Communities across the U.S. will come together April 7–13 for National Library Week, the annual celebration of libraries and library workers. This year’s theme, “Ready, Set, Library!” is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a call to action for Americans to rediscover the treasure trove of opportunities libraries offer.
On April 8, also known as Right to Read Day, the New Republic is presenting a free discussion on banned and challenged books with authors Lauren Groff, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Ellen Hopkins, George M. Johnson, David Levithan, Ashley Hope Perez, Jodi Picoult, and Jacqueline Woodson, hosted by MSNBC’s Katie Phang.
The American Library Association and I Love Libraries are proud to release the new podcast “How I Library.” This monthly series will feature authors, filmmakers, musicians, scholars, thought leaders, and, of course, librarians discussing the importance of libraries, their favorite library memories, and issues facing the library world.
We’re still buzzing from National Library Week (NLW), which wrapped on Saturday, April 29. The awareness, advocacy, and love for libraries, librarians, and library workers that we saw throughout the country was outstanding. While it would be a near-impossible task for us to highlight every single way that libraries were championed during NLW 2023, one instance stood out for us.
In addition to officially proclaiming April 23-29, 2023, to be “California Library Week,” California Governor Gavin Newsom penned a love letter to the “nation’s hardworking librarians” at the close of NLW, thanking them for their service and for changing the lives of people everywhere-himself included. We’d be lying if we said the letter didn’t bring a tear to our eyes. Here it is, in full.
To our nation’s hardworking librarians-
You share words with the world, and as we close out National Library Week, I want to share two words with you: Thank you.
In my childhood, I struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia. Books and words weren’t just difficult to read-they felt entirely out of reach. Without them, my world was far smaller than it could have been: I avoided classrooms and libraries for reasons I couldn’t fully understand or articulate. But as I grew, my world did too. Through support, advice, and mentorship from specialists, educators, and librarians too numerous to list, I didn’t just fall in love with words… my life started revolving around them. Because people-people like you-took the time to care about me, to show me the power of words and the power of books, I was able to find my footing in business, service, and eventually, elected office. I am in your debt.
You helped get me here. And my story isn’t unique. Librarians change lives every day. Your impact goes far beyond book recommendations (although, you have recommended many great books over the years). You help us start new chapters at every stage of our lives, showing us the magic of reading as children, and teaching us new skills in our golden years. You are the heart of our communities, providing a way out and a way up for those unsure of where they’re going-including those who are unhoused, unemployed, or simply looking for a new path.
You guard the sanctity of our pasts, good and bad, as you shepherd the possibilities of our tomorrows.
And yet, despite your indispensable contributions-or perhaps because of them-you have become the target of unjust attacks across the nation. Idealogues and demagogues are attacking you for championing diversity, inclusion, and equity-for making sure our children and all people belong. You are facing censorship, battling record numbers of book bans and challenges, as you defend free access to literary works, especially those written by authors who are often targeted: LGBTQ+ writers, writers of color, and those daring to challenge the status quo.
It is more important than ever that we have your back and that we ensure and expand access to public libraries and defend your essential role in preserving freedom. We must refuse to dabble in the zealotry of whitewashing literature and banning books. And in California, we are. Together, we’ve accomplished some incredible things: investing hundreds of millions to equitably improve and modernize your workplaces; working to preserve and share our historically and culturally significant materials by investing in library digitization; renovating and enhancing the Jewish Family and Children’s Services Holocaust Center Library and Archives building; expanding and diversifying our library resources to promote health and wellness and reflect our multilingual and multicultural communities; and beyond. We’ve even worked with Dolly Parton to establish a Statewide Imagination Library.
In California, we know libraries hold more than books-so much more. Libraries, and librarians, stand at the crossroads of opportunity and information, acting as gateways to online job training and educational upskilling programs; to state parks by enabling people to check out a parks pass, regardless of income; and to food through free lunch programs. And above all else, our library walls hold the most valuable treasure: you.
So, I will continue to stand up for you – and stand up to those that get in your way. California has your back, because you’ve always had ours. You’ve always had mine.
I know from my own challenges with dyslexia that when we help people read, we help them succeed. You do that every day. The value of a librarian is inestimable-you go beyond books, and even beyond knowledge. You open the doors to possibility. To opportunity, imagination, and the pursuit of freedom. I’ve experienced it firsthand.
This National Library Week, and always, thank you.
