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Publishing in Libraries

I've always enjoyed writing for and about libraries. I was inspired early on by one of my graduate school professors, the late great Library Journal Editor John N. Berry III, to explore writing as a way to give back to the profession. I try to do that as often as I can.

Books and Articles

  • Storytelling: Art and Technique 5th Edition, Chapter 11: Developing Inclusive Storytelling Experiences: Storytelling to Children with Special Needs (Libraries Unlimited) 6/2021
  • ​Virtual Storytime Services Guide - Section Lead & Member of Guide Writing Group:  Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), 7/2020
  • Stronger Together: Successful Community Partnerships Serving Youth with Special Needs in American Public Libraries - IFLA Library (International Federation of Library Associations) 8/2018 
  • Building Inclusive Communities: Teens with Disabilities in Libraries - Reference Services Review Issue 2 (Emerald Insight) 6/2018
  • Libraries for All: Expanding Services for People with Disabilities - The Reporter (Illinois Library Association), 1/17/2017
  • Small Is Beautiful: Trimming Big Ideas Down to Size - The Reporter (Illinois Library Association), 12/1/2015
  • Sensory Storytime: Enhancing Storytime with Sensory Play - Co-author with National Lekotek Center, 1/30/2015
  • Library Services to Special Population Children and their Caregivers: A Toolkit for Librarians and Library Workers - Co-author with Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) LSSPCC Committee, 1/15/2015
  • ​Welcoming Children with Disabilities at Your Library - Webjunction, 11/3/2014
  • SNAILS: Developing Accessible and Welcoming Libraries - JJ's List, 2/26/14
  • ​​Publicity and Promotions Chapter - Have Book, Will Travel 2013 iREAD Summer Reading Program Manual, 4/2/2012

Press and Interviews

2023

  • Lake Bluff Public Library Named Star Library - Lake Bluff Public Library
  • Lake Forest, Lake Bluff libraries welcoming new directors; ‘The most important thing we do is build community’ - Lake Forester
  • Lake Bluff Public Library welcomes new Director - RAILS

2021

  • Low Vision, High Contrast: Books for Kids That Need Contrasting Colors - School Library Journal
  • Low-Vision Accessibility: Products for Outreach to Those with Visual Disabilities - American Libraries
  • Library Summer Reading Programs Can Help Combat COVID Slide - School Library Journal
  • Meeting the Challenge: What Librarians are Doing to Better Serve Their Patrons with Disabilities - Project Enable
  • ALSC Vice-President/President-Elect, 2021 ALSC Election Slate Announcement - Association for Library Service to Children 
  • January 31, 2021 Interview - Ellie 2.0, AM 950 Radio

2020

  • Remembering John N. Berry III: Focus on Clarity - Library Journal
  • Can You Hear Me Now? Library managers on the challenges of leading from a distance - American Libraries

2019

  • Renee Grassi honored by the Minnesota Library Association in recognition of service Above and Beyond - Minnesota Library Association
  • ​Renee Grassi, Recognized Library Leader & Disabilities Advocate Shares How the Olmstead Plan Has Made Minnesota a Model for Inclusion - Targeting Autism for Libraries
  • Galaxie Library Opens Early For Those with Sensory Needs - SUNThisWeek
  • Serving Children with Diverse Abilities, a Minnesota Library Blazes a Trail - School Library Journal 
  • Innovació i discapacitat a la biblioteca: entrevista a Renee Grassi - ITEM, Revista De Biblioteconomia (pg 84-90)

​2018

  • ​Sharing Best Practices for Inclusion for Youth with Disabilities in Public Libraries in Barcelona - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Spain and Andorra 
  • Feature: Renee Grassi "Les persones que tenen discapacitat sovint són les més aïllades socialment”- ARA.CAT: Catalonia, Spain
  • Innovation and Disability with Renee Grassi - Cuenca Fab Lab (video)
  • 3D printing and accessibility in libraries with Renee Grassi - La Hora Maker (podcast) (video)
  • Reality Store 2018 - Dakota County (video)
  • Reading, Earning Prizes with Summer Discovery - Sun ThisWeek
  • Incident Offers Opportunity for Education on Serving Patrons with Autism - School Library Journal

2017

  • BHS Students Get Public Library Cards - Sun ThisWeek
  • Dakota, Scott Libraries Offer Deal to Students: Come On In, It's All Fine (Free) - Minnesota Star Tribune
  • How Universal Design Will Make Your Library More Inclusive - School Library Journal
  • Quiet hour at Northbrook Library Hopes to Create Autism-Friendly Space - Chicago Tribune

2016

  • ​​You Belong Here: Membership with ALSC - Association for Library Service to Children (video)
  • Newly Renovated Youth Department - Glen Ellyn Public Library (video)
  • Storytime for the Spectrum: Libraries Add Services for Children with Autism - American Libraries Magazine
  • Glen Ellyn Public Library Kicks Off Spring with 3rd Annual STEAM Fair - Glen Ellyn Patch
  • New Youth Department Celebration and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce
  • Glen Ellyn Public Library Shows Off New Youth Department - Suburban Life
  • Glen Ellyn Public Library's Youth Department Sees New Technology, Layout - Suburban Life (video)
  • Glen Ellyn Library Patrons Enjoy Renovated Youth Department - Chicago Tribune
  • New Glen Ellyn Library Youth Department Lets Kids Be Loud - Daily Herald (video)

2015

  • ​Glen Ellyn Public Library Awarded Curiosity Creates Grant - Glen Ellyn Patch
  • Glen Ellyn Public Library Receives Grant - Suburban Life
  • Almost Adult, With Autism - School Library Journal
  • Youth Department Redesign - Glen Ellyn Public Library (video)
  • Big Changes Coming to Glen Ellyn Public Library Youth Department - Glen Ellyn Rotary
  • Kids, adults Surpass Glen Ellyn Public Library's Summer Reading Goals - Daily Herald 
  • 1.1 Million Renovations Planned for Glen Ellyn Public Library - Chicago Tribune
  • Glen Ellyn Plans $1.1M Remodel of Youth Department - Daily Herald (video)
  • Glen Ellyn Public Library Hosts 2nd Annual STEAM Fair - Glen Ellyn Patch

2014 and earlier

  • ​​Welcoming Children with Disabilities At Your Library - Webjunction
  • Dwindling Monarch Butterfly Population Inspires Glen Ellyn Kids to Take Action - Suburban Life
  • Dog Therapy 101 - American Libraries
  • Program Diversity: Do Libraries Serve Kids with Disabilities? - School Library Journal
  • Reading Lists as Bucket Lists - Chicago Sun Times (video)
  • Alumni Spotlight - Graduate School of Library & Information Science at Dominican University (video)
  • Episode #11, Movers & Shakers Part 1 - Circulating Ideas Podcast (podcast)
  • Deerfield Public Library Wins NSSED Award for Sensory Storytime - Deerfield Patch
  • Deerfield Youth Services Librarian Named One of This Year's Top Professionals - Deerfield Triblocal
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