Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Claire Cock-Starkey

@nonfictioness.bsky.social

Went to my local library this morning to do a bit of research for my current book project and my goodness such a life-affirming space! There was an adult being taught to read on the next table, children enjoying story time, countless people taking out books. So grateful for our libraries ❤️

January 26, 2026 at 3:33 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

Wildly inappropriate www.askamanager.org/2026/01/my-b...

my boss wants me to buy a fitness tracking device

A reader writes: I hold a leadership role and report to the co-founders of a small company, which has both an office hub and a remote workforce. The co-founders work in the office, and my team and I w...

www.askamanager.org

January 26, 2026 at 5:46 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

Senate File 2033 would, if passed, require the Iowa Board of Regents to establish rules stating universities must require three-credit-hour, general education courses in American history and government for graduation
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/01/20/b...

Bill advances requiring civics center classes for all state university students • Iowa Capital Dispatch

Members of an Iowa Senate subcommittee Tuesday approved legislation to change general education requirements at state universities.

iowacapitaldispatch.com

January 26, 2026 at 5:15 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Dan Chibnall

@bookowl.bsky.social

Do your kids have questions or concerns about ICE? Here are a couple of helpful guides from NAMI Minnesota and The Children's Network.
Source 1: www.instagram.com/p/DTglAI2ETPM/
Source 2: www.instagram.com/p/DT5qrpSgPTB/

WHAT TO SAY TO KIDS ABOUT ICE
Even if a child isn't directly affected, they may hear about ICE at school or online. Avoiding the topic can cause more fear. Calm, honest conversations help children feel safe and supported.
START THE CONVERSATION
Begin by asking: "What do you know about ICE?" This gives you insight into what they've heard or seen. If they say "I don't know," you can gently explain:
"ICE is a government group that checks if people are following immigration laws. Some families are scared of them because they help decide who can stay in the U.S. Have you heard about people moving to new countries?"
AGES 3-6
"Some families are being treated unfairly because of where they were born. You're safe, and I'm here with you."
• Keep it simple and comforting
• Provide extra hugs, reassurance, and routines.
AGES 7-11
"Some families are being separated because of how they came to the U.S. Even kids are getting hurt, and that's not okay."
• Be honest without overwhelming
WHAT NOT TO SAY
• "Don't worry about it." Dismisses their feelings
• "That won't happen to us." Creates false reassurance
AGES 12-18
"It's not right for people to be treated unfairly because of where they're from. This hurts kids and families."
• Acknowledge their awareness
• Encourage healthy ways to process: writing, talking, art, advocacy.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
"It's okay to feel scared or frustrated. What matters is we talk about it and help each other feel better."
• Encourage breathing, drawing, or journaling
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD
"You're not alone in this. People are trying to help, and I'm one of them. If you ever feel scared, we can talk about it together."
Plan for emergencies. Use our Family Preparedness Toolkit: childnet.org/immigration-resources

FOR KIDS!
What to Do if You're Worried About ICE
You're not alone. This guide is just for YOU so you can feel safer, stronger, and supported.
YOUR FEELINGS MATTER
It's normal to feel scared, confused, or upset. You might hear things about ICE or people being taken away.
Here's how you can feel a little better:
• Take 3 slow, deep breaths
•Talk to someone you trust
• Draw or write what you're feeling
• Tell yourself: " am safe right now."
HELPING YOUR FRIENDS
AND COMMUNITY
You can help if someone you care about is scared:
• Be kind and listen
• Say: "I'm here for you"
• Take deep breaths together
•Tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong
• Lear about your rights and talk to your family
YOU HAVE RIGHTS
Yes! Even kids have rights.
If someone from ICE comes or asks questions:
• You don't have to talk
• You don't have to open the door
• You can say: "I want to talk to a lawyer"
• You can use a Red Card (ask a grown-up for one)
SPEAK UP FOR WHAT'S RIGHT
Your voice matters. Even if you're a kid, you can help make the world better!
When something feels unfair or wrong:
• Talk with a trusted adult
•Ask questions
• Stand up for your friends
• Say: "That's not okay"
You don't have to be loud to be brave.
YOUR FAMILY PLAN
Ask your grown-up about your safety plan.
Things you should know:
• Your full name and your parent's name
• A phone number you can call
• Who will take care of you if needed
• Where important papers are kept
Your family can practice the plan with you.
(We have a Family Preparedness Toolkit on our website!)
WHO CAN I TALK TO?
You never have to face things alone.
If you're scared or confused, talk to:
• Your parent or caregiver
• A teacher or school conselor
• A family friend or trusted adult
There are people who want to help you feel safe.
Ask a parent or grown-up if it's okay to visit: www.childnet.org
This guide wat created by the Childrentarkef Selane County bo support iscal childres and fomen. 2 war adapted from trutbed ceccasces

January 26, 2026 at 4:03 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

Stay warm peeps! High of -3 today!

screenshot of the weather.com app showing weather in Iowa City. -13 degree F, feels like -39.

