The Johnson County (KS) Library “HomeConnect” service uses a blue pouch, such as the one in this photo, to hold requested library materials when requested by the participants in its program. Royal blue with a zippered top and the Johnson County Library logo printed on it in white, this one forms a backdrop for three audiobook CD collections. L-R, they are: “Wilson,” a biography of the president by A. Scott Berg; the novel “All the Light we Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr, read by Zach Appelman, and “Frank Lloyd Wright,” a biography of the architect by Ada Louise Huxtable. Photo courtesy of the Johnson County Library, via the Johnson County Post.

Today is Library Outreach Day of #LibraryWeek. Does your local #library have a “blue pouch of happiness” #program like this from the @jocolibrary.org ? Let’s celebrate a policy of service to the #disabled #community. #disability #accessibility #ADA
johnsoncountypost.com/2025/07/26/y...

This square design has a blue upper section with the stylized red, yellow, and green logo that says, “Ready, Set, Library!” as well as a red bookmobile with wifi, and flames coming from the tailpipe. It is angled as if it’s flying upward. On the school-bus-yellow section it says, “National Library Outreach Day.” Design courtesy ALA and #NLOD.

It’s National #LibraryOutreachDay #NLOD of #LibraryWeek! Formerly known as “National Bookmobile Day,” its reach has expanded to embrace literacy, diversity, and boosting rural and small libraries! Have you ever used a #bookmobile or a small, rural library?
www.ala.org/conferencese...

A blue and green hand-drawn illustration shows planet Earth with North and South America visible, as well as stylized clouds. It says “Make Every Day Earth Day.” This stock image has been making the rounds since at least 2016, and appears to have originated on DepositPhotos.com.

On this #EarthDay2026 I’d like to urge everyone to make #EarthDayEveryDay. We only have one planet, and our #environment faces a #ClimateEmergency. This is EVERYONE’S existential threat.
jansgephardt.com/index.php/20...

Thanks for reposting!

This design is mostly red, white, and blue. The background is an abstract design of stars that are white or tints of red or blue, against a background that shifts from dark blue in the lower left to red in the upper right. A banner provided by the event sponsors reads, “NATIONAL LIBRARY WORKERS DAY. LIBRARIES WORK BECAUSE WE DO. ALA-APA.”

This is National Library Workers Day, #NLWD, sponsored by the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social . It’s never been more important to stand up for them. They are #FirstAmendment defenders and superstars of bedrock #democracy. #LibraryWeek
ala-apa.org/nlwd/

This square design has a photographic background of a book on a tea tray next to a throw blanket. Above a round-edged pale cream rectangle in the lower center of the design, it says, “How to write a book review.” On the cream-colored rectangle is a list of four points, each with a check-mark next to it. The list says, “Share the book’s premise. State what you liked about the book (dialogue, characters, etc.). If you didn’t like something, mention that too (just be kind!). Tell whether or not you’d recommend the book to others.” At the bottom of the design it says, “lianageorge.com.”

Have you finished a good #book recently? Did you #review it? Reviews help #authors in many different ways! Review #library books, too! Thanks! What book do you recommend today? #amreading #recommended reading #BookSky📚💙
weirdsisterspublishing.com/index.php/ou...

A square image with a variegated background shows the covers of four XK9 books by Jan S. Gephardt. Words next to each cover, L-R top row say, “PREQUEL: ‘The Other Side of Fear,’ cover ©2020 by Lucy A. Synk” and “Book 1: ‘What’s Bred in the Bone,’ cover ©2019 by Jody A. Lee.” L-R lower row: “Book 2: ‘A Bone to Pick,’ cover ©2020 by Jody A. Lee,” and “Book 3: ‘Bone of Contention,’ cover art © by Tom Kidd.” Next to each book is a QR Code that takes readers to the relevant book page on Weird Sisters Publishing.com.

Do you like character-driven #dog 🐕 #sciencefiction 🪐🚀? #mystery & #police 🚔 procedurals in #space? And 🐕‍🦺 #thedogdoesnotdie? You might love the XK9s! Take a look! #amwritingfiction #BookSky📚💙
weirdsisterspublishing.com/index.php/ou...

All over the world, minorities are being poisoned by environmental pollution from large and powerful capitalistic businesses and their governmental enablers. How can we stop this?

Update on H.R. 7661: Help Us Stop the Federal Book Banning Bill - The Authors Guild The Authors Guild is actively opposing HR 7661, the “Stop the Sexualization of Children Act.” The bill would link federal school funding to specific reading requirements—including a narrow, decades-ol...

While we’re celebrating “Right to Read Day,” consider calling or emailing your #Congressperson about this. It would undermine #LGBTQ+ people under the guise of “protecting the children.” It’s never actually about the #children. #1stAmendment #FreedomofSpeech
authorsguild.org/news/update-...

