It’s Take Action for Libraries Day! Observed on the Thursday of National Library Week each year, Take Action for Libraries Day rallies people across the U.S. to speak out and show their support for libraries. Because now more than ever, libraries need us. Here are 10 easy ways you can act, from calling Congress to advocate for library funding to spreading the word on social media and more.
Ten Ways to Show Up for Libraries Read More »
In episode 16 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with comic book artists—and honorary co-chairs of National Library Week—Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud.
‘How I Library’ Episode 16: Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud Read More »
The American Library Association (ALA) is suing to protect libraries. ALA is joining forces with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, the largest union representing museum and library workers, to challenge the Trump administration’s gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The lawsuit asks the court to block the dismantling of IMLS as directed by a Trump executive order.
ALA Sues Trump to Protect Libraries Read More »
The American Library Association kicked off National Library Week with the release of new data on book censorship in 2024 and the Top 10 Most Challenged Books List, which includes “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson, “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe, “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison, and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky. The data shows that the majority of book censorship attempts now originate from organized movements.
National Library Week Kicks Off with Release of New Book Censorship Data Read More »
A library in Connecticut has become one of the most rockin’ places in the United States. Dubbed “the hippest damn library in the country” by Talking Heads drummer Chris Franz and “the coolest damn library, ever” by The Doors drummer John Densmore, Westport Library has embraced rock ‘n’ roll, hip hop, and contemporary music to create vibrant programming.
‘The Hippest Damn Library in the Country’ Read More »
On March 31, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) staff were placed on administrative leave and all grants and contracts were suspended and ultimately likely to be cancelled as a result of President Trump’s executive order requiring IMLS and six other federal agencies to “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” American Library Association president Cindy Hohl pleaded with Congress to act and urged Americans everywhere to speak out against the move.
Texas threatens jail time for school librarians who provide classic literature to students. “The Kite Runner” author speaks out about his book being banned in Minnesota schools. These are among the stories in our latest report on book bans and challenges happening across the U.S. and efforts to thwart them.
U.S. Book Challenges Update: March 2025 Edition Read More »
It’s never too early to learn about the importance and power of elections. Developed by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, the Inspiring Future Voters booklist is a collection of titles that will help young people understand the importance of voting, civic engagement, and making their voices heard.
Books to Build Civic Engagement Read More »
Some of the many programs that may be affected by the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services include: early literacy development; summer reading programs for kids; high-speed internet access; employment assistance for job seekers; braille and talking books for people with visual impairments; staff training, recruitment, and professional development; preservation, maintenance, and digitization of collections; and so much more.
Hubbard (Ohio) Public Library’s oldest patron, Lily Walter, who celebrates her 105th birthday in May, stopped by the library last month to renew her library card. She told the library she has loved reading and libraries for 101 years—as long as she can remember.
A Lifelong Love of Books and Libraries Read More »
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