Fran Kompar
@fkompar.bsky.social
K-12 Teacher Librarian, Educational Technology leader, pursuing and exploring AI in education and Digital Learning. A fierce advocate for the principles of our Library Learning Commons - freedom to read, learn and live in a strong democratic world.
Pinned
Fran Kompar
@fkompar.bsky.social
· Nov 16
My first post. On Twitter since 2009, had garnered almost 4K followers (not a lot by some measures, but proud of my accomplishment). The platform left me. Happy to be part of an honest, informative and collegial public square…makes me happy to have found this new platform. It’s a new dawn.
Reposted by Fran Kompar
One of the reasons I love retro-SF futures is because they speak to this increasing trend of turning shit off and disconnecting devices. When AWS goes down and bricks your bed, fridge, and thermostat, the appeal of analog is keenly felt.
www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/th...
www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/th...
The return of dumb things: Why young people are ditching their smartphones for MP3 players and digital cameras
Young people are using dumb phones, MP3 players and digital cameras in lieu of iPhones. Experts explain why.
www.yahoo.com
October 26, 2025 at 10:57 AM
One of the reasons I love retro-SF futures is because they speak to this increasing trend of turning shit off and disconnecting devices. When AWS goes down and bricks your bed, fridge, and thermostat, the appeal of analog is keenly felt.
www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/th...
www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/th...
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Just a reminder to check for your name in this list of books that OpenAI trained from. If your name is there, they probably owe you several thousand dollars.
OpenAI cried that if everyone eligible author files, the company will go bankrupt, so I'm alerting every author I have ever spoken to.
OpenAI cried that if everyone eligible author files, the company will go bankrupt, so I'm alerting every author I have ever spoken to.
Search LibGen, the Pirated-Books Database That Meta Used to Train AI
Millions of books and scientific papers are captured in the collection’s current iteration.
www.theatlantic.com
September 6, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Just a reminder to check for your name in this list of books that OpenAI trained from. If your name is there, they probably owe you several thousand dollars.
OpenAI cried that if everyone eligible author files, the company will go bankrupt, so I'm alerting every author I have ever spoken to.
OpenAI cried that if everyone eligible author files, the company will go bankrupt, so I'm alerting every author I have ever spoken to.
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Everything you do online is tracked, saved, and shared for what feels like a lifetime. But there are some steps you can take to minimize what data is out there. ssd.eff.org/module/how-...
How to: Manage Your Digital Footprint
Search for your name in any search engine and you’ll likely encounter dozens of results, some of which might include personal information like addresses, email accounts, usernames, or family members. Each piece of information is often public and not typically seen as harmful. But together these parts of your identity...
ssd.eff.org
August 12, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Everything you do online is tracked, saved, and shared for what feels like a lifetime. But there are some steps you can take to minimize what data is out there. ssd.eff.org/module/how-...
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Watchdog Finds Trump Administration Broke Law by Withholding Library Funds
www.nytimes.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Book banners are costing tax payers millions of dollars just to lose.
St. Francis Area Schools will place banned books back on library shelves and rewrite its library policy to comply with state law.
buff.ly/pyuHl1b
St. Francis Area Schools will place banned books back on library shelves and rewrite its library policy to comply with state law.
buff.ly/pyuHl1b
St. Francis schools to put banned books back on shelves • Minnesota Reformer
St. Francis Area Schools will place banned books back on library shelves and rewrite its library policy to comply with state law, according to a settlement reached in a lawsuit filed by the teachers…
buff.ly
June 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Book banners are costing tax payers millions of dollars just to lose.
St. Francis Area Schools will place banned books back on library shelves and rewrite its library policy to comply with state law.
buff.ly/pyuHl1b
St. Francis Area Schools will place banned books back on library shelves and rewrite its library policy to comply with state law.
buff.ly/pyuHl1b
Reposted by Fran Kompar
This is good news - and shouldn’t be so rare. In the case of Library of Congress - it’s right there in its name - “of Congress” should make it easy.
In rare move, Congress pushes back on Trump over Library of Congress
Lawmakers are raising separation-of-powers concerns as the White House seeks to install a Justice Department official at the legislative-branch institution.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 1, 2025 at 11:32 AM
This is good news - and shouldn’t be so rare. In the case of Library of Congress - it’s right there in its name - “of Congress” should make it easy.