This mostly black square image has white and orange letters and stylized images on it. In the upper left is a book logo with the words “Unite Against Book Bans” next to it. On the upper right is a crescent like the corona that’s visible during a near-total eclipse. Next to it, the words say, “Don’t let censorship eclipse your freedom to read.” Just below center is a stylized design of an open book. Below that it says, “Right to Read Day.” Image courtesy of the American Library Association.

Today is #RightToReadDay, part of #LibraryWeek, sponsored by the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social . The problem of #censorship has grown massive in recent years. #BookBans #ImWithTheBanned Click on the link to get started.
uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-rea...

On a magenta-and-white background, this square design centers on a promotional social media post created by Midwest GameFest. Above the central design it says “STARTS THIS WEEK!” The promo image continues the message. In the upper left corner is the 3-hexagon logo and name “Midwest GameFest.” At upper right it says, “April 23-26, 2026. Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Independence, MO.” On the left center of the design are three books by Jan S. Gephardt, “The Other Side of Fear,” “A Bone to Pick,” and “Bone of Contention.” On the right center is a photo of Jan S. Gephardt, ©2017 by Colette Waters Photography. At the bottom of the design it says, “Author Special Guest JAN GEPHARDT.”

This week! Four days of #TabletopGaming in Independence/Kansas City! #Events, #Attractions, #Exhibitors, an #ArtShow, and other #programming! I’m their #Author Guest of Honor! Come join the fun!
midwestgamefest.org

On a white background, using type fonts and turquoise, orange, and rainbow blends typical of the 1980s, this message from the National Toy and Miniature Museum says, “Call for 1980s toy donations.” And “Act by 4/30/26!”

Attention, #GenXers & #Millennials! Do you still have #toys from the #1980s that you loved, but no longer need? Don’t take this wrong, but they could become #museum pieces! Here’s how to #donate! Deadline’s coming soon!
toyandminiaturemuseum.org/1980s-toy-do...

There are two sections in this colorful square design. The top features an illustration of a library surrounded by people of all ages, coming to a library, where one of the library workers stands in the doorway with a wave and a friendly smile. A banner on the roof says, ”FIND YOUR JOY!” Top left, there’s a rainbow in the sky. Top right are logos for the American Library Association and Library Champions. At the bottom is a royal blue rectangle with golden letters that say, “Celebrate NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK.” Design courtesy of the American Library Association.

It’s time to celebrate #LibraryWeek, sponsored by the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social ! #Libraries & library professionals are essential for a vibrant #community. The #library is a many-sided #resource. Have you visited yours, lately?
www.ala.org/conferencese...

On a modulated violet, orange, and gold background are four Deep Ellum cover images: in the upper left and center are 3D renders of the original covers for “Deep Ellum Pawn” and “Deep Ellum Blues” as ebooks. In the lower right center is the “Deep Ellum Duet” cover, 3D rendered as either an ebook or slender paperback. There’s a QR Code identified as “Deep Ellum” in the low left area. The words surrounding these images say, “How to enter the Supernatural Realm of Ms. Eddy Weekes; She’s there when you need her! 2 Separate ebook novelettes or collected in 1 volume. All cover art ©by Chaz Kemp.”

When supernatural trouble enters Ms Eddy’s territory the wise and the lucky call on her. #Occult #suspense with a touch of #humor! #urbanfantasy #book. #BookSky📚💙
weirdsisterspublishing.com/index.php/ou...

This square design brings together five photo details from a slide gallery posted on POLICE Mag.com illustrating frequently-used breeds for law enforcement K-9 work. Clockwise from upper right: German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Bloodhound, Labrador Retriever, and Dutch Shepherd.

Do you know what #dog breeds are most often used for #police work?. This article offers a Photo Gallery of Police Dogs working with a variety of law enforcement agencies all over the US.
www.policemag.com/patrol/media...

Anyone who’s watched this “business-friendly” trend over the decades saw that coming. Politicians who tout “savings” through outsourcing lie. Privatization = higher $$$ + worse outcomes.

Privatized prisons lead to more inmates, longer sentences, study finds WSU researchers found that private prisons lead to an average increase of 178 new prisoners per million population per year.

news.wsu.edu/press-releas...

In this design, we see the hand and arm of a young woman holding a pen as if to write. Above the picture, it says, “The brain uses story to simulate and prepare for the future. It lets us experience intense emotions and consequences without actually having to live them.” -Lisa Cron, “Wired for Story.” Below the picture, it says, “www.writersinthestormblog.com.”

Of what practical use is #fiction? Is #reading #stories a waste of time? A self-indulgence? No! It’s vital practice – you might say a rehearsal – for dealing with things #IRL. #amreading #amreadingfiction

This square montage centers on a photo of a nighttime firing at the Red Lodge Clay Center. In this dramatic photo of the working studio’s buildings, fire bursts upward from two different chimneys as the potters in residence fire their works of art. Above the photo, the gallery’s name logo spells out “Red Lodge Clay Center.” Photo and logo are courtesy of the Red Lodge Clay Center’s website.

