Halloween is creeping up on us fast. Celebrate your love of the spookiest of all holidays AND books with something from the ALA Store. Hang a poster in your crypt, slide a bookmark into your favorite horror novel, or unearth some horror reader’s advisory for more scares on the page.
New York Times-bestselling author Brad Meltzer credits a librarian with unlocking a word of wonder in him as a child and changing his life forever. He shared his story on social media this Library Card Sign-up Month (using the #HowILibrary hashtag) and has allowed us to share it here. It’s a wonderful memory.
Malorie Blackman fears for the future of libraries. The celebrated British author who served as the UK’s Children’s Laureate from 2013-2015 told attendees at the 2023 Hay Festival, a literature and arts fest held in Wales May 25-June 4, that libraries should be “ringfenced and protected” to ensure that all children have access to books.
Booklist and PBS Books kicked off their new collaboration last week with a perfectly seasonal conversation—about beach reads and summer reading! Heather-Marie Montilla, national director of PBS Books, hosted Susan Maguire, senior editor, collection management and library outreach at Booklist, for a fascinating discussion about the definition of “beach reads,” Booklist-recommended summer-reading faves across multiple genres, their favorite libraries, and more!
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, an annual celebration of the historical and cultural contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States. To commemorate, The 19th spoke with librarians, scholars, bookstore owners, and book lovers-including American Library Association (ALA) President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada-about themes that resonate with them in works by AAPI authors and books that best represent those ideas. The books reflect their desires for a deeper and more complex understanding of themselves and their communities.
“Seeing ourselves represented gives us confidence and power and encourages us to be able to be our whole selves,” said Pelayo-Lozada, who describes herself as a mixed-race Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander.
Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada
The books that Pelayo-Lozada selected are themed around Pasifika Power-works by those who can trace their heritage to more than 20 ethnic groups on the Pacific Islands. Her picks include a coming-of-age novel, collections of essays, poems, and stories, and a young adult (YA) novel.
Her favorite, From A Native Daughter (1993) by Haunani-Kay Trask, is a collection of essays that argue for Hawaiian sovereignty. Pelayo-Lozada said the book “unflinchingly calls out the racism, misogyny, and tourism that has acted against Native Hawaiian people’s autonomy” and was foundational in her understanding of her own identity. “I don’t know who I would be without that book,” she said.
The YA book she suggested, Dawn Raid (2018) by Pauline Vaeluaga Smith, follows a 12-year-old as she finds out that her brother is part of the Polynesian Panthers, a group in New Zealand that fought for the rights of indigenous Maori and Pacific Islanders.
Pelayo-Lozada’s other picks include Where We Once Belonged by Sia Figiel (1996), Habitat Threshold by Craig Santos-Perez (2020), and Vā: Stories by Women of the Moana, edited by Sesilia Eteuati and Lani Young (2021).
The other individuals profiled include Surabhi Balachander, a Ph.D student who chose Asian-American literature set outside AAPI population hubs; Jhoanna Belfer, a writer and bookstore owner who selected books themed around motherhood; Kat De Los Reyes, an attorney and host of #APIBookstagramTour on Instagram, who chose books that examine the past and the ties that bind you to your culture; and Ceci Lorraine, a high school teacher and bookstagrammer who highlighted books about visibility.
“A common experience of being Asian American is being erased, whether that’s like people falling into the model minority myth or people just not even knowing the history of Asian Americans,” Lorraine said. “That sort of theme of being erased or unacknowledged is what I would say has dominated my experience as an Asian American.”
Pelayo-Lozada echoed Lorraine’s words. “Growing up, I never really saw that many mixed-race, Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander stories,” she said.
AAPI Heritage Month-and these recommended books-are helping to alleviate that and provide long-overdue visibility and understanding.
PBS Books and Booklist, the book review journal published by the American Library Association (ALA), have joined forces to create the ultimate reading experience for book lovers of all ages everywhere.
Beginning this month, PBS Books content will be featured in Booklist Reader. This new partnership adds a multimedia dimension to the publication, including author interview videos, highlights of online book events and panels, book talks related to PBS series, and more. The collaboration also allows Booklist Reader and PBS Books to further their commitment to highlighting diverse reading recommendations and reinforces libraries as public spaces central to supporting culture, community, and creativity.
“I am proud that PBS Books is launching this exciting partnership with ALA’s Booklist Reader to share with library patrons its important work and significant PBS programming that supports the diversity of our great nation,” said Heather-Marie Montilla, national director of PBS Books. “We are thrilled to engage audiences, deliver quality digital programming, and highlight our dedication to libraries as the critical gathering place of communities.”
