Meghan Kowalski (she/her)
@meghan1943.bsky.social
Librarian | Kid Wrangler | The Weekly Wrap and Content Prompt Author | Fan of exploring things because - Ooo! That's interesting! - is a good policy in life
For the record, I will not be calling it that. Just like it is and always will be National (or DCA if I'm feeling spicy).
December 18, 2025 at 6:59 PM
For the record, I will not be calling it that. Just like it is and always will be National (or DCA if I'm feeling spicy).
EdTech can't ever provide the individualized attention a well-trained (and paid) teacher can give.
There isn't a single problem "solved" by edtech that couldn't be fixed with smaller classes led by well-paid teachers given real academic freedom
December 13, 2025 at 2:06 AM
EdTech can't ever provide the individualized attention a well-trained (and paid) teacher can give.
The latest special issue of my newsletter just dropped! This month, I'm looking at all the ways you can use the theme of "Traditions" in your content work - open.substack.com/pub/contentp...
Special Issue: Traditions
Every year we...
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The latest special issue of my newsletter just dropped! This month, I'm looking at all the ways you can use the theme of "Traditions" in your content work - open.substack.com/pub/contentp...
Can confirm this advice. I live by the zoo and the roads/parking situation turns feral during Zoolights. Take metro!
It’s that time of the year! The Smithsonian National Zoo is hosting their annual Zoo Lights event now through Jan 3. Easiest way to the fun? Take Metro to Woodley Park station. 🐼
December 7, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Can confirm this advice. I live by the zoo and the roads/parking situation turns feral during Zoolights. Take metro!
As it should be!
No Library Wrapped from us — we don’t track what you read.
DCPL protects your privacy because it’s the law and the librarian way. 📚🔒
DCPL protects your privacy because it’s the law and the librarian way. 📚🔒
December 5, 2025 at 3:11 AM
As it should be!
Reposted by Meghan Kowalski (she/her)
You have the right to record ICE.
You have the right to film any operation happening in public as long as you do not interfere or impede it.
Your camera is proof, but keep a safe distance. KEEP RECORDING.
You have the right to film any operation happening in public as long as you do not interfere or impede it.
Your camera is proof, but keep a safe distance. KEEP RECORDING.
December 3, 2025 at 1:20 AM
You have the right to record ICE.
You have the right to film any operation happening in public as long as you do not interfere or impede it.
Your camera is proof, but keep a safe distance. KEEP RECORDING.
You have the right to film any operation happening in public as long as you do not interfere or impede it.
Your camera is proof, but keep a safe distance. KEEP RECORDING.
Well this is rudely accurate.
December 4, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Well this is rudely accurate.
Would watch.
Merriam quits the high-stakes world of lexicography to teach at a college in Springfield, MA…where Webster just became the head librarian.
She shows him that ‘love’ isn’t that hard to find…if you know where to look it up.
“A Merriam Little Christmas 2: Collegiate Edition.”
She shows him that ‘love’ isn’t that hard to find…if you know where to look it up.
“A Merriam Little Christmas 2: Collegiate Edition.”
“Have Yourself A Merriam Little Christmas”
Merriam, a career-oriented lexicographer from the city, returns to her small town for the holidays and meets Webster, a ruggedly handsome librarian, who shows her the true DEFINITION of Christmas.
Merriam, a career-oriented lexicographer from the city, returns to her small town for the holidays and meets Webster, a ruggedly handsome librarian, who shows her the true DEFINITION of Christmas.
December 4, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Would watch.
With the CDC now not the best resource of information, I am so glad that I found this Starter Guide to Trustworthy Science Online - docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Your Starter Guide to Trustworthy Science Online
Your Starter Guide to Trustworthy Science Online Some reliable voices & helpful sharing habits It’s hard to know what online sources are trustworthy, so we pulled together a number of accounts that fo...
docs.google.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:33 PM
With the CDC now not the best resource of information, I am so glad that I found this Starter Guide to Trustworthy Science Online - docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Reposted by Meghan Kowalski (she/her)
Go for it. Check out all the books you want to read. Don’t let anyone dim your curiosity.That’s what your library card is for. Use it proudly. 💪📚
November 19, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Go for it. Check out all the books you want to read. Don’t let anyone dim your curiosity.That’s what your library card is for. Use it proudly. 💪📚
The latest special issue of my newsletter is out! This one focuses on how creators can use gift guides beyond just to list products. If you’re looking for practical inspiration you can apply both online and offline, this is a great one to dive into.
Special Issue: Gift Guides
Put a bow on it
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:08 PM
The latest special issue of my newsletter is out! This one focuses on how creators can use gift guides beyond just to list products. If you’re looking for practical inspiration you can apply both online and offline, this is a great one to dive into.
