students spoke in support of the Minneapolis resident during a candlelight vigil Sunday.
dailyiowan.com/2026/02/02/i...
Iowa City VA honors former nurse Alex Pretti
Despite icy wind and flurries of snow, members of the Iowa City community gathered together Sunday night in remembrance of Alex Pretti, a former intensive care unit nurse for the Department of Veteran...
dailyiowan.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:11 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
from my Facebook memories and a webinar 5 years ago. Stop Micromanaging.
Two presentation slides stacked vertically. The top slide reads “Stop Micromanaging” in large, centered text on a white background with subtle green accents. The bottom slide is titled “Need More?” and lists bullet points explaining why micromanaging is harmful, including that autonomy improves job performance and morale, creates a “busy” culture, employees are working more hours, and that people are doing their best during a pandemic.
February 2, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
librarypunk.bsky.social
Just noticing there is no wikipedia page for Little v. Llano County books as government speech case. Maybe cause it's only a 5th circuit case but it's cited outside of that and is pretty important for future legislation.
February 1, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈
supernovaparenting.org
Again, I call it Persuasive Demand for Autonomy

www.pdasociety.org.uk
Flyer PDA SOCIETY What is PDA? (Pathological Demand Avoidance) PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is widely understood to be a profile on the autism spectrum, involving the avoidance of everyday demands and the use of 'social' strategies as part of this avoidance. PDA individuals share autistic characteristics and in addition have many of the 'key features' of a PDA profile: • resisting and avoiding the ordinary demands of life • using social strategies as part of the avoidance • appearing 'socially able' but this may mask underlying differences/difficulties in social interaction and communication • experiencing intense emotions and mood swings • appearing comfortable in role play, pretence and fantasy • intense focus, often on other people (real or fictional) • a need for control, often driven by anxiety or an automatic 'threat response' • conventional approaches in support, parenting or teaching are ineffective Autism is dimensional, this means that it varies a lot from one person to another. A PDA profile describes one way in which autism can present. Demand avoidance in PDA is a question of can't not won't: PDAers often describe it as a neurological tug of war between brain, heart and body. can't not won't With PDA, demands of all types, including lots of things that you might not think of as a demand, can trigger an automatic threat or anxiety response and a feeling of panic can rapidly set in. Laws Verbal instructions Desires Social rules Choice, Pecking order Rotas Wants Needs Recipes What are Self-in Signs Rules Promises Menus Written instructions Cresting this image Requests Orders Timetables Implled demands Direct demands Prompts Relationships Also the approaches that help can seem a bit unconventional: a partnership based on trust, flexibility, collaboration, careful use of language and balancing of demands works best. Pick battles Anxiety management Negotiation & collaboration Disguise & manage demands PDA Adaptation Because PDA is often missed, misund…
February 1, 2026 at 3:47 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
Free Webinar -> Solving Heavy Problems in Light-Hearted Ways. Two university department heads will share how they developed fun & interactive activities to develop a new divisional structure across departments to encourage collaboration and shared decision making.
us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Solving Heavy Problems in Light-Hearted Ways. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Library leaders can face some thorny problems when managing organizational change. This is particularly true at institutions with a long-established workplace culture who aim to make effective change ...
us06web.zoom.us
January 30, 2026 at 3:46 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
Today we're talking about strengths in class. These are my top 5 from CliftonStrengths: maximizer, activator, relator, connectedness, and individualization. Do you know yours? What do you think about the philosophy? #skybrarians
January 29, 2026 at 2:30 PM
bobbinewman.bsky.social
In collaboration with a nonprofit, the 15-month pilot program will begin training CommUnity Crisis Service counselors in field training to provide unarmed response to nonemergency calls.
dailyiowan.com/2026/01/28/j...
Johnson County launches community-based response program for nonemergency 911 calls
Iowa City and Johnson County are participating in a 15-month pilot program aiming to train existing mobile crisis support services in the area in field mediation and redirect nonviolent, nonemergency ...
dailyiowan.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:31 PM