George Kendall, Booklist editor and publisher, noted that “the PBS Books partnership ensures that library workers and library patrons can now rely on Booklist Reader to provide the most unique, engaging, impactful, and immersive content experiences for all ages and all communities.”
ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall remarked: “PBS is nationally regarded for producing content that invites its audiences to think critically, while ALA is committed to enhancing education and ensuring access to information for all. That makes for a natural partner.”
The exciting partnership will begin with the May 2023 Booklist Reader issue.
The American Library Association (ALA) is giving an honorary lifetime membership to Dolly Parton! The award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist is receiving the honor for her longstanding support and commitment to inspiring a love of books and reading. Honorary membership is the highest honor given by ALA and conferred upon a living person whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on librarianship, libraries, and the communities they serve.
“ALA is proud to bestow this well-deserving honor upon Dolly Parton in recognition of her accomplishments in the world of libraries, learning and literacy,” said ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada. “Her Imagination Library initiative, which was inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, was launched to foster an early love of reading and learning in her hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee. Today this high-quality, book-gifting program reaches millions of children in five countries and is a shining example of her commitment to early childhood literacy and ensuring access to books for all children, which speaks to the core values of our organization.”
Parton’s Imagination Library mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth until age five-no matter their family’s income. In 2022, one out of 10 children under the age of five in the U.S. received an Imagination Library book from Parton each month. That’s more than 2 million books delivered each month! Parton considers the initiative to be one of her greatest achievements.
ALA will officially confer the honorary membership upon Parton this June during its Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago.
In addition to the honorary membership, Parton has also joined ALA’s Celebrity READ® Campaign! In the new poster, Parton holds the picture books The Little Engine That Could and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The poster is available now at the ALA Store.
Judy Blume’s 1970 book, Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. is a classic of young adult literature that follows an 11-year-old girl as she navigates puberty, religious questions, moving to a new city, and other big-life changes, all with Blume’s characteristic humor and warmth. And it’s now on the big screen in a new film from writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig (Edge of Seventeen).
I Love Libraries recently spoke with actor Abby Ryder Fortson, who stars as Margaret in the film adaptation of Blume’s beloved (and controversial) book. She shared with us how she prepared for the titular role, the film’s importance in a time of increasing book bans, and her love of libraries and reading.
Were you a fan of the book, Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.-or Judy Blume’s work in general-before you got the role in the film adaptation?
Honestly, my biggest secret is that I hadn’t actually read any of her books before getting the audition for Margaret! I had friends who had read it, and I had heard about her -you know, how wonderful she was and all of her writings-but I never actually read it. I was into fantasy and sci-fi and all that stuff when I was younger. But as soon as I got the audition, I read the book and I remember loving it so much and relating to Margaret so much. And I turned to my parents, and I remember saying, “Oh my gosh, this is it. This is the experience. How did someone write this down? Especially in the 1970s.” Reading the book is really what sold me on doing the project in the first place.
Margaret is an iconic literary character for generations of readers. Did you feel any pressure taking on this role? How did you approach Margaret?
Not really. I had talked to some people who had read the book when they were younger-especially my mom. She read the book, and she loved it. While I was doing my best to stay true to Margaret and her character, I didn’t really feel any pressure. But I do hope that readers who are watching the movie for nostalgia, because they read it so long ago when it first came out or they loved it in the past, I really hope that they like it.
For her character, I went back and read the book a million times. I worked on my script to death. I had pencil notes, pen marks, Post-It notes, highlights everywhere. The pages were just falling out of [my script], and I had to bobby pin them back together so they would stay in. I went through every single moment and thought about how she would react to someone saying something or how she would move in this new space. Both of my parents are actors, and they’ve been my coaches forever. They worked with me months beforehand, before even shooting, to really get her character down and get her ingrained in me.
Judy Blume has said that, while the book isn’t autobiographical, she put a lot of herself growing up into Margaret. Did you have any contact with Judy as you were preparing? Have you heard from her about your portrayal in the film?
I didn’t meet her before we were on set, but she came to visit. [Now] every single time she sees me, she just goes, “Oh, my Margaret!” I’ve heard that she’s very, very happy with how we adapted her beloved book. I’m so happy she loves it, because Margaret is her baby and she kind of gave it to us. It’s a new life, almost. I’m so happy that she loves it as much as we do.
What do you hope that viewers, especially young women and teenagers, take away from this film?
