Library Outreach Helps a Hawaii Community Heal
After wildfires tore through western Maui, bookmobile librarian Jessica Gleason rolled in to help a grieving community.
National Library Week Kicks Off with Release of New Book Censorship Data
The American Library Association kicked off National Library Week with the release of new data on book censorship in 2024 and the Top 10 Most Challenged Books List, which includes “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson, “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe, “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison, and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky. The data shows that the majority of book censorship attempts now originate from organized movements.
A Look Back at National Library Week 2024
As National Library Week draws to a close, we’re reminiscing about the multitude of ways that library lovers across the country celebrated libraries and how they impact our lives every day.
Take Action for Your Library This Election Year
From Congress to local library boards, our elected officials need to hear from library supporters at all levels of government—especially during election years. To launch ALA’s new Reader, Voter, Ready campaign, we’re asking library advocates to pledge to get informed, get registered, and get ready to vote!
Libraries Reaching Out: A Year of Innovation
2023 was a tumultuous year for libraries. Book bans dominated headlines as well as city council and school board meetings, threatening the access of information to readers of all ages and the livelihoods and safety of library workers across the country. Despite these upheavals, libraries soldiered on to provide critical services to their communities—and developed truly innovative programs along the way. This National Library Outreach Day, we survey some standouts.
Library Workers Are Shining Stars
Celebrated each year on the Tuesday of National Library Week, National Library Workers Day is an opportunity to recognize the hard-working, dedicated, and often-underpaid library professionals who keep our libraries thriving, especially during these challenging times. Please take a moment to appreciate the library worker in your life today!
The Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
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.
My Love of Brussels Sprouts—and Other Reasons to Celebrate National Library Week
Author and this year’s honorary chair of National Library Week (NLW), Meg Medina, kicks off NLW 2024 by sharing what led her to become an advocate for and lover of libraries.
Ready, Set, National Library Week!
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.
Celebrate the Right to Read with The New Republic
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.