News and Updates
‘How I Library’ Episode 17: Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor
In episode 17 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with filmmakers Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor about their new documentary, “Free for All: The Public Library,” which premieres April 29 on PBS’s Independent Lens.
Banned Book-Themed Speakeasy Raises Funds for Libraries
Cocktails and banned books come together this week to raise awareness, funds for libraries, and spirits at a pop-up speakeasy in the Washington, D.C. area.
Shelter from the Storm
Receiving a grant from the American Library Association allowed an Iowa library to offer its community a safe space from tornadoes and other inclement weather.
Libraries, Librarians, and Library Lovers Light Up C2E2
The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) rolled into town April 11-13 and proved—once again—to be a haven for library lovers.
NASA Helps Tribal Librarians Explore the Universe
NASA voyaged a little closer to home when it held a professional development workshop for Tribal libraries at New Mexico State Library in August 2024. Facilitated by the NASA Science Activation program’s NASA@ My Library project with input from area Tribal libraries, the program explored an array of space-related programming and activities that libraries could adapt.
The Secret Life of Librarians Nominated for a Webby Award
The Secret Life of Librarians has been nominated for a Webby Award! Watch the series, then cast your vote for America’s librarians by April 17!
Ten Ways to Show Up for Libraries
It’s Take Action for Libraries Day! Observed on the Thursday of National Library Week each year, Take Action for Libraries Day rallies people across the U.S. to speak out and show their support for libraries. Because now more than ever, libraries need us. Here are 10 easy ways you can act, from calling Congress to advocate for library funding to spreading the word on social media and more.
‘How I Library’ Episode 16: Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
In episode 16 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with comic book artists—and honorary co-chairs of National Library Week—Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud.
Booklist Reader: Read-alikes for The Cartoonists Club
Raina Telgemeier is practically a household name when it comes to kids comics, and Scott McCloud wrote one of the foremost books (Understanding Comics) explaining how comics work. Readers inspired by the duo’s latest collaboration, “The Cartoonists Club,” will appreciate these other titles that teach key elements of cartooning and offer stories of kids creating comics together—and sometimes both at the same time.
Library Outreach Helps a Hawaii Community Heal
After wildfires tore through western Maui, bookmobile librarian Jessica Gleason rolled in to help a grieving community.
ALA Sues Trump to Protect Libraries
The American Library Association (ALA) is suing to protect libraries. ALA is joining forces with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, the largest union representing museum and library workers, to challenge the Trump administration’s gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The lawsuit asks the court to block the dismantling of IMLS as directed by a Trump executive order.
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.
‘The Hippest Damn Library in the Country’
A library in Connecticut has become one of the most rockin’ places in the United States. Dubbed “the hippest damn library in the country” by Talking Heads drummer Chris Franz and “the coolest damn library, ever” by The Doors drummer John Densmore, Westport Library has embraced rock ‘n’ roll, hip hop, and contemporary music to create vibrant programming.
White House Cutting Off Opportunities for Americans with IMLS Staff Cuts, Says ALA President
On March 31, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) staff were placed on administrative leave and all grants and contracts were suspended and ultimately likely to be cancelled as a result of President Trump’s executive order requiring IMLS and six other federal agencies to “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” American Library Association president Cindy Hohl pleaded with Congress to act and urged Americans everywhere to speak out against the move.
Library Advocates Show Up for E-Rate
Advocates from the American Library Association and other public interest groups rallied on Capitol Hill in support of E-Rate, a federal program that funds broadband for libraries and schools, as the Supreme Court weighs its constitutionality.
U.S. Book Challenges Update: March 2025 Edition
Texas threatens jail time for school librarians who provide classic literature to students. “The Kite Runner” author speaks out about his book being banned in Minnesota schools. These are among the stories in our latest report on book bans and challenges happening across the U.S. and efforts to thwart them.
Books to Build Civic Engagement
It’s never too early to learn about the importance and power of elections. Developed by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, the Inspiring Future Voters booklist is a collection of titles that will help young people understand the importance of voting, civic engagement, and making their voices heard.
ALA Warns New IMLS Acting Director Not to Cut Legally Mandated Programs for Libraries and Museums
The American Library Association urged the new acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Keith Sonderling, to be mindful of the legal obligations that Congress has imposed on the agency.
What Does the Institute of Museum and Library Services Do, and How Will Its Elimination Affect You?
Some of the many programs that may be affected by the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services include: early literacy development; summer reading programs for kids; high-speed internet access; employment assistance for job seekers; braille and talking books for people with visual impairments; staff training, recruitment, and professional development; preservation, maintenance, and digitization of collections; and so much more.
‘How I Library’ Episode 17: Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor
In episode 17 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with filmmakers Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor about their new documentary, “Free for All: The Public Library,” which premieres April 29 on PBS’s Independent Lens.
Banned Book-Themed Speakeasy Raises Funds for Libraries
Cocktails and banned books come together this week to raise awareness, funds for libraries, and spirits at a pop-up speakeasy in the Washington, D.C. area.
Shelter from the Storm
Receiving a grant from the American Library Association allowed an Iowa library to offer its community a safe space from tornadoes and other inclement weather.
Libraries, Librarians, and Library Lovers Light Up C2E2
The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) rolled into town April 11-13 and proved—once again—to be a haven for library lovers.
NASA Helps Tribal Librarians Explore the Universe
NASA voyaged a little closer to home when it held a professional development workshop for Tribal libraries at New Mexico State Library in August 2024. Facilitated by the NASA Science Activation program’s NASA@ My Library project with input from area Tribal libraries, the program explored an array of space-related programming and activities that libraries could adapt.
The Secret Life of Librarians Nominated for a Webby Award
The Secret Life of Librarians has been nominated for a Webby Award! Watch the series, then cast your vote for America’s librarians by April 17!
Ten Ways to Show Up for Libraries
It’s Take Action for Libraries Day! Observed on the Thursday of National Library Week each year, Take Action for Libraries Day rallies people across the U.S. to speak out and show their support for libraries. Because now more than ever, libraries need us. Here are 10 easy ways you can act, from calling Congress to advocate for library funding to spreading the word on social media and more.
‘How I Library’ Episode 16: Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
In episode 16 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with comic book artists—and honorary co-chairs of National Library Week—Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud.
Booklist Reader: Read-alikes for The Cartoonists Club
Raina Telgemeier is practically a household name when it comes to kids comics, and Scott McCloud wrote one of the foremost books (Understanding Comics) explaining how comics work. Readers inspired by the duo’s latest collaboration, “The Cartoonists Club,” will appreciate these other titles that teach key elements of cartooning and offer stories of kids creating comics together—and sometimes both at the same time.
Library Outreach Helps a Hawaii Community Heal
After wildfires tore through western Maui, bookmobile librarian Jessica Gleason rolled in to help a grieving community.
