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U.S. Book Challenges Update: March 2026 Edition

Phil Morehart on March 25, 2026

Libraries and schools across the country are experiencing unprecedented levels of attempts to ban or remove books from their shelves. I Love Libraries will continue to raise awareness by highlighting attempts to censor library materials, as well as efforts by librarians, parents, students, and concerned citizens to push back against them. This update includes news from the U.S. House of Representatives and the states of Texas and Pennsylvania, as well as thoughts from author and scholar Ibram X. Kendi on the banning of his books.

Get Your Dolly Parton READ Poster Before It’s Too Late!

Phil Morehart on March 24, 2026

ALA’s Dolly Parton READ poster will no longer be available after April 16 when our licensing for it ends. A lifelong advocate for libraries and literary, Parton received an honorary lifetime membership to ALA in 2023 for her longstanding support and commitment to inspiring a love of books and reading.

Book Review of the Week: ‘Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts’

Booklist Staff on March 20, 2026

“Atwood’s voice is always magical….” For this installment of our weekly book reviews from Booklist, the American Library Association’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Milena Durek’s review of the audiobook of “Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts” by Margaret Atwood.

‘How I Library’ Episode 31: Roddy Bottum

Phil Morehart on March 16, 2026

In episode 31 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with musician and author Roddy Bottum from the band Faith No More about his recent memoir, “The Royal We” (Akashic Books, 2025).

Tell Congress to #FundLibraries

I Love Libraries Staff on March 13, 2026

We need library supporters nationwide to contact their U.S. Senators now to encourage them to sign “Dear Appropriator” letters requesting funding for federal library programs by the April 17 deadline. It’s easy to do with our simple form.

A New Mechanism for Dialogue: Virtual Reality Programs in Academic Libraries

Hannah Arata on March 10, 2026

Virtual reality (VR) has popped up in many libraries in recent years, sparking everything from senior-focused programs to virtual travel experiences to tween and teen STEAM programs. Using a headset, such as the Oculus, allows participants to immerse themselves into new worlds and experiences. In an academic library, VR can enhance educational takeaways from historical and cultural events and tie into curriculum.

Andy Weir: ‘Your local library is limitless.’

Phil Morehart on March 6, 2026

In a special message for I Love Libraries, author Andy Weir—the mind behind the bestselling sci-fi book “Project Hail Mary,” which has been adapted for the big screen in a new film starring Ryan Gosling—shares his love for the library and its limitless offerings and opportunities.

Book Review of the Week: ‘The Unconscious: A Cultural History from Hippocrates to Philip K. Dick and Beyond’

Booklist Staff on March 5, 2026

For this installment of our weekly book reviews from Booklist, the American Library Association’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Tony Miksanek’s review of “The Unconscious: A Cultural History from Hippocrates to Philip K. Dick and Beyond” by Antonio Melechi, first published January 27, 2026, at Booklist Online.