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Saturday, February 8, 2025

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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

CT Libraries Help Kids Prepare for Back-to-School

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Friday, August 25, 2023   

As kids prepare to go back to school, Connecticut libraries say they're ready to help their eager minds learn.

In addition to vast catalogs of books and films, libraries across the state provide access to academic tools such as Khan Academy, Fact Monster and Tutor.com. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many libraries have also worked to bring people together through different programs such as book clubs.

Scott Jarzambek, vice president and president-elect of the Connecticut Library Association, said newer programs are starting to focus on bridging the digital divide.

"In communities where e-governance has become so important," he said, "which is using technology, from doing everything from checking your child's grades to signing up for a building permit, making sure that everybody in the community has access to the internet and the equipment to be a part of our community."

He noted that lots of programs are being launched this fall at Connecticut libraries including game nights, knitting groups and other weekly activities. People can find more information on their local library's events calendar.

While school-related book bans haven't been enacted in Connecticut, some challenges have come up. A few months ago, a public challenge of two graphic novels was brought before the Newtown School Board. While the board chose to reject it, Jarzombek said these controversies highlight the importance of libraries across the country working to safeguard access to information.

"We've really shown our importance to the fabric of the United States of just what our job is, and that's protecting information," he said, "making sure information is accurate, and sometimes having uncomfortable conversations about why some things just need to be there, even if people aren't comfortable with it."

Across the country, book bans and book challenges hit an all-time high in 2022. More than 2,500 titles were targeted for censorship last year, a 38% increase from 2021.


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