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Designing for delight and flexibility is demonstrated in many of this year’s submissions, fostering gathering, play, and communal experiences.
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LJ’s 2024 Year in Architecture trends see libraries simultaneously designing for pragmatic concerns, such as safety and site constraints, and an equally important quotient of delight—achieving harmony in the process!
The data for new academic library buildings and renovations featured in LJ's Year in Architecture 2024.
The data for new public library buildings and renovations featured in LJ's Year in Architecture 2024.
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage leads holds this week. Also in demand are titles by Isabel Ibañez, Phillip Margolin, Bill Zehme, and Beatriz Williams. People’s book of the week is The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins. The Southern Book Prize finalists, Waterstones Book of the Year shortlist, and Audiofile November Earphones Award winners are announced. Martha Stewart’s latest cookbook arrives, along with November book previews. Music legend Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91.
LJ’s 2024 Year in Architecture trends see libraries simultaneously designing for pragmatic concerns, such as safety and site constraints, and an equally important quotient of delight—achieving harmony in the process!
The successful renovation of a historic structure for contemporary use is a vivid example of how libraries respond to rapidly evolving community conditions. This year, a variety of approaches create modern facilities that honor history.
Color, color everywhere! To create welcoming, dynamic spaces, libraries have integrated vivid colors into their designs to connect, invite, comfort, and even surprise.
This year’s crop of libraries demonstrates a continued commitment to the well-being of library workers and patrons through biophilic design, a tried-and-true construct to connect people with nature in hopes of improving human health.
As libraries expand into community hubs serving multiple purposes, they have introduced playfulness into their designs to encourage exploration, discovery, and above all, wonder.
Libraries continue to emerge from the pandemic, with spaces designed to promote social interaction along with quiet study—places that work for everyone.
From The Guardian: But what is pitched as a more convenient way of looking up information online has prompted scrutiny over how and where these chatbots select the information they provide. Looking into the sort of evidence that large language models (LLMs, the engines on which chatbots are built) find most convincing, three computer science […]
Table of Contents Vol 68, No 4 (2024) DOI: 10.5860/lrts.68n4 Columns Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access at LRTS Rachel E. Scott, Michael Fernandez Communications on Practice Book Challenges and Collection Development in Academic Libraries Cindy Hohl, Michael Fernandez, Rachel E. Scott Librarians Discuss Textbook Affordability as an Equity Issue Robert L. Butterfield, Christa Perez Bailey, […]
From the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): The exhibition Power & Light: Russell Lee’s Coal Survey debuted at the National Archives in Washington, DC, on March 16, but the entire archival series is substantially larger than the 200 images on display. Archivists recently completed a months-long project to make the entire catalog digitally available to the public. […]
A thoughtful examination of old and new, which will appeal to readers interested in feminist memoirs.
This introduction to Chisolm’s writings and speeches is enlightening, highly relevant, and well-crafted.
Haywood eschews footnotes to keep the narrative flowing, but the quality of his research is never in doubt. An expertly written and accessible survey of the pre-Columbian Atlantic world. Fans of David Abulafia, Mark Kurlansky, Barry Cunliffe, or Simon Winchester will relish this notable book.
Recommended for general readers who enjoy swift-paced historical biographies. Those seeking the heroic and the romantic will find much to enjoy.
This insightful book is filled with hard-hitting arguments. Beiser successfully makes the case that society can’t mine and recycle its way to sustainability; instead, humans must consume less.
A unique, scholarly take on fast capitalism. González challenges readers to take vigorous social actions against the religion of consumerism that’s embodied by companies such as Disney, Amazon, and Starbucks.
Readers looking for a comprehensive or easy-reading book on Prince’s career will be better served elsewhere. However, those wanting to take a scholarly deep dive into Prince’s work and its impact on cultural, political, and social subjects will discover unique insights that have not yet been covered in other academic literature.
PREMIUM
The Map of Bones
A satisfying and dramatic conclusion to Mosse’s centuries-spanning family saga. The detailed, woman-centric series showcases her talents as a storyteller and is both well-considered and well-written. Devoted Joubert fans will adore the finale, but new readers can also enjoy the novel, which works as a stand-alone.
