“The paradox of the library in our time is that it aspires to be vast but is also selective and bounded – a tiny droplet of material in a seemingly limitless sea of content.”
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‘Hue’s Hue’: Katy Kelleher’s Column on Color
“Tyrian purple was a difficult color to manufacture. Thousands of snails were required to create a single ounce of dye.”
Sob Stories, Movie Memes, and the Week’s Top 5
“While crying has featured in some of my most life-defining moments, I can also be set off anywhere, anytime, by almost anything. In the last week alone, I’ve cried looking at a social media account of a husky puppy and older cat (who are best friends), watching a sports documentary about a basketball team I […]
Dead Moms Club: A Mother’s Day Reading List
Eight thoughtful reading recommendations for those who’ve lost their moms.
The Eloquent Vindicator in the Electric Room
No one remembers the assassination of Congressman James M. Hinds. What do we risk by making it just another part of American history?
Best of 2022: Personal Essays
Five notable personal essays published this year, on friendship, loss, war, endings, and metaphors.
Best of 2025: All Our Number Five Story Picks
Every story we selected for the number five slot in our weekly newsletter, in a handy digest.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Tim Alberta, Jane C. Hu, Katy Kelleher, Jimmy Thomson, and David Marchese.
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Peter Eisler, Linda So, Jason Szep, Grant Smith, Ned Parker, and Jaed Coffin, Sarah Gilman, Katy Kelleher, and Irris Makler.
Best of 2024: All Our Number Five Story Picks
Every story that appeared in the number five slot in our Weekly Top 5, all in one place.


