Renee Grassi
@missreneedomain.bsky.social
Librarian | Dreamer | Cat Lady | She/Her |
LJ Mover & Shaker 2012
Chicagoland, IL
reneegrassi.com
Opinions are my own
LJ Mover & Shaker 2012
Chicagoland, IL
reneegrassi.com
Opinions are my own
Pinned
I am thrilled & honored to say I’ve accepted the position of Early Learning & Literacy Mananger at Evanston Public Library. Starting 8/11, I’ll be overseeing children’s services Birth-Grade 5. Grateful for this opportunity to reclaim my library joy serving kids & families at such a fantastic library
Course materials for my new class with Library Journal will be released next week! Modules include “Serving Patrons with Mental Illness,” “Serving and Supporting Physical Disabilities” and “Foundations of Accessibility and Neuro-inclusivity.” Register today! course.libraryjournal.com/products/acc...
Accessible Customer Service for Patrons with Disabilities
Media Source Online eLearning Catalog
course.libraryjournal.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Course materials for my new class with Library Journal will be released next week! Modules include “Serving Patrons with Mental Illness,” “Serving and Supporting Physical Disabilities” and “Foundations of Accessibility and Neuro-inclusivity.” Register today! course.libraryjournal.com/products/acc...
So proud of the amazing staff at my library for their fantastic work on this list! ⭐️ #KidLit
Announcing Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids: 2025 Edition!!
You lucky ducks. You're getting an extra special sneak peek of Evanston Public Library's illustrious year end list of some of the best children's books of 2025. Enjoy!
afuse8production.slj.com
October 29, 2025 at 11:10 PM
So proud of the amazing staff at my library for their fantastic work on this list! ⭐️ #KidLit
Reposted by Renee Grassi
An astonishingly large crowd!
Chicago
Chicago
October 18, 2025 at 9:18 PM
An astonishingly large crowd!
Chicago
Chicago
Reposted by Renee Grassi
To celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, why not watch these awesome works of Indigenous Science Fiction (all available online)?
1. The Path without End (Elizabeth LaPensée, Anishinaabe/Metis, 2011) vimeo.com/32861833
1. The Path without End (Elizabeth LaPensée, Anishinaabe/Metis, 2011) vimeo.com/32861833
The Path Without End (2011)
Anishinaabe stories of the Moon People are retold through an experimental steampunk animation by Irish, Anishinaabe, and Métis Elizabeth Aileen LaPensée…
vimeo.com
October 14, 2024 at 6:47 PM
To celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, why not watch these awesome works of Indigenous Science Fiction (all available online)?
1. The Path without End (Elizabeth LaPensée, Anishinaabe/Metis, 2011) vimeo.com/32861833
1. The Path without End (Elizabeth LaPensée, Anishinaabe/Metis, 2011) vimeo.com/32861833
Reposted by Renee Grassi
💡 Hispanic Heritage Month may be ending, but Latine stories deserve space year-round. Thank you to librarians building inclusive collections daily. Drop a ❤️ if you found a new favorite book! Explore more: https://bit.ly/47vMbRj
#HispanicHeritageMonth #ReflectAndCelebrate #LatineVoices
#HispanicHeritageMonth #ReflectAndCelebrate #LatineVoices
October 13, 2025 at 2:53 PM
💡 Hispanic Heritage Month may be ending, but Latine stories deserve space year-round. Thank you to librarians building inclusive collections daily. Drop a ❤️ if you found a new favorite book! Explore more: https://bit.ly/47vMbRj
#HispanicHeritageMonth #ReflectAndCelebrate #LatineVoices
#HispanicHeritageMonth #ReflectAndCelebrate #LatineVoices
Reposted by Renee Grassi
The book banning of Indigenous stories in libraries has impacts on readers| Removal of their stories continues the erasure of histories and contributions of Native Nations and their citizens
Thank you @tracisorellauthor.bsky.social for writing this Op-Ed
www.cherokeephoenix.org/opinion/opin...
Thank you @tracisorellauthor.bsky.social for writing this Op-Ed
www.cherokeephoenix.org/opinion/opin...
OPINION: Banning books erases Native voices and experiences
Book banning is not new. A small minority seeking to decide and limit what the majority can access and read has existed for millennia.
www.cherokeephoenix.org
October 6, 2025 at 12:48 AM
The book banning of Indigenous stories in libraries has impacts on readers| Removal of their stories continues the erasure of histories and contributions of Native Nations and their citizens
Thank you @tracisorellauthor.bsky.social for writing this Op-Ed
www.cherokeephoenix.org/opinion/opin...
Thank you @tracisorellauthor.bsky.social for writing this Op-Ed
www.cherokeephoenix.org/opinion/opin...
Reposted by Renee Grassi
🧵 In 2025, book censorship in the United States is rampant and common. Never before in the life of any living American have so many books been systematically removed from school libraries across the country.
October 2, 2025 at 4:18 PM
🧵 In 2025, book censorship in the United States is rampant and common. Never before in the life of any living American have so many books been systematically removed from school libraries across the country.
