Sam Helmick

Excited to work in such a beautiful space with the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social Executive Board and staff over this chilly but very productive winter weekend in Chicago.

#YouthMediaAwards #FreePeopleReadFreely

Your Library Story | American Libraries Magazine When we tell our stories, we remind the world that libraries are living testaments to human curiosity and care.

Your story matters. ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social demonstrates how sharing your work and your achievements is a critical act of library advocacy. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2026/01/02/your-library-story/

Thank you, @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social Executive Director, Dan Montgomery, for addressing the Iowa City Public Library staff during our InService Day.

Thank you for the inspiring conversation & reminder that we serve communities well by providing access to opportunity, literacy, and learning. 📚 💜

Our guest this week was American Library Association (@amlibraryassoc.bsky.social) President Sam Helmick (@samhelmick.bsky.social).

They work so very hard for libraries and librarians!

Tom Nixon: Book Flood Podcast Book Flood Podcast celebrates authors, illustrators, librarians, and books. The host of the Book Flood Podcast is Tom Nixon, former library services manager for a large California school district.

Our guest this week on Book Flood Podcast is ALA (@amlibraryassoc.bsky.social) President @samhelmick.bsky.social.

We discuss ALA, book banning, advocacy, and more!

bookfloodpodcast.com

Soliciting prayers and petitions for safe travels! Headed to the Guadalajara International Book Fair a little early in hopes of beating the winter weather.

#travel #faith #grateful ✈️ ❄️ 📚

Excited to connect with information science & library students (who can attend for free) and the rest of my colleagues at this learning and networking event!

It’s quite wonderful to belong to such a diverse and incredible community of practice and mutual support!!

#LibraryLife #AlwaysLearning

Headed home from the @ncacensorship.bsky.social gala feeling inspired and resilient as well as encouraged by how many folks are engaged in ensuring #FreePeopleReadFreely.

#hopeful #LibraryLife #travel

The Pulse of Our Profession | American Libraries Magazine ALA chapters are our first indicators of new trends, tightening pressure on legislative challenges, and the steady rhythm of community needs.

ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social highlights how ALA chapters are "our first indicators of new trends, the tightening pressure on legislative challenges, and the steady rhythm of community needs." https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2025/11/03/the-pulse-of-our-profession/

@samhelmick.bsky.social is the real deal! Join this call and you will be inspired, enlightened, and delighted!

Enjoyed the moon and some Minnie Riperton this morning as I walked and gathered some thought bunnies.

#SundayMorning

Enjoyed a lovely drive to Des Moines and headed to the Brooklyn Public Library to celebrate #IntellectualFreedom and #FreePeopleReadFreely during an evening with the great @georgetakei.bsky.social.

Soliciting petitions and prayers for smooth and safe travels!! ☕️ 📚

Let’s do some good!
#Freadom

Discover how you can create literary freedom that helps LGBTQ+ youth feel safe, seen, and valued with Featured speakers PFLAG National CEO Brian Bond, “Red, White, and Royal Blue” author Casey McQuiston, ALA President @samhelmick.bsky.social, and education reporter Nadra Kareem Nittle.

Headed to the Library of Congress for a terminology workshop this week!

Not enough time for coffee but got some emails out. ☕️ 💻

Soliciting good thoughts, petitions, and prayers for travel mercies please. 💜 ✈️

#AlwaysLearning
#Grateful #Blessed

Passing a cozy afternoon in a comfy sweater, with a cup of coffee, and a stack of comics. #HappyMaking #AmReading

Grateful for the fellowship with @raushenbush.bsky.social on State of Belief podcast to explore freedom, faith, libraries, and #LibraryCardSignUpMonth. 💜

religionnews.com/2025/09/13/l...

#ShowUpForOurLibraries

Absolutely loved connecting with neighbors and new friends tonight at Tiny Art Show through the North Liberty Library!

Started with a miniature self portrait on a Post It note, but couldn’t figure out a good way to transfer it, so doodled a more simplistic self portrait instead.

🖼️ 🐿️ 🎨 📚

Volunteering a bit this morning at the #NatBookFest between library visits and meetups. It’s amazing to connect with the amazing folks who love to read and gift time and energy into this incredible event.

#ReadersAreLeaders

"When we treat libraries as communities rather than commodities, we serve with love and respect, ensuring they remain strong, welcoming, and sustainable for all."

Libraries belong at #SXSW.
Voting is open through August 24. Cast your vote for these library-themed panels today.
📚💙

Catching up on some Harvard Business Review before my #SaturdayLibrarian shift.

☕️ 📚

#alwayslearning
#saturdaymorning

Oh! We have lots of lovely library panels to pick for SXSW this year!

participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...

Time to #RockTheVote! 🗳️

Thank you @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social Staff for letting me borrow office space while I’m in DC this week.

It was joyful to share croissants, record for TikTok, and be where such great work is happening on behalf of membership & the communities libraries serve.

#ShowUpForOurLibraries
#happymaking

My heart is filled with hope and my course more determined after an uplifting night listening and learning from Dr. Carla Hayden and Stacey Abrams with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social Public Policy and Advocacy Office Associate Executive Director, Lisa Varga.

Watch party!!!!!

Do all things with a spirit of encouragement, a heart full of love, and a hope that does not fade—believing always that your striving can stir the world toward good.

There are so many wonderful people in the world —many giving their time and talents to libraries and the communities served by them.

Checking In on Federal Library Funding | American Libraries Magazine Now is the time to take stock of progress on library priorities, particularly federal funding and the upcoming budget showdown.

New in @amlibraries.bsky.social: What's the current state of play for federal library funding?

ALA's Kevin Maher breaks down the latest news and developments, including the appropriations process, IMLS authorization, and more: americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-sc... #ForOurLibraries

Treadmill at moderate speed? ✅
Great walking tunes? ✅
Engaging reading material? ✅

Reading, music, and movement are good for the body and mind.

What’s your self care of choice today?

#MidWeekMotivation
#AmReading #HappyMaking

Excited to catch the last day of Snake Alley Festival of Film!

Lots of wonderful and thought provoking submissions this year.

#HomeForTheWeekend
#snakealleyfestivaloffilm

Blueberry Pie Oreos are back and honestly? New Oreo flavor day should be a national holiday.

Willpower: zero. Joy: maximum.

🫐 🥧 🍪

#Oreo #HappyMaking