April 3-9 is National Library Week—a time for library lovers across the country to celebrate literacy, intellectual freedom, and equitable access to information. As the COVID-19 pandemic moves into its third year, libraries are proving to be more essential than ever, providing services and programs that have kept communities strong even while socially distancing. The […]
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Amid the recent upswing in efforts to ban books across the United States, a new national poll commissioned by the American Library Association (ALA) shows that seven in 10 voters oppose efforts to remove books from public libraries, including majorities of voters across party lines. According to the poll, large majorities of voters (71%) oppose
Majority of Voters Support the Freedom to Read Read More »
This is a guest post by Kristin Pekoll, assistant director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. We often hear about book bans from the perspective of the banners, but these events affect whole communities, particularly library professionals on the receiving end of accusations and threats. I know because it happened to me
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There’s been a lot of debate on the Hill and in the media about what constitutes infrastructure. As the Biden Administration begins its push to pass a $2 trillion package designed to reshape and rebuild the economy – and the country – library supporters like Eric Klinenberg are asking: why aren’t libraries a part of this bill? Writing in
Urgent Action is Needed to Support Libraries this Infrastructure Week Read More »
Libraries have always been cornerstones of their communities, and during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve transformed their services to connect people with the resources they need while maintaining social distancing. But while libraries are among our nation’s important institutions, many are woefully underfunded. New federal legislation would help fix that, providing much-needed upgrades to library
It Only Takes Two Minutes to Help Build America’s Libraries Read More »
Searching for the perfect presents for the book lovers in your life? We’ve curated some of the coolest posters, accessories, activity books, and more for readers and librarians. The best part: the profits from all of these items support the American Library Association (ALA)’s efforts to promote equity and access to information for all. Your
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For more than thirty years, actors, authors, and musicians have teamed up with the American Library Association’s READ® campaign to promote the joy of literacy. This week, The Mandalorian’s breakout star The Child—also known as Baby Yoda and Grogu—is joining their ranks with his very own celebrity READ® poster. Back in the early 1980s, ALA’s Yoda READ® poster graced
Drop Everything and Look at This Adorable Baby Yoda READ® Poster Read More »
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people everywhere are turning to the web for school, work, and community—but for the 33 million U.S. households without a home internet connection, getting online isn’t so simple. Since lockdown began in March 2020, libraries have gotten creative to promote digital equity and access; supporting the American Library Association (ALA) is
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It’s Banned Books Week—the annual celebration of the freedom to read! Books, resources, and programs are still being threatened with censorship in libraries and schools. Thankfully, library workers, educators, and readers are rallying together year-round to protect their communities’ First Amendment rights. Take a stand against censorship with these cool shirts, mugs, and more from the
8 Products for Fighting Censorship in Style Read More »
Banned Books Week is here, a time to stand up for everyone’s freedom to read. Librarians, teachers, authors, and more are coming together to push back against censorship—will you join the fight for intellectual freedom? Even in 2020, schools and libraries still face pressure to remove controversial titles from their bookshelves and reading lists. Materials that
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