General

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.