So, our government leaders unsurprisingly lack AI Literacy skills.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
White House MAHA Report may have garbled science by using AI, experts say
The report, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was intended to address the reasons for the decline in Americans’ life expectancy.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 30, 2025 at 11:31 AM
So, our government leaders unsurprisingly lack AI Literacy skills.
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Never argue with lies or misinformation. Instead, “Cause a Pause” in the misinformed person's way of thinking. Online, start a new thread with the truth. Offline, listen with empathy, then genuinely express interest in the source of the misinformation. truthbrigade.indivisible.org/s/Rr0uxZuJ
Join the Truth Brigade
truthbrigade.indivisible.org
May 27, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Never argue with lies or misinformation. Instead, “Cause a Pause” in the misinformed person's way of thinking. Online, start a new thread with the truth. Offline, listen with empathy, then genuinely express interest in the source of the misinformation. truthbrigade.indivisible.org/s/Rr0uxZuJ
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Dystopian books to read!
1984 - George Orwell
Brave New world - Aldous Huxley
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
The Circle - Dave Eggers
I'm sure there are many more so add yours if you feel like it. The one that really gave me pause was The Circle.
1984 - George Orwell
Brave New world - Aldous Huxley
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
The Circle - Dave Eggers
I'm sure there are many more so add yours if you feel like it. The one that really gave me pause was The Circle.
May 25, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Dystopian books to read!
1984 - George Orwell
Brave New world - Aldous Huxley
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
The Circle - Dave Eggers
I'm sure there are many more so add yours if you feel like it. The one that really gave me pause was The Circle.
1984 - George Orwell
Brave New world - Aldous Huxley
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
The Circle - Dave Eggers
I'm sure there are many more so add yours if you feel like it. The one that really gave me pause was The Circle.
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Reposted by Fran Kompar
The Libby App is the best thing in the world like you can just think of a book and 20 seconds later you're reading or listening free on your phone. Libraries must be protected at all costs
May 5, 2025 at 5:32 AM
The Libby App is the best thing in the world like you can just think of a book and 20 seconds later you're reading or listening free on your phone. Libraries must be protected at all costs
This is an important source of funding for many libraries. #TLSky #librarians
On May 2, 2025, the Trump Administration released its FY2026 federal budget proposal.
It calls for completely eliminating the budget for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
It also cuts NEA, NEH, AmeriCorps, and PBS
www.everylibrary.org/trumpfy2026b...
It calls for completely eliminating the budget for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
It also cuts NEA, NEH, AmeriCorps, and PBS
www.everylibrary.org/trumpfy2026b...
STATEMENT: President Trump’s FY2026 Budget Proposal Will Eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services
These attacks are ideologically motivated and structurally dangerous to our educational, civic, cultural, and community institutions.
www.everylibrary.org
May 2, 2025 at 10:34 PM
This is an important source of funding for many libraries. #TLSky #librarians
Reposted by Fran Kompar
HAPPY INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY to some of my favorite indies!
@rjjulia.bsky.social @scatteredbooks.bsky.social @splitrockbks.bsky.social @booksofwonder.bsky.social @bunchofgrapes.bsky.social (There are more, but these are my favorites that have Bluesky accounts.)
@rjjulia.bsky.social @scatteredbooks.bsky.social @splitrockbks.bsky.social @booksofwonder.bsky.social @bunchofgrapes.bsky.social (There are more, but these are my favorites that have Bluesky accounts.)
April 26, 2025 at 4:47 PM
HAPPY INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY to some of my favorite indies!
@rjjulia.bsky.social @scatteredbooks.bsky.social @splitrockbks.bsky.social @booksofwonder.bsky.social @bunchofgrapes.bsky.social (There are more, but these are my favorites that have Bluesky accounts.)
@rjjulia.bsky.social @scatteredbooks.bsky.social @splitrockbks.bsky.social @booksofwonder.bsky.social @bunchofgrapes.bsky.social (There are more, but these are my favorites that have Bluesky accounts.)
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Thanks to federal programs like E-Rate, communities have built life-changing broadband networks—with libraries at the center. But that future is now under threat.
Join us in the fight to protect E-Rate and federal library funding—because no one should be left offline.
www.cnet.com/home/interne...
