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
- Banned Books Week: A Letter from the Library Director - Lake Bluff Public Library Press Release
- Lake Bluff Library Opens Reading Room - Chicago Tribune
- Lake Bluff Public Library Named Star Library - Lake Bluff Public Library Press Release
- 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 - Reaching Across Illinois Libraries (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