Banner image for Compendium: News from Commonwealth Libraries with photo of Office of Commonselath Libraries building
This is a headshot of Sandy Nork.

Author Talk: Mystery Writer Sandy Nork   

September 2, 2021 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Library News, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

Mysterious events are happening at the State Library of Pennsylvania! Join Sandy Nork as she discusses her latest novel Flood Risk at a virtual event for the State Library of Pennsylvania.  Date: September 8, 2021 Time: 12 noon to 1:00 pm  Pennsylvania self published author...

National Book Festival

August 24, 2021 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Library News, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries

The 2021 Library of Congress National Book Festival will be held virtually from September 17-26.  The theme is Open a Book, Open the World.  Access the program schedule and Festival information. ...

This is a Gibson's Girls drawing with the ladies being impacted by a windy day near the water

Virtually Explore the Vaults of the State Library of Pennsylvania!

August 9, 2021 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Library News, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

Date: August 11, 2021 Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) This is the third in a series of virtual programs about Rare Books.  Join Michael Lear, the State Library’s Rare Collections Librarian, as he delves into topics on book preservation and history. Each session will...

Cover of the book Coyotes in the Pasture and Wolves at the Door: Stories and Recipes from Our Farm to Your Table

Join the State Library Book Discussion: Coyotes in the Pasture and Wolves at the Door: Stories and Recipes from Our Farm to Your Table

June 3, 2021 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Library News, Resources of Interest, rural, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

  DATE:  June 9, 2021 12:00pm to 1:00pm (EST) Join us as we discuss the 2020 IPPY Award Winning book Coyotes in the Pasture and Wolves at the Door: Stories and Recipes from Our Farm to Your Table. In 1985, Sukey and John Jamison started a farm business with two mortgages,...

Drawing of a red bird sitting on a branch of leaves.

The 18th Century Book: Online Presentation

April 5, 2021 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Professional Development, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

  The 18th Century Book Wednesday, April 21, 2021 12PM to 1 PM Cost: FREE       This presentation gives an overview of the 18th-century book in America from British imports to American-printed works and the role of the printer, bookbinder, and bookseller....

Cover of the book The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

The State Library of Pennsylvania Presents a Virtual Author Talk: Phaedra Patrick and “The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper”

April 1, 2021 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Library News, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries

Join us to meet and chat with international best-selling author Phaedra Patrick as she discusses her work, “The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.” Learn more about the book, which is the selection of the One Book One Community regional reading program chosen by libraries in...

National Book Festival is Virtual September 25-27

September 22, 2020 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Children's Services, Library News, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

The 2020 Library of Congress National Book Festival will celebrate its 20th birthday this year! Create your FREE account now at loc.gov/bookfest to access on-demand videos, live author chats and discussions during the Festival weekend, Sept. 25 – 27.  It’s all virtual and...

This is the cover of the book Out in Central Pennsylvania

New Book Chronicles Local LGBTQ History! Meet the Authors in Zoom

July 29, 2020 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Library News, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries

  Meet the authors as they discuss and read selected passages by attending a virtual author event via Zoom on Thursday August 20 from noon to 1 PM, hosted by the State Library of Pennsylvania! About the book: Out in Central Pennsylvania: The History of an LGBTQ Community,...

Michael Lear

What Makes a Book Rare?

May 8, 2020 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

What Makes a Book Rare? By Michael Lear, Rare Collections Librarian State Library of Pennsylvania Libraries with rare or special collections may be asked: what makes a book “rare” or valuable? Probably the most often thought of factor by is that a book is old. This is sometimes...

Michael Lear

How to Care for Paper-based Collections

February 17, 2020 By Compendium News Staff In Academic Libraries, Disaster Preparedness and Response, Library News, Resources of Interest, Rural and Small Libraries, School Libraries

  by Michael Lear, Rare Collections Librarian, State Library of Pennsylvania mlear@pa.gov Preservation of Paper-Based Materials Overview Paper-based materials are subject to damage by multiple external and internal factors. Careless handling can result in tears. Staining...