Do you love #ceramic #art? You might enjoy one of the #exhibitions running at the Montana-based #gallery. @redlodgeclaycenter.bsky.social See their “Piece of the Week” on Bluesky, or check out their Exhibition Calendar.
www.redlodgeclaycenter.com/exhibitions/...

This square photo shows a woman with her forehead against the forehead of a large, floppy-eared, yellowish-tan-and-white dog. The headline reads, “What is the Value of a Comfort Dog Program?” Photo from Getty Images via POLICE Magazine.

Why have a comfort #dog program? It’s become an important tool for this Massachusetts #police agency. Their Saint Bernards have made an important difference for about a decade! #therapydog #K9 program
www.policemag.com/patrol/artic...

On a black background, this square design centers on a DemiCon’s “Interstellar Logo.” That consists of a multicolored nebula with the black and white DemiCon logo at the center. Above that design it says “TWO WEEKS UNTIL” Below the design it says, “Image courtesy of DemiCon, Des Moines, IA, USA on Instagram.

Did you know DemiCon is two weeks from now? #Costuming #Events, #Games, #Exhibitors, #Theatrics, an #ArtShow, #Authors and #Panels! Come to Des Moines/Urbandale and join the fun!
demicon.org/37/index.html

This square design centers on two long horizontal images from the Emerging Artists of Johnson County Developmental Services website. The top one shows a group photo of seventeen people holding or in some cases wearing their artwork. Above them it says, “JCDS EMERGING ARTISTS. Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., OPKS.” The lower panel offers examples of 12 different paintings from the group. All artworks are © by their respective creators.

Do you know the Emerging Artists of Johnson County (KS)? “Adult #artists with intellectual and developmental #disabilities who are passionate and driven to create #artwork.” They make some great #work! Check out their online store!
www.jocogov.org/department/d...

This photo centers on a medium-sized brown-and-white boxer or pit mix dog in a red collar, who stares into a small, glass-doored cubicle in the middle of a shadowed tile wall as seen through blurry foreground bars. Photo by Brandon Bell / Getty, via The New Yorker.

Have you noticed the #pet 🐕 🐈‍⬛ #airlifts ✈️ 🛩️ in recent years? Here’s a story of how several overstuffed, underfunded #Texas #shelters connected with understocked shelters in the North.
www.newyorker.com/news/letter-...

On a magenta-and-white background, this square design centers on a promotional social media post created by Midwest GameFest. Above the central design it says “ONE WEEK UNTIL” The promo image continues the message. In the upper left corner is the 3-hexagon logo and name “Midwest GameFest.” At upper right it says, “April 23-26, 2026. Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, Independence, MO.” On the left center of the design are three books by Jan S. Gephardt, “The Other Side of Fear,” “A Bone to Pick,” and “Bone of Contention.” On the right center is a photo of Jan S. Gephardt, ©2017 by Colette Waters Photography. At the bottom of the design it says, “Author Special Guest JAN GEPHARDT.”

Next week! Four days of #TabletopGaming in Independence/Kansas City! #Events, #Attractions, #Exhibitors, an #ArtShow, and other #programming! I’m their #Author Guest of Honor! Come join the fun!
midwestgamefest.org

This square design is centered on a graphic from the US Census and its Statistics in Schools project, which shows two tall brown bookshelves full of mostly turquoise and gray books. Between them is a stylized settee with a framed sign over it that says, “LIBRARY.” Above that, the words say, Did you know there are 317,569 librarians, curators, and archivists in the United States?” (Since the graphic is not dated, that number could have changed).

Have you thanked a #librarian today? Today is National Librarian Day, when we stop to appreciate the marvelous resources, knowledge, and guidance librarians provide for us. They are literally the guardians of our #culture! #books, #history, and so much more!
nationaltoday.com/national-lib...

This square design centers on a photo from the installation “Trespassers Beware! Fort Conley and the Wyandot Women Warriors,” on view at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park, KS March 24-May 24, 2026. Photo by Deanna Johnson, courtesy of Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

Do you know the story of the Wyandot Women Warriors? The Conley sisters thwarted developers to protect the #sacred Wyandot National Burying Ground. See a #multimedia installation at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art that commemorates their fight!
www.nermanmuseum.org/exhibitions/...

And just in time, for me: I’m about to take my daily blood pressure reading. But first I’ll gaze upon the beaver…

Thanks for boosting the signal! This is a great exhibit!

I'm honestly way more shocked that there is a portion of the population that would even need a study before they will acknowledge that "use it or lose it" also applies to brains.

And she was the only real astronaut on Star Trek!! (Next Gen)

Here she is with Nichelle Nichols, who made it her mission to recruit for NASA, especially to recruit women. 🖖