U.S. Book Challenges Update: January 2026 Edition

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 Utah, Texas, and Ohio.

Book Review of the Week: ‘Wake Now in the Fire’

For this installment of our weekly book reviews from Booklist, the American Library Association’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Sarah Hunter’s review of “Wake Now in the Fire,” written by Jarrett Dapier and illustrated by AJ Dungo, first published January 16, 2026, on Booklist Online.

‘How I Library’ Episode 29: Thien Ho

In episode 29 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with Thien Ho, District Attorney of Sacramento County, California, whose new book, “The People vs. the Golden State Killer” (Third State Books, 2025), documents the hunt for and prosecution of serial killer Joseph DeAngelo, aka the Golden State Killer.

ALA Turns 150

2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the American Library Association (ALA). To kick off the year’s festivities, ALA President Sam Helmick has penned a thoughtful piece on ALA’s anniversary and the year ahead for the Association, ALA members, and library and book lovers everywhere.

Watch ‘The Librarians’ and Rally for the Right to Read

Have you not yet seen the award-winning documentary “The Librarians”? Or want to see it again? Then you’re in luck. On January 10, the creators of “The Librarians” are hosting a one-night-only online screening of the film on Kinema, followed by a virtual “Right to Read” rally featuring a conversation with the filmmakers and more.

Book Review of the Week: ‘The Age of Calamities’

For this installment of our weekly book reviews from Booklist, ALA’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Allison Cho’s review of Senaa Ahmad’s “The Age of Calamities,” first published November 6, 2025, on Booklist Online.