Join us in the fight to protect E-Rate and federal library funding—because no one should be left offline.
www.cnet.com/home/interne...
Library Internet Access Is 'World-Changing' for Millions, but the Money Could Disappear
Local libraries are helping to bridge the broadband gap by getting communities online. But federal funding is under threat.
www.cnet.com
April 18, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Thanks to federal programs like E-Rate, communities have built life-changing broadband networks—with libraries at the center. But that future is now under threat.
Join us in the fight to protect E-Rate and federal library funding—because no one should be left offline.
www.cnet.com/home/interne...
Join us in the fight to protect E-Rate and federal library funding—because no one should be left offline.
www.cnet.com/home/interne...
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Recent actions by the Trump administration are threatening the future of libraries in Seattle and other Washington communities.
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/libr...
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/libr...
Libraries serve everyone who walks in. Why is Trump cutting them off? | Op-Ed
Federal funds are critical for libraries in rural and tribal communities; schools and prisons; and the state library that serves readers who are blind.
www.seattletimes.com
April 16, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Recent actions by the Trump administration are threatening the future of libraries in Seattle and other Washington communities.
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/libr...
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/libr...
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Hey, folks. In the new episode of the “How I Library” podcast, we welcome comic book artists—and National Library Week co-chairs—Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. They join the show to discuss their new book, The Cartoonists Club, and more. Check it out at the link in our bio. Thanks.
April 10, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Hey, folks. In the new episode of the “How I Library” podcast, we welcome comic book artists—and National Library Week co-chairs—Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. They join the show to discuss their new book, The Cartoonists Club, and more. Check it out at the link in our bio. Thanks.
Reposted by Fran Kompar
Today is National #LibraryOutreachDay! From bookmobiles & pop-ups to home delivery & street outreach, these efforts ensure access to knowledge, connection & care—no matter the barriers.
✔️ Thank an outreach worker
✔️ Speak out against attacks on library funding
✔️ Advocate for access in your community
✔️ Thank an outreach worker
✔️ Speak out against attacks on library funding
✔️ Advocate for access in your community
April 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Today is National #LibraryOutreachDay! From bookmobiles & pop-ups to home delivery & street outreach, these efforts ensure access to knowledge, connection & care—no matter the barriers.
✔️ Thank an outreach worker
✔️ Speak out against attacks on library funding
✔️ Advocate for access in your community
✔️ Thank an outreach worker
✔️ Speak out against attacks on library funding
✔️ Advocate for access in your community
Your Painkillers, Made in China: Did you know 95% of the U.S. ibuprofen supply (think Advil) & 70% of its acetaminophen (Tylenol) come from China (Source:@POLITICO.COM)? Trade war tensions mean basic OTC meds could face shortages or price hikes. Your next headache might hurt a bit more #factsmatter
April 9, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Your Painkillers, Made in China: Did you know 95% of the U.S. ibuprofen supply (think Advil) & 70% of its acetaminophen (Tylenol) come from China (Source:@POLITICO.COM)? Trade war tensions mean basic OTC meds could face shortages or price hikes. Your next headache might hurt a bit more #factsmatter
Reposted by Fran Kompar
NEW: ALA is going to court to stop the President’s attempts to illegally dismantle the Institute of Museum & Library Services.
The President does not have the authority to destroy a federal agency. That's why we're taking action with our co-plaintiff @afscme.bsky.social. #ForOurLibraries (1/3)
The President does not have the authority to destroy a federal agency. That's why we're taking action with our co-plaintiff @afscme.bsky.social. #ForOurLibraries (1/3)
April 8, 2025 at 1:57 AM
NEW: ALA is going to court to stop the President’s attempts to illegally dismantle the Institute of Museum & Library Services.
The President does not have the authority to destroy a federal agency. That's why we're taking action with our co-plaintiff @afscme.bsky.social. #ForOurLibraries (1/3)
The President does not have the authority to destroy a federal agency. That's why we're taking action with our co-plaintiff @afscme.bsky.social. #ForOurLibraries (1/3)
Reposted by Fran Kompar
In 2018, garbage collectors in Turkey started a library of discarded books - rather than putting books in landfills, they retrieve them and add them to the collection.
April 7, 2025 at 9:36 AM
In 2018, garbage collectors in Turkey started a library of discarded books - rather than putting books in landfills, they retrieve them and add them to the collection.