Reposted by Renee Grassi
"As book bans continue to spread at an unprecedented pace — according to PEN America’s latest report — the writers group is urging the public to speak out to defend the freedom to read at public events nationwide during #BannedBooksWeek and beyond..." pen.org/press-releas...
Speak Out Against Censorship and Speak Up for the Banned Authors that Inspire You During Banned Books Week Oct. 5-11
As book bans continue to spread at an unprecedented pace– according to PEN America’s latest report—the writers group is urging the public to speak out to defend the freedom to read at public events na...
pen.org
October 2, 2025 at 11:51 PM
"As book bans continue to spread at an unprecedented pace — according to PEN America’s latest report — the writers group is urging the public to speak out to defend the freedom to read at public events nationwide during #BannedBooksWeek and beyond..." pen.org/press-releas...
Squeeeeeeeee! bookriot.com/new-host-of-...
Meet the New Host of Reading Rainbow: Mychal the Librarian
After 20 years, Reading Rainbow is back! The new host is Mychal the Librarian, who has been spreading library joy online for years.
bookriot.com
September 30, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Squeeeeeeeee! bookriot.com/new-host-of-...
Oh my!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
We are so excited to announce the #BannedBooksWeek honorary chair for 2025: legendary actor/author/activist GEORGE TAKEI! "Please stand with me in opposing censorship, so that we all can find ourselves — and each other — in books.”
bannedbooksweek.org/legendary-ac...
@georgetakei.bsky.social
bannedbooksweek.org/legendary-ac...
@georgetakei.bsky.social
September 23, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Oh my!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Reposted by Renee Grassi
Delighted to contribute to this article. I got to talk about CROWN, but honestly this is a very good list in and of itself. The readalikes are particularly choice. Well done, Slate! slate.com/culture/2025...
The 25 Greatest Picture Books of the Century
There’s been a revolution in children’s storytelling—and it’s not just that the stories are more diverse.
slate.com
September 23, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Delighted to contribute to this article. I got to talk about CROWN, but honestly this is a very good list in and of itself. The readalikes are particularly choice. Well done, Slate! slate.com/culture/2025...
This.
So, librarians, how are we incorporating our knowledge that the news media is engaging in widespread blackouts of current political protests into our reference/instruction work?
September 7, 2025 at 5:09 PM
This.
Reposted by Renee Grassi
"Built to meet families where they are, [the Pop In Play] program directly addresses community needs."
Jaime Eastman shares how her library launched their "Pop In Play" series, a meaningful, flexible, and inclusive play-based program for children and their caregivers, on the ALSC blog.
Jaime Eastman shares how her library launched their "Pop In Play" series, a meaningful, flexible, and inclusive play-based program for children and their caregivers, on the ALSC blog.
Pop In Play: Building Flexible Fun for Families
Explore Pop In Play, a drop-in program where children 0-5 build skills, explore, and play with their caregivers and make connections.
www.alsc.ala.org
September 4, 2025 at 4:47 PM
"Built to meet families where they are, [the Pop In Play] program directly addresses community needs."
Jaime Eastman shares how her library launched their "Pop In Play" series, a meaningful, flexible, and inclusive play-based program for children and their caregivers, on the ALSC blog.
Jaime Eastman shares how her library launched their "Pop In Play" series, a meaningful, flexible, and inclusive play-based program for children and their caregivers, on the ALSC blog.
Reposted by Renee Grassi
Librarians at Pleasure Ridge Park High said it appears more students are reading books this year, even during down time.
JCPS officials say more library books being checked out after cellphone ban
Librarians at Pleasure Ridge Park High School said more students are reading books, even during down time.
buff.ly
September 4, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Librarians at Pleasure Ridge Park High said it appears more students are reading books this year, even during down time.
Reposted by Renee Grassi
"How to Report ICE" zines are available for free printable download for these places:
California
Chicago
Colorado
DC Metro Area
Florida
Massachusetts
NC Triangle Area
NYC
Philly
Pittsburgh
Portland
St. Louis Metro Area
Washington State
Zine request form in folder.
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
California
Chicago
Colorado
DC Metro Area
Florida
Massachusetts
NC Triangle Area
NYC
Philly
Pittsburgh
Portland
St. Louis Metro Area
Washington State
Zine request form in folder.
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
August 30, 2025 at 8:14 PM
"How to Report ICE" zines are available for free printable download for these places:
California
Chicago
Colorado
DC Metro Area
Florida
Massachusetts
NC Triangle Area
NYC
Philly
Pittsburgh
Portland
St. Louis Metro Area
Washington State
Zine request form in folder.
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
California
Chicago
Colorado
DC Metro Area
Florida
Massachusetts
NC Triangle Area
NYC
Philly
Pittsburgh
Portland
St. Louis Metro Area
Washington State
Zine request form in folder.
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
Hey all! Check out this brand new asynchronus online learning course I created for Library Journal! This is first in a series with more courses related to accessibility in the future. Registration and enrollment is available now: course.libraryjournal.com/products/acc...