January 23, 2026 at 2:10 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

Iowa Senate Republicans advance bill to eliminate possibility of reopening Iowa City State Historical Society research center

littlevillagemag.com/iowa-senate-...

Iowa Senate Republicans advance bill to eliminate possibility of reopening Iowa City State Historical Society research center - Little Village

A Senate subcommittee advanced a measure Tuesday to remove the state requirement to maintain a State Historical Society of Iowa research center in Iowa City — a point of litigation […]

littlevillagemag.com

January 22, 2026 at 10:18 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

Lived Patron Experiences of Dysconscious Ableism in Public Library Spaces
www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2026/lived-p...
#publibs

January 22, 2026 at 3:23 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

wish I were going to PLA -Hot takes -
1. Professional librarians will no longer exist
2. The real threat isn’t book banners—it’s libraries' self-censoring
3. Trauma-informed isn’t free—pay library workers for the care they provide
4. Want a strong future? Make books the star of your library again

January 22, 2026 at 3:08 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

Here's my breaking free from Amazon's book list. Thank you, everyone!
- Kobo ereader- connects with library's OverDrive!
- Kobo for ebooks and audiobooks
- Print books– local bookstores, even B&N, Bookshop,
- Used books- World of Books, Half Priced Books, eBay, Powell’s, Thrift Books, ADDall

January 22, 2026 at 1:50 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

I swear someone recommended World of Books but I can't find that response. That's where I ended up buying from - Thank you!

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈 @bobbinewman.bsky.social · 6d

Where are we buying our used books? Not Amazon or Amazon owned?

#skybrarians

January 22, 2026 at 1:29 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick

@reichlinmelnick.bsky.social

🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!

ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.

The Gravamen of the Disclosure

4. The gravamen of the disclosure is as follows:
a. By memorandum dated May 12, 2025 (“the May 12 Memo”), Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons authorizes ICE agents to forcibly enter into certain people’s homes without a judicial warrant, consent, or an emergency.

b. Specifically, in the May 12 Memo, the Acting ICE Director authorized ICE Agents to rely on Form I-205 (which is not a judicial warrant) to enter the residence of an alien subject to a final order of deportation, without consent, including by “a necessary and reasonable amount of force.”2c. While addressed to “All ICE Personnel,” in practice the May 12 Memo has not been formally distributed to all personnel. Instead, the May 12 Memo has been provided to select DHS officials who are then directed to verbally brief the new policy for action. Those supervisors then show the Memo to some employees, like our clients, and direct them to read the Memo and return it to the supervisor.

January 21, 2026 at 10:00 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Electronic Frontier Foundation

@eff.org

Congress is debating a bill that would require platforms to police families’ online behavior, or face legal risk. The result will be more account lockouts, ID checks, and algorithmic mistakes—for both parents and kids.

Congress Wants To Hand Your Parenting to Big Tech

Instead of respecting how most parents guide their kids towards healthy and educational content, KOSMA hands the control panel to Big Tech. That’s right—this bill would take power away from parents, a...

www.eff.org

January 21, 2026 at 11:23 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Caroline Ball

@heroicendeavour.bsky.social

Our call for speakers for @nlisn.bsky.social's online event focusing on neurodivergence and entry into the LIS profession is still open! We're interested in all angles, speakers, levels, library types. And if you've not submitted anything before or aren't sure if it's suitable, please get in touch!

Caroline Ball @heroicendeavour.bsky.social · Dec 10

Call for speakers! 📚

On 18.03.26 @nlisn.bsky.social is running a full-day online event on neurodivergency and entry into the LIS profession. We welcome proposals from current students, recent graduates, early-career, long-term staff, recruiters, anyone!

More info & form - forms.gle/MjT2djGSXp1o...

Neurodivergency and Entry into the Profession - Call for Speakers

The Neurodivergent Library and Information Staff Network (NLISN) invites proposals for presentations at our full-day online event exploring the experiences, challenges, and possibilities around entry ...

forms.gle

January 19, 2026 at 11:30 AM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

David Ho

@davidho.bsky.social

This is the most astonishing graph of what the Trump regime has done to US science. They have destroyed the federal science workforce across the board. The negative impacts on Americans will be felt for generations, and the US might never be the same again.

www.nature.com/immersive/d4...