I hope that it’s a great conversation opener. There’s a lot of unnecessary mystique or taboo about puberty topics, especially in a time when books are being banned and laws are being made. We can’t talk about these things. It’s unfortunate that it’s happening. I think that this film will show people that it’s okay to talk about things that might seem uncomfortable at first. It’s really important that we do talk about them so people know that they’re not alone; that everything that they’re going through is something that millions of people have gone through before. It’s a really great thing to be able to share with your kids or friends or something. It’s a great bonding experience to just go, “Oh, yeah, my first bra-buying experience-that was horrible, so awkward.” Or, you know, “My first kiss. God, oh, I never want to relive that.” I think it’s a great bonding time for anyone who goes to see it, and it’s a great experience for everyone all ways around.
What role does the library play in your life? Do you have any special library memories that you’d like to share?
Oh, my gosh, I am the biggest reader in the world! I always have been. I love books so, so much. When I was in kindergarten through 8th grade at this one specific school, I would go to the library every single day and bring home a stack of like six books to just devour. There was this amazing librarian there who would give me so many recommendations, and I just loved her to death.
What are you reading now? And if you had to pick one book, what is your favorite?
I have a lot of books that I’m reading now. Currently, I kind of got back into the classics. I’ve been rereading, like Crime and Punishment and The Picture of Dorian Gray. I love all those kinds of things. I just started The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
I think one of my favorites that I used to read all the time would have to be Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. I love it and was such a fan when I was younger. It’s just a great book. Honestly, I read it in like an hour or something, because it was just so great to read.
Catch Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. in theaters nationwide April 28.
Going fine-free can pay off-just ask Houston (Texas) Public Library (HPL).
In January, Houston City Council voted to eliminate fines at HPL to encourage residents to use the library after seeing a decline in users. HPL held an amnesty period from January 18 to February 17 to allow users to return overdue books and materials and start over with a clean account. The results were astonishing: 3,098 customers had their overdue fines wiped during the amnesty period and returned 21,245 items-$425,000 worth of books and other materials. HPL cleared patron accounts with balances as high as $1,000 and even received three books checked out in 1992. Amazing!
Julie Mintzer, deputy assistant director of HPL, told Houston Public Media that many patrons were surprised to learn that their fines had been removed from their accounts.
“A lot of people didn’t believe it, they were so thrilled,” Mintzer said. “Some people accrued fines on their accounts for different reasons, whether it be a family member who checked items out, whether they have lost things during a storm or other natural disasters-so they were shocked.”
Mintzer said eliminating the fines has led to an increase in patron visits to HPL: 850 customers who returned materials during the amnesty period are actively using the library again.
“What we realized … is that, when you can take away that financial barrier, more people will come and utilize the resources,” she said. “For the folks who had their accounts blocked, and they couldn’t check out items-once their accounts were cleared, they’re coming back to the library and they’re coming back strong, and we’re thrilled.”
Libraries across the country are eliminating fines for overdue materials, but it is a controversial topic nonetheless. Some libraries have halted the practice, citing concerns that fines keep patrons away, while others have kept them in place as needed revenue streams. Some libraries also use fines to teach personal responsibility, while others consider that lesson outside the realm of librarianship.
American Libraries has a wealth of information on the library-fine debate, from point-counterpoint discussions to round-table conversations to profiles of libraries that have gone fine-free. Explore it all here.
Photo by Element5 Digital.
This is a tough time to be a librarian. Materials and programs are being challenged, and core library values of inclusivity and freedom of information are at stake. I spoke to two librarians on the front line of the struggle to find out what it’s really like and how they are holding up. They asked to remain anonymous to protect their jobs, but they are both degreed librarians who work extensively with the public, including young people, at a medium-sized library in the Midwest. “V” is a librarian and “F” is their supervisor.
Thank you for agreeing to talk to me. I know this is a wild time to be working with the public. Let’s start with a little background. How has the past year or so been different for you in terms of materials challenges?
V: Historically, I have observed maybe one or two challenges per year. This past year the number of challenges has significantly increased, and the original challengers have not been satisfied with the verdicts, so they then appeal the challenges and become publicly adversarial. There’s also an added organized political element (the misleadingly named Moms for Liberty, Moms for Libraries) getting involved, which definitely doesn’t help in conducting civil and rational discourse with the challengers and agitated community members.
F: I’ve worked in various library systems both small, very large, and medium; typically, even in the very large system, there would be maybe one challenge a year. Most of these challenges (which were again very few) were LBGT-focused and were “hot button” controversial titles that appeared on social media. For this library’s size, we have gotten more than 10 times the normal number of challenges. Many of the challenges are alleging that the library is full of pornography and its librarians are selecting that pornography to endanger minors.
What was the procedure for book challenges before? Are folks following that procedure?