Accessible Customer Service for Patrons with Disabilities
Media Source Online eLearning Catalog
course.libraryjournal.com
September 3, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Hey all! Check out this brand new asynchronus online learning course I created for Library Journal! This is first in a series with more courses related to accessibility in the future. Registration and enrollment is available now: course.libraryjournal.com/products/acc...
I had the utmost honor of being on the inaugural committee when this award transformed from Great Websites for Kids back in the early 2010s. Submit your suggestion today! More info ⬇️
The 2026 Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award Committee is seeking suggestions for the most distinguished digital media created for an early learning audience - learn more about submitting your suggestion on the ALSC blog.
Suggest Your Favorite New Digital Media!
Help recognize outstanding Early Learning Digital Media from the U.S. for children ages 2-8. Make your suggestions today!
www.alsc.ala.org
September 2, 2025 at 2:44 PM
I had the utmost honor of being on the inaugural committee when this award transformed from Great Websites for Kids back in the early 2010s. Submit your suggestion today! More info ⬇️
September is #DeafAwarenessMonth. Here’s a throwback to my @wearealsc.bsky.social post from way back in 2018 talking an amazing all-ages partnership program I had the honor of working on with Metro Deaf School in St. Paul, MN for Dakota County Library 🤟 www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2018/10...
American Sign Language Celebration
Five years ago, I wrote an ALSC blog post about using American Sign Language in the Library. Revisiting the topic five years later, we see there are now more public libraries expanding services and pr...
www.alsc.ala.org
September 1, 2025 at 7:39 PM
September is #DeafAwarenessMonth. Here’s a throwback to my @wearealsc.bsky.social post from way back in 2018 talking an amazing all-ages partnership program I had the honor of working on with Metro Deaf School in St. Paul, MN for Dakota County Library 🤟 www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2018/10...
Reposted by Renee Grassi
We are creating a Spanish language section on The Rumpus, for original creative work written in Spanish and are looking for a volunteer editor for this section. If this could be you, please send a brief letter of interest to roxane@therumpus.net by Tuesday, September 2nd!
August 26, 2025 at 1:54 AM
We are creating a Spanish language section on The Rumpus, for original creative work written in Spanish and are looking for a volunteer editor for this section. If this could be you, please send a brief letter of interest to roxane@therumpus.net by Tuesday, September 2nd!
Reposted by Renee Grassi
Illinois is launching a first-of-its-kind legal hotline for LGBTQ+ individuals — Illinois Pride Connect.
As the only state in the nation that will provide free legal advice to protect the LGBTQ+ community, we'll help fight ignorance with information and cruelty with compassion.
As the only state in the nation that will provide free legal advice to protect the LGBTQ+ community, we'll help fight ignorance with information and cruelty with compassion.
August 22, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Illinois is launching a first-of-its-kind legal hotline for LGBTQ+ individuals — Illinois Pride Connect.
As the only state in the nation that will provide free legal advice to protect the LGBTQ+ community, we'll help fight ignorance with information and cruelty with compassion.
As the only state in the nation that will provide free legal advice to protect the LGBTQ+ community, we'll help fight ignorance with information and cruelty with compassion.
What an amazing project! Thank you to the Minnesota Historical Society for this important work! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ff9c...
Greater Minnesota Two-Spirit & LGBTQIA History Map
Greater Minnesota has a long and storied Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ history. Use the tools below to begin your tour through our diverse past.
storymaps.arcgis.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM
What an amazing project! Thank you to the Minnesota Historical Society for this important work! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ff9c...
Reposted by Renee Grassi
August 15, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Watch this and Spike Lee’s documentary When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in 4 Acts
“Katrina: Come Hell and High Water” is coming August 27th. If you’re truly concerned about genocide, watch it.
youtu.be/2gyBK3UMT34
youtu.be/2gyBK3UMT34
Katrina: Come Hell and High Water | Official Trailer | Netflix
YouTube video by Netflix
youtu.be
August 17, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Watch this and Spike Lee’s documentary When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in 4 Acts
Children’s librarians, this is for you. lithub.com/is-it-time-t...
Is It Time to Move On From Dr. Seuss?
August 12th marks the 65th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham, a book whose orange cover fills me with delicious nostalgia. Svetlana Boym defines nostalgia as “a longing for a home that …
lithub.com
August 13, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Children’s librarians, this is for you. lithub.com/is-it-time-t...
Trans Day of Visibility is(should be) every day! Great recommendations here! 🏳️⚧️💙🩷🤍🏳️⚧️
There are some excellent-looking trans books coming up in the fall, and if you're preparing your shopping list now, here's a good post for finding them! lgbtqreads.com/2025/03/31/h...
Happy Trans Day of Visibility 2025!
Children’s Just Like Queen Esther by Ari Moffic and Kerry Olitzky (text) and Rena Yehuda Newman (illustration) Atara loves to wear her crown – to the library, to the dentist, even to he…
lgbtqreads.com
August 13, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Trans Day of Visibility is(should be) every day! Great recommendations here! 🏳️⚧️💙🩷🤍🏳️⚧️