Grove for Libraries Announces Contributions to the Aspen 26.08 Release

August 25, 2026 03:57 PM - By Jordan Fields

Grove’s contributions to the Aspen 26.08 release include enhancements to Aspen LiDA performance, search configuration, events and calendar management, patron workflows, authentication, and indexing. These enhancements improve Aspen’s performance, simplify common workflows for patrons and staff, and give libraries more control over how patrons browse events and collections. 


Aspen LiDA Startup and Performance

In Aspen 26.08, patrons will see significant improvements to LiDA’s login and loading. Grove introduced SQL-based caching to improve Aspen LiDA’s startup speed and overall performance. Frequently used startup data is now stored in local SQLite tables, reducing the number of API calls required when the app launches and allowing information to load more efficiently. This will be most noticeable on a patron’s second login (after LiDA caches the initial data).
A GIF of Aspen LiDA launching.
A GIF of Aspen LiDA launching.

Additional Aspen LiDA updates include an upgrade to Expo SDK 55, more consistent styling for system messages, notifications, and themed interface components, as well as fixes for Hoopla access and modal behavior. Grove also introduced a new unit-testing framework to help identify regressions and maintain consistent behavior as Aspen LiDA’s underlying frameworks and dependencies are updated.

Events and Community Engagement

A view of the Embed Calendar button in Calendar Display Settings.
A view of the Embed Calendar button in Calendar Display Settings.

A new embeddable events calendar makes it easier for libraries to display Aspen events on their external websites. The calendar can use fixed dimensions or automatically adjust its height based on the content displayed.

An event using its original LocalHop image in Aspen results.
An event using its original LocalHop image in Aspen results.

Expanded LocalHop functionality also allows libraries to use LocalHop images as event covers, helping maintain branding consistency across platforms and providing a more visually engaging experience. 

Search, Discovery, and Workflow Enhancements

New settings allow libraries to configure available search types and sorting options, while updates to author searching distinguish primary authors from other contributors. Additional improvements include a redesigned hold edition picker, editable eCommerce report statuses, role-based two-factor authentication, and updates to OAuth-based single sign-on.
A view of the new Search Settings, including the new Primary Author and Contributors options.
A view of the new Search Settings, including the new Primary Author and Contributors options.

Additional Highlights

  • A redesigned hold edition picker
  • Editable eCommerce report statuses
  • Role-based two-factor authentication
  • OAuth-based single sign-on updates
  • An upgrade to Solr 9 and Solr schema optimizations

Learn More

We’d like to thank the following partners for sponsoring development with Grove for Aspen 26.08:

  • CLEVNET Library Cooperation
  • CW MARS
  • Greater Manchester Inter Library Consortial System (GMILCS)
  • Helen Plum Public Library
  • Hoopla
  • Lynx Library Consortium
  • MAIN Library Alliance
  • Metropolitan Library System
  • Nashville Public Library
  • Orange County Library System
  • Prairie Lakes Library System
  • SHARE
  • SWAN Library Network
  • Wyoming State Library (WYLD)
Jordan Fields

Jordan Fields

Co-Founder
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