F: Procedures for challenging books were consistent. Patrons who wanted to challenge a book received a form that they would then fill out explaining why they believed the material should be removed from the specific section and/or library. That form would then go to a staff committee who would take a deeper dive into that challenge. Most patrons who are adamant about the challenge will follow the process, as that’s the only way it can possibly be changed. Sometimes this process deters folks from formally challenging and they are satisfied with just being heard by staff members.
If you are selectors, has this new environment of challenges/selection policy changed how you select books, especially for young people?
V: I am not a selector, but every time I encounter a book, a display, a potential program opportunity at my library, a part of me is starting to look at it through a lens of “What problem will this cause for us? Will I get myself/my supervisor/my department/my admin in trouble?” I fear I’m beginning to preemptively censor things for self-preservation and institutional survival.
F: I too am not a selector but work very close with the selectors. I would say that this has caused delays in materials being selected, especially in our teen collection, because we are under such high scrutiny that we cannot afford to make a “mistake”-which I put in quotations because it’s not that we make a mistake on the professional level in selecting materials for all, but in the eyes of the very conservative board majority and public minority. Unfortunately, it feels like we must make our choices based on that public minority rather than the whole community, just so that we stay out of trouble with the board.
Are you getting challenges to programs as well, or just materials?
F: Programs that are being challenged are in regards to book clubs.
V: We are having to be more cautious about potential programs, too. We’ve had a few youth programs about health and bodies that our admin, in an abundance of caution that I absolutely understand, have nixxed. I’m not sure I am using the term correctly, but it’s beginning to feel as though all of these challenges and the ignorance/hostility of the board is starting to have a “chilling effect” on our future program plans.
What kind of support do you get from your administration or library board?
F: I will say that the majority of the library board does not “support” us in the way that would typically happen from a board. Part of this is in their demeanor. When community members are representing the board’s views, they pay attention; when community members don’t, they will scoff and/or not pay attention. Sometimes lack of support from the board does take the form of the materials being relocated against the judgment of library professionals, professional reviewers, etc. On the flipside, there are board members who are very much in support of us as library professionals who know how to do their jobs. Most of our board members are new members within the last year. I would also point out, while there have been these challenges towards materials, the majority of people who attend the board meetings are in support of the library.
V: Perhaps mine has been an unusual experience, but the boards at the past libraries I’ve worked at have been extraordinarily supportive of the library directors and the ways in which they run things-the boards have been very trusting and respectful. People in the communities challenged things at those libraries, but the boards really supported the directors’ decisions. This current environment, however, seems to be up-ending things. Of course we expect challenges and concerns from the community; that’s no surprise. What is surprising is that now, not only is the majority of the Board not supporting the library staff in their decisions, they seem to be creating challenges themselves. Censorship and book banning? Although it’s definitely on the rise, ultimately nothing new there. Hostile and disconnected library boards joining in on the nonsense? That’s a new one, at least for me.
How has this new environment of challenges/selection policy affected your day-to-day work life?
V: On a practical level, the added work and problems that have arisen from all of the challenges have really impacted our ability to pursue many of the projects that we want to take on to serve the community. It’s pretty discouraging to realize how much taxpayer money is being wasted as a result of these attempts at censorship. On a mental and emotional level, I’m discouraged and afraid; I’m beginning to hear rumors of library workers being doxxed, to say nothing of character assassination and the threats to our careers and livelihoods. You can imagine the impact this has on our mental and emotional health.
F: I absolutely agree with everything that D said. Large library-wide initiatives have had to move to the back burner to make capacity for changes with the selection policy as well as challenges. Each book that is challenged has to be read in its entirety by a committee of staff members, thorough research done surrounding age-appropriateness, etc., which pulls staff from other projects. The library is a place for all and because of the vocal minority, initiatives and projects that would bring resources and support to other community members gets pushed back. For me, mentally, I feel like I am constantly having to be on guard and feeling like Big Brother is watching over me. It’s taxing, has forced me to attend more therapy sessions, has taken me away from normal interactions with staff just so I can do the other new projects that have come up because of this.
F, as a supervisor, how do you help your employees feel empowered to do their work in the face of such challenges?
F: I let my employees know that my door is open any time that they need to talk or work through new board created/modified policies. I try my best to detail and operationalize the policies that the board creates in a way that can be accomplished by staff. It’s important to be as open and honest as one can be, especially in the wake of challenges both by patrons and board members, when it goes against everything you’ve been taught about best practices in librarianship. At the end of the day, we are doing what we can to best serve the community and remain a place for all.
Susan Maguire is senior editor, collection management and library outreach, at Booklist.
*First published February 13, 2023 (Booklist Online). Photo by Element5 Digital.