From a CNI Announcement: The Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), and EDUCAUSE are pleased to announce that physicist and computer scientist Tony Hey has been named the 2024 recipient of the Paul Evan Peters Award. The award recognizes notable, lasting achievements in the creation and innovative use of network-based […]
From Creative Commons: Creative Commons (CC) is proud to launch the TAROCH Coalition (Towards a Recommendation on Open Cultural Heritage), a collaborative effort to achieve the adoption of a UNESCO standard-setting instrument to improve open access to cultural heritage. We are grateful to the Arcadia Fund for supporting this initiative. [Clip] TAROCH At A Glance […]
From PEN America: PEN America today released new documentation of public school book bans for the full 2023-2024 school year, recording 10,046 instances of books banned nationwide, a dramatic 200 percent rise over the previous school year. Since 2021, the free expression organization has counted close to 16,000 instances of book bans in public schools. […]
Short (a.k.a. “Ruby Vaughn Mysteries” author Jess Armstrong) masters the descriptions of the fierce winter lake in an atmospheric suspense novel of murder, gangsters, and desperation.
PREMIUM
A Girl Like Us
With its fast-paced intriguing prose, this story filled with complicated family dynamics à la Saltburn or Succession, coupled with the isolation of a Ruth Ware novel or Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, will appeal to mystery/thriller lovers.
PREMIUM
The Reluctant Sheriff
The sequel to Code of the Hills is an atmospheric, exquisitely written Southern noir.
Blue Bloods fans will delight as Wade delivers a complicated police drama of the Don Winslow variety, written in the neo-noir style of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser books.
PREMIUM
The Case of the Missing Maid
Osler has created a likable heroine, a good mystery, and a solid LGBTQIA+ fiction entry.
PREMIUM
The Matchmaker
An engaging, quick read, Saeed’s mystery-romance hybrid will be popular at public libraries.
PREMIUM
My Darling Boy
Readers who like the slow burn of a mystery will enjoy this atmospheric thriller. Recommend to fans of Tana French or Kate Morton.
The author of The End of the Road introduces a determined, innovative courier in the vein of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher or James Byrne’s Dez Limerick. Appearances are deceiving in this fast-paced thriller, and the characters are introduced gradually so as not to overwhelm the outstanding series debut.
PREMIUM
Shoot the Moon
Barry captures her protagonist’s history of trauma, loss, and addiction in ways that help this somewhat formulaic mystery ring true.
PREMIUM
You Can’t Hurt Me
Pages fly by as secrets rise to the surface, and the engrossing premise keeps readers speculating. This debut builds alluring suspense into an exhilarating twist.
PREMIUM
The Lodge
Readers will love Olson’s (The Reunion) trademark blend of romance and pop culture and the unique spin on the traditional third-act conflict, which ultimately leads to a satisfying conclusion.
PREMIUM
Once Smitten, Twice Shy
Told from alternating points of view, with main characters who are autistic and living with a chronic illness, and featuring a large and supportive network of friends and family, this satisfying romance is a celebration of love, family, and inclusivity.
PREMIUM
Book Boyfriend
Readers who enjoyed Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game will love this charming enemies-to-lovers story, and it will be adored by anyone who’s passionate about their favorite book fandoms.
Randall (The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic) has created an appealing cozy magical world. This enemies-to-lovers romance has plenty of twists and secrets that build tension alongside the slow-burn of Calliope and Lucien’s relationship. Hand to fans of Sangu Mandanna and Sarah Hawley.
Originally self-published and now traditionally published with bonus content, Bishop’s (“Lost & Found” series) scorching hot, smart, hilarious, and touching novel is highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Trouble with Anna
A unique heroine elevates this enemies-to-lovers, engagement-of-convenience tale that will delight historical romance fans.
PREMIUM
You Between the Lines
Naymon’s sparkling, propulsive writing, well-drawn secondary characters, and believable conflicts make this perfect blend of sweet and sexy a must-read debut. Perfect for fans of Jessica Joyce.
PREMIUM
The Last Raven
With a young naive heroine and big plot twists, Jones (“Ambeth Chronicles” series) writes a drama-filled take on vampires in the modern world that will hold most appeal for readers of YA and new adult romance.
PREMIUM
Let’s Call a Truce
Buchanan’s debut hits all of the right notes, leading up to a sweet and satisfying ending for Ben and Juliana. This twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope that also sensitively explores dating while grieving is perfect for fans of workplace romances.
PREMIUM
Work in Progress
Mackenzie’s debut is a rewarding, banter-filled enemies-to-lovers rom-com that checks every box with a cozy cast of supporting characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and two main characters readers will care about.