Reposted by Meghan Kowalski (she/her)
I've seen this go by a few times on TikTok now and I have to say, I love this idea. We need a way to convince people to keep running even if they don't win, maybe building the loss into it as a troll move is the secret.
November 6, 2025 at 12:49 AM
I've seen this go by a few times on TikTok now and I have to say, I love this idea. We need a way to convince people to keep running even if they don't win, maybe building the loss into it as a troll move is the secret.
It’s Election Day! That means there's going to be lots of news flying across our screens. I put together a quick post on how to read election news - including a few nonpartisan resources - to help you fact-check and follow results. www.meghankowalski.com/blog/how-to-...
How to Stay Informed on Election Day
It’s Election Day! While today might not be a national presidential election, there is still going to be a lot of information coming out. Whether you want to keep up with everything, or just check...
www.meghankowalski.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:36 PM
It’s Election Day! That means there's going to be lots of news flying across our screens. I put together a quick post on how to read election news - including a few nonpartisan resources - to help you fact-check and follow results. www.meghankowalski.com/blog/how-to-...
Say what you will about government service (particularly right now), but DC's online 311 is fantastic. 311.dc.gov
November 4, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Say what you will about government service (particularly right now), but DC's online 311 is fantastic. 311.dc.gov
Can also recommend Budget Bytes - www.budgetbytes.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Can also recommend Budget Bytes - www.budgetbytes.com
Reposted by Meghan Kowalski (she/her)
ChatGPT is not a search engine. It does not scan the web for information, it just generates statistically likely sentences.
You cannot use it a search engine, or as a substitute for searching.
You cannot use it a search engine, or as a substitute for searching.
October 31, 2025 at 8:07 PM
ChatGPT is not a search engine. It does not scan the web for information, it just generates statistically likely sentences.
You cannot use it a search engine, or as a substitute for searching.
You cannot use it a search engine, or as a substitute for searching.
Reposted by Meghan Kowalski (she/her)
Folks, food banks can really use your time and money right now if can spare either.
When I was back home I spent an afternoon volunteering at the food bank my mom helps run. It’s in a mid sized Midwestern city. It was pretty eye opening. These are people who are really reliant on the social safety net that the BBB slashed. Here’s a list of observations 1/x
November 1, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Folks, food banks can really use your time and money right now if can spare either.
Reposted by Meghan Kowalski (she/her)
Here is a compiled Google Sheet list I put together of over 100 regional food banks, their area of focus, and a link to their respective website.
Use it for donations. Use it for resource reference.
Use it for donations. Use it for resource reference.
November 1, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Here is a compiled Google Sheet list I put together of over 100 regional food banks, their area of focus, and a link to their respective website.
Use it for donations. Use it for resource reference.
Use it for donations. Use it for resource reference.
Parenting during Halloween is wild. I gave my daughter face tattoos this morning...
October 31, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Parenting during Halloween is wild. I gave my daughter face tattoos this morning...
And this is why I, a librarian, am not worried about my job.
Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.
October 28, 2025 at 2:19 AM
And this is why I, a librarian, am not worried about my job.
*le sigh*
friend shared this, immediately updated my settings
October 28, 2025 at 2:17 AM
*le sigh*
*reads news* *sets up monthly donation to Capital Area Food Bank* It's already rough out there. Things are about to get worse. Consider donating to a food bank. All support helps, but cash lets the food bank do what they do best. Find a local food bank here: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
Find Your Local Food Bank | Feeding America
Find the Feeding America member food bank nearest you. Over 200 member food banks can connect you with free food, food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile pantries in your community.
www.feedingamerica.org
October 25, 2025 at 12:34 AM
*reads news* *sets up monthly donation to Capital Area Food Bank* It's already rough out there. Things are about to get worse. Consider donating to a food bank. All support helps, but cash lets the food bank do what they do best. Find a local food bank here: www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-lo...
This month's special issue of Content Prompt explores family recipes. Whether you’re collecting recipes, recording family history, or simply reflecting on traditions, this issue offers inspiration for capturing and sharing the stories that bring us together. open.substack.com/pub/contentp...
Special Issue: Family Recipes
Written on scrap paper and covered in crumbs
open.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:44 PM
This month's special issue of Content Prompt explores family recipes. Whether you’re collecting recipes, recording family history, or simply reflecting on traditions, this issue offers inspiration for capturing and sharing the stories that bring us together. open.substack.com/pub/contentp...
Reposted by Meghan Kowalski (she/her)
Whistling when ICE is about to kidnap someone for no reason is incredibly effective. They know what they are doing is wrong and will scatter in the wind when too many witnesses gather.
October 12, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Whistling when ICE is about to kidnap someone for no reason is incredibly effective. They know what they are doing is wrong and will scatter in the wind when too many witnesses gather.