Marcel LaFlamme reviews a new historical study of rural libraries in the Midwest. They were begun to cultivate 'respectability' and have endured by satisfying local tastes.

Can the unmanned aircraft industry invigorate North Dakota? Grand Forks' Air Force base gets a reprieve and neighboring towns hope to get aboard the new mission.

Keeping rural libraries vital requires keeping them free of charge and pushing for open access to materials. Libraries are people-centers, not warehouses for books.

Is there a way to be "out" without pursuing public "visibility"? A new study of gays and lesbians in the rural U.S. finds activism, pride and, in some cases, satisfaction.