Women of Note
From Book Stacks to Psychosis and Food Stamps, Librarians Confront a New Workplace
The 2022 Urban Trauma Library Study, spearheaded by a group of New York City-based librarians, surveyed urban library workers and found nearly 70% said they had dealt with patrons whose behavior was violent or aggressive, from intimidating rants and sexual harassment to people pulling guns and knives or hurling staplers at them. Few of the workers felt supported by their bosses. “As the social safety net has been dismantled and underfunded, libraries have been left to pick up the slack,” wrote the authors, adding that most institutions lack practical guidelines for treating traumatic incidents that over time can lead to “compassion fatigue.” Library administrators have begun to acknowledge the problem by providing training and hiring staff members experienced in social services. more »
Jo Freeman Reviews Fierce and Fearless: Patsy Takemoto Mink, First Woman of Color in Congress
"She fought for women in poverty to get more benefits, against nuclear testing and war in general. Her thumbprint appeared on virtually all legislation to improve the status of women... She quickly moved from supporting candidates to becoming one. Service in various offices eventually led to her election to the U.S. House in 1964... Above all this book is a story of women’s entry into politics, progressing from tokens to major players. They banged on glass ceilings and pushed open stuck doors. In this effort, Rep. Patsy Mink was often leading the charge."
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Mississippi Author Jesmyn Ward: Winner of the 2022 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, not only because it aligns my work with legendary company, but because it also recognizes the difficulty and rigour of meeting America on the page, of appraising her as a lover would: clear-eyed, open-hearted, keen to empathize and connect,” Ward said. “This is our calling, and I am grateful for it.” One of the Library’s most prestigious awards, the annual Prize for American Fiction honors an American literary writer whose body of work is distinguished not only for its mastery of the art but also for its originality of thought and imagination. Ward is one of only six writers to receive the National Book Award more than once and the only woman and Black American to do so. more »
White House Task Force to Address Online Harassment and Abuse
"Survivors and experts highlighted the offline impact of online abuse, ranging from psychological distress and additional negative health impacts, to self-censorship, disruptions to education and economic loss, as well as experiences of other forms of physical and sexual violence. Participants noted that online harassment and abuse disproportionately impacts women, girls – especially women and girls of color – and LGBTQI+ individuals. Participants also provided concrete recommendations to prevent and respond to online harms." more »