In gratitude,
Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
Thanks to Governor Newsom-and many other governors and state leaders-for celebrating and providing incredible visibility for libraries during NLW. Keep the love going throughout the year!
Photo: Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons
The popular conception that libraries are simply book repositories has been turned on its head over the years, with libraries expanding to offer a myriad of services and materials for their communities. They lend items like museum passes, games, musical instruments, and tools. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. And library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.
The theme of National Library Week 2023-“There’s More to the Story”-explores and celebrates the variety of things offered at local libraries that can help you tell your story to its fullest. Here are a few of our favorites that we’ve found available at libraries of all types across the country.
For the home
A sewing machine available at Los Angeles Public Library. Photo: Los Angeles Public Library
Gardening equipment and programs
Digital access
Entertainment
Board games available at Washington County (Oreg.) Cooperative Library Services. Photo: Washington County Cooperative Library Services
STEM equipment
Audio/video equipment
The video production facility at Monroe County (Ind.) Public Library. Photo: Monore County Public Library
Projectors and screens for movies
Employment aids
Community-minded programs and services
Law Librarians of New England work with Rhode Island’s early suffrage documents at a 2018 transcription party. Photo: Joe Graziano/Rhode Island Department of State
Local history resources and events
Museum and cultural attraction passes
Crafting
What’s your favorite non-traditional item or service offered at your library? Email pmorehart@ala.org, and let us know!
Today is Take Action for Libraries Day, an annual day of action during National Library Week!
From Congress to local library boards, our elected officials need to hear from library supporters at all levels of government. This year, library advocates like you are joining together to tell Congress to protect the freedom to read and stand against censorship. Threats to the right to read have increased dramatically in recent years, and Congress must stand against any attempts to restrict intellectual freedom.
Use these tools to take action and remind Congress why the freedom to read must be protected.
Tell Congress to stand with school libraries
Library champions in Congress just reintroduced critical legislation to support school libraries and students’ freedom to read! The Right to Read Act, introduced by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-7), would create protections for school librarians and students’ right to read, as well as require every student to have access to a school library, staffed by a certified school librarian. This legislation has the potential to impact millions of students across the country, providing a much-needed infusion of funding for school libraries, and a huge step forward in the fight against censorship.
The American Library Association is urging members of Congress to stand with school librarians, students, and other educators nationwide by cosponsoring this legislation. Take action and urge your members of Congress to sign on!
Bring Congress to your library
Invite your members of Congress to a virtual or in-person tour of your library! Showcasing the successes and needs of your library to your elected officials is a great way to establish relationships with elected leaders. Check out the in-person tour checklist, and learn more about how to successfully welcome Congress into your library with our dedicated tour resource page which includes recorded sample tours.
Libraries stand up for everyone’s right to read, even materials that might be considered controversial. This week, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF)—which tracks censorship attempts in libraries and schools—announced their list of the top 10 most challenged books of 2021.
Last year, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals. Most targeted books were by or about Black or LGBTQIA+ persons. It was the highest number of attempted books bans since ALA began compiling these lists 20 years ago.
The 2021 list includes:
1. Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe. Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images.
2. Lawn Boy, by Jonathan Evison. Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
3. All Boys Aren’t Blue, by George M. Johnson. Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
4. Out of Darkness, by Ashley Hope Perez. Banned, challenged, and restricted for depictions of abuse and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
5. The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas. Banned and challenged for profanity, violence, and because it was thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda.
6. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie. Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and use of a derogatory term.
7. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, by Jesse Andrews. Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women.
8. The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison. Banned and challenged because it depicts child sexual abuse and was considered sexually explicit.
9. This Book is Gay, by Juno Dawson. Banned, challenged, relocated, and restricted for providing sexual education and LGBTQIA+ content.
10. Beyond Magenta, by Susan Kuklin. Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
For more information about censorship in libraries and schools, visit the OIF website.
This National Library Week, in the wake of this unprecedented rise in book challenges and banning across the US, ALA has launched Unite Against Book Bans, a national campaign of readers against book censorship.
There is broad and bipartisan opposition to book removal efforts in both local public libraries and school libraries. People acknowledge that readers of all ages need to have access to a variety of books, and they agree that parents should make decisions for their own children, but not for other parents’ children.
This campaign will bring together people from across the country who are opposed to book banning. Together, we will raise our voices for everyone’s freedom to read.
Visit Unite Against Book Bans for more information about book banning in the US, access to toolkits to help fight censorship, and to record a video message voicing your opposition to book bans.
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