This line graph illustrates the percentage change in agency staff levels from the previous year for nine major U.S. federal scientific and health organizations between the fiscal years 2016 and 2025. The agencies tracked include the CDC, Department of Energy, EPA, FDA, NASA, NIH, NIST, NOAA, and NSF. For the majority of the timeline between 2016 and 2023, the agencies show relatively stable fluctuations, generally staying within a range of +5% to -5% change per year. However, there is a dramatic and uniform plummet starting in the 2024–25 period. Every agency depicted shows a sharp downward trajectory, with staffing losses ranging from approximately -15% to over -25%. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows the most significant decline, dropping to roughly -26%, while the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) shows the least severe but still substantial drop at approximately -15%.

January 20, 2026 at 10:53 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

What are your favorite books/articles on conflict management? Both with patrons but also in teams, so not necessarily library specific? #skybrarians

January 21, 2026 at 4:29 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

DonP

@donfoolery.com

Words to live by in 2026, if I've ever heard any--

"Scare off people who aren't your audience."

Kara Jorgensen @authorkaraj.bsky.social · 6d

Begging baby authors to realize this.
Posting like you're on Linkedin or only about stuff related to your writing/genre is soul-sucking. Just be yourself.
Also, scare off people who aren't your audience.

Lydia @coyoteprince.bsky.social · 6d

On God I think the way capitalism biz tactics got its hands on artists in the indie field did a lot of mental damage (myself included). Posting as a Brand is exhausting. I'm so glad to see so many artists not give a shit anymore and just openly be people talking about their lives alongside art

January 20, 2026 at 5:57 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Bogi Takács / SONG OF SPORES out NOW!

@bogiperson.bsky.social

VERY important for US university professors because the semester is starting!!!

If certain people come to your class asking for this information, you can send them away! (Ofc it is not guaranteed they will go away, but this is how it technically works.)

#HigherEd #LFK #KU #Jayhawks

Bogi Takács / SONG OF SPORES out NOW! @bogiperson.bsky.social · Feb 9

Reminder to professors because I am seeing some baffling discussions. If classroom information is requested by authorities:

Records requests should go to your records dept, not you, the professor.

Subpoenas, judicial warrants should go to your legal dept, not you, the professor.

January 20, 2026 at 2:11 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

Where are we buying our used books? Not Amazon or Amazon owned?

#skybrarians

January 20, 2026 at 2:51 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

New pickle snacks! Dill pickle pretzels!

January 17, 2026 at 7:13 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

I’m not saying my miniatures hobby has gotten out of hand but I did buy this mini chop saw at harbor freight this week

January 17, 2026 at 2:36 PM

Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

@bobbinewman.bsky.social

Join me for Managing Stress, Building Strength, and Reclaiming Balance

I hope you’ll join us for a virtual event from ALA - Recharging in Challenging Times. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, 10:00am–4:00pm CST. ALA Student Members attend FREE. I’ll be hosting a panel titled Managing Stress, Building…

Join me for Managing Stress, Building Strength, and Reclaiming Balance

I hope you’ll join us for a virtual event from ALA - Recharging in Challenging Times. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, 10:00am–4:00pm CST. ALA Student Members attend FREE. I’ll be hosting a panel titled Managing Stress, Building Strength: Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Challenging Times, featuring an incredible group of people who bring deep experience, research, and honesty to this work: Amanda Darby, Shannan Hicks, Madeline Jarvis, and Kaetrena Davis Kendrick.

librarianbyday.net

January 16, 2026 at 5:22 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Bree

@mostlybree.kitrocha.com

One of the biggest lies they helped perpetuate is that rural folks are all white Republicans... Or that they care about any of them. Trust me, the GOP has all the power here. You think they're doing a damn thing about our lack of hospitals, grocery stores, or broadband access???

January 16, 2026 at 3:47 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Donna Lanclos

@donnalanclos.com

So are there spellcheck/grammarcheck tools out there that do NOT involve AI? Asking for my students, who asked me and i have no idea.

January 16, 2026 at 4:07 PM

Reposted by Bobbi L. Newman 🏳️‍🌈

Kaetrena

@kaetrena.bsky.social

"With love, bell hooks reminds us that healing is done in community – not alone. Therefore, in addition to sharing information about rest ...we must also offer spaces for people to imagine, craft, engage, and be held accountable for protecting space(s) to and practices of rest." tinyurl.com/5epjpvaa