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 report includes news from Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas, and Idaho.
For AAPI Heritage Month, the American Library Association/NBC Banned Book Club will discuss Khaled Hosseini’s acclaimed novel, “The Kite Runner.” Hosseini’s book has faced numerous bans and challenges since its release, rooted in Islamophobia and claims that it promotes sexual violence and terrorism.
The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) rolled through the Windy City April 26-28, bringing with it thousands of fans and exhibitors of everything pop culture—from comics books to role-playing and video games to movies and beyond. Given the literary underpinnings of almost every bit of media showcased at C2E2, it’s no surprise that book bans and libraries would be represented.
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 report includes news from Colorado, Utah, Florida, and a look at state efforts to ban book bans.
On the May 5 episode of “Last Week Tonight,” host John Oliver defended public libraries, stating they’ve become another front in the ongoing culture war as many experience attacks on their funding, staff, and collections.
ALA and NBC’s Banned Book Club will discuss Rupi Kaur’s “milk and honey” Thursday, April 25. “milk and honey” is a collection of poetry about love, trauma, and healing. In 2022, it was one of many books that conservative parents wanted banned from public schools in the state of Texas. The book was also banned in multiple school districts in Missouri in 2023.
In episode three of How I Library, host Phil Morehart speaks with Newbery Medal-winning authors Linda Sue Park (A Single Shard) and Kate DiCamillo (The Tale of Despereaux, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures). They discuss their latest books, writing for kids, book bans, their favorite library memories, and much more.
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 report includes news from Iowa, California, and Illinois, and words from an author speaking out against book bans in New Hampshire.
The American Library Association kicked off National Library Week, celebrated April 7-13, with the release of the annual State of America’s Libraries report, which contains the highly anticipated list of the top 10 most challenged books of 2023, along with the reasons why the books were banned or challenged.
Austin (Texas) Public Library has launched a social network to help teens keep access to banned books. The “Save The Books Social Network” brings together teens who are passionate about fighting for the freedom to read and want to see themselves represented in books at the library.
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