PREMIUM
Spiral
Khabra’s skillful portrayal of her characters’ personal struggles and their growing bond makes for an engaging read that goes beyond the typical sports romance formula. Thanks to its well-paced narrative and ample steamy moments, readers will find themselves engrossed in this hockey-meets-ballet romance.
PREMIUM
I Think They Love You
A fake relationship becomes a real second chance at love in YA author Winters’s adult debut that delivers a thoughtful message amid steamy scenes and tropey plot twists.
Showcasing what she does best, Chase pens another winner. Series fans will be delighted, and new readers can jump into the story here.
PREMIUM
Celebrity Crush
Set against a Hollywood backdrop, readers will enjoy Swift’s fun and glitzy debut novel filled with just enough twists to keep them guessing.
A stunning book by Bastone (Ready or Not), who delivers another slow-burn and emotional romance that doesn’t shy away from also exploring life’s hardest moments. Recommended for readers who also enjoy Abby Jimenez.
PREMIUM
Spring Fling
Noblin (Christmas at Corgi Cove) offers a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of small-town charmers and authors such as Sarah Adams.
PREMIUM
A Tempest of Desire
Fans of Sophie Jordan and Eloisa James will be captivated by this story of passion, romance, and overcoming life’s obstacles.
PREMIUM
Lightfall
A promising layered series starter that offers plenty for fantasy fans and mystery lovers alike.
Highly recommended for readers of sci-fi thrillers, cli-fi, and bioterrorism thrillers, and Tom Clancy fans who enjoy a bit of SF in their political thrillers.
PREMIUM
An Honored Vow
The climactic final volume of the “Halfling Saga,” after A Vicious Game, is filled with high-stakes action, choices, and consequences. Romantasy fans should add this series to their reading list.
Originally self-published and now being released by a traditional publisher, this gripping sequel to Spark of the Everflame finds Diem trying to defeat the Descended out to see her fail. Readers will be clamoring for the next in the series after the cliffhanger ending.
PREMIUM
The Martian Contingency
This well-paced novel and satisfying fourth title in Kowal’s series, after The Relentless Moon, brings back familiar characters and continues to balance scientific details with character relationships.
PREMIUM
Galaxy Raiders: Abyss
Douglas writes a thrilling military space adventure that pits a powerful woman captain against evil galactic overlords.
PREMIUM
Hammajang Luck
Fans of Ocean’s Eight and Leverage will find this a delightful ode to team heists. The enemies-to-lovers trope, queer characters, and Hawaiian culture and language create a unique backdrop for a familiar plot line.
PREMIUM
Gate to Kagoshima
Fans of Outlander will appreciate Kuroki’s (“Black Diamond” series) treatment of a familiar story, while the Japanese setting, language, and culture sprinkled throughout are a fresh addition to the genre.
This momentous tour de force overtops existing works on robots by leaps and bounds, approaching the subject with a subtlety that allows readers to focus on the effects robots are sure to have in the future; a meditation on and an illustration of human and robot relationships in which it is difficult to distinguish between them.
PREMIUM
Splinter Effect
Ludington’s thrilling debut is a time-travel caper wrapped around a slice of historical fiction, but the heart of this story is Rabbit’s desperation to fix the things and people that he broke even if he has to outrun shadowy criminal time-looters and shady government agencies looking for scapegoats, in the past and in the present.
PREMIUM
A Harvest of Hearts
Eames (The Secret Circus) offers a delightful modern fairy tale in which the heroine is determined to save herself. The atmospheric setting and layered plot will please fantasy readers.
PREMIUM
The Third Rule of Time Travel
Fracassi (Boys in the Valley) turns from horror to sci-fi in his latest. Recommended for fans of technothrillers and those looking for a different take on time travel.
PREMIUM
Harlem Rhapsody
While the historical facts could be more smoothly woven into the flow of the story, this bibliophilic novel will please fans of the bestselling historical novels that Murray coauthored with Marie Benedict (The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies).
PREMIUM
The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf
This historical novel may be of interest to readers who enjoy fiction about theater and the United States at midcentury, especially if they prefer slow-moving stories with an emphasis on atmosphere and characterization. A good pick for fans of Patti Callahan Henry and Marie Benedict.
PREMIUM
The Memory Dress
Readers who enjoy dual-timeline novels will enjoy Beer’s (The Last Dress from Paris) latest, which also includes a sweet, low-key romance for Jayne.
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