Noah Lenstra Author Archive

Email: njlenstr@uncg.edu Website: Let's Move in Libraries: Movement-Based Programs in Public Libraries
Facebook: Noah Lenstra Twitter: @nlenstr2

Noah Lenstra is an assistant professor of library and information studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Education. He received his PhD from the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library and Information Science. His research and teaching focus on community engagement and community informatics in public libraries.

Embedded Librarianship: From Laundromats to Zumba Class

I first learned about embedded librarianship in public libraries at the PLA 2014 conference in Indianapolis. There at the program “Creative Community Connections,” librarians from Colorado and Ohio shared their story of embedding library staff in community institutions outside of the library. The panelists defined embedded librarians as those who “attend meetings and events hosted […]

Public Libraries Help Support Resolutions to Get Healthy

For the sixth year, Devon Libraries in the United Kingdom offers Active Life, Active Mind programming series. This year features over 250 events across the county. Their slogan is “take a step in the right direction and try a new activity this January at your local library.” Meanwhile, here in the U.S., dozens of libraries planning “New Year, New You” programs

Fun Palace notice that library will be noisy during event

“I Didn’t Expect to See That at the Library” – Fun Palace Engages Community

On October 7, 2017, the Huntington City-Township Public Library became the first public library in the United States to host a Fun Palace. During the weekend, the library was filled with activities led by community members. At different stations inside and outside the library building, you could learn how to start your family tree, paint like Jackson Pollock, discover Dungeons & Dragons, ballet, ride a bike, cross-stritch, hula dance, stretch your body, decorate cakes, paint rocks, and much, much more. According to Devon Henderson, the library “ended up with 68 volunteers, 24 unique activity stations and over 500 in attendance.”

Feeding the Body and the Mind – Library Summer Feeding Programs

What was once a fledgling experiment taking place in a few public libraries across the country has now become a mainstream success. Through summer feeding programs, public libraries are finding new ways to serve and engage their communities, while also contributing to the fight to end food insecurity, and pulling new audiences into their libraries.

White cross on red background (medic symbol)

Health and Wellness at the Library

From California to Singapore, new public library buildings are co-locating with spaces for exercise and health. Learn about this trend and try something new in your library.

Bike Check-Out: Coming Soon to a Library Near You?

More and more public libraries now include bicycles in their circulating collections. Find out why they do it and how it works.

L.A. Teen Advocate Wins I Love My Librarian! 2017 Award

Annie Cipolla is a Master Gardener and the Young Adult Librarian at the Pacific Palisades Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. Before becoming a librarian, she worked in television as a broadcast journalist, editor, and producer in Baltimore, San Francisco, New York City and Los Angeles. In recognition of how she weaves together her skills to enrich the lives of teenagers and their families, she is also one of ten librarians from throughout the United States awarded the I Love My Librarian! Award in 2017.

table open to a job and career website, cup of coffee, and notebook

The Future Looks Bright for Librarianship

A recent report highlights growing demand for “librarians, curators, and archivists,” despite articles proclaiming the end of the profession. Communicating our value is required to abolish these stereotypical ideas about the end of libraries.

Check out Seeds at the Library

Recent research shows that many public libraries now manage seed libraries. This unique kind of “library of things” has many benefits for libraries and for the communities they serve.

Libraries as Vibrant Community Hubs: A Report From the ARSL Conference

The Association for Rural and Small Libraries recently held their tenth annual conference. More than 550 librarians gathered to discuss issues and concerns unique to libraries in sparsely populated areas. Next year’s conference will be in Springfield, Illinois.

Senior Fitness Programs at the Library

A recent NPR story highlights an emerging trend in public libraries, providing opportunities for older adults to exercise and have fun together at the library.