News and Updates
Texas Libraries Provide a Lifeline to Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Libraries play a critical and often overlooked role in helping their patrons and communities address mental health challenges. Libraries in Texas are taking this responsibility to heart, and one did so with help from the American Library Association.
Federal Court Halts Dismantling of Institute of Museum and Library Services
The library world experienced a victory yesterday when the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order to block President Trump’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the only federal agency dedicated to the nation’s libraries and museums.
Hey Kids, It’s Summer Reading Time
The school year is wrapping up for many students, giving them even more time to discover some new favorite books. Thankfully, the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association, has released its 2025 Summer Reading Lists just in time. ALSC’s Summer Reading Lists feature books and digital media options to keep children engaged in reading and exploring throughout the summer. Here are some highlights.
U.S. Book Challenges Update: April 2025 Edition
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 Tennessee and Texas, as well as looks at two authors who are standing up against book censorship.
‘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.
Making Memories at the Library
Residents of Redding, Connecticut, can now connect with loved ones experiencing memory loss thanks to a program implemented at Mark Twain Library. And it all began with one simple patron request.
Freedom Walk: School Library Creates Interactive Program to Teach About Censorship
A school librarian in Texas created an award-winning interactive “Freedom Walk” to teach students and the community how censorship issues affect library access.
2025 ALA Youth Media Awards: The top books and digital media for children and young adults
The annual announcement of the American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards is the biggest event of the year in the world of children’s publishing. The very best books and media of the previous year chosen by librarians. And who knows children’s literature better than librarians? The Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, Coretta Scott King, and other
Author Pens Letter Urging School District to Reinstate Banned Book
Author Kyle Lukoff sent a letter this week to Escambia County (Fla.) School Board over its decision to remove his book, “Too Bright to See,” from its libraries because it features a transgender character. The letter was sent in tandem with a request from Penguin Random House and PEN America urging the district to reinstate the book and stop restricting students’ right to read.
New Reads for a New Year
Are you looking to start the new year with a new book? The editors at Booklist, the American Library Association’s book review journal, share a wealth of suggestions on the latest episode of their podcast.
Public Libraries Share Their Most-Borrowed Books of 2024
NPR’s Neda Ulaby scanned the most-borrowed-books lists of 2024 from several public libraries across U.S. to see what library-goers were reading throughout the year. The selections are a mix of new titles and some older favorites.
‘How I Library’ Episode 14: Vicky Jenson, Glenn Slater, and Alan Menken
In episode 14 of the How I Library podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with Vicky Jenson, Glenn Slater, and Alan Menken, the director, lyricist, and composer, respectively, of the animated musical, “Spellbound.”
Looking for Something to Watch? Library of Congress Adds 25 Classics to National Film Registry
On December 17, the Library of Congress announced the latest batch of films being added to the National Film Registry. Twenty-five films are added to the registry each year in recognition of their cultural, historic, or aesthetic importance and to raise awareness for film preservation.
Ten Honorees Receive Prestigious I Love My Librarian Award
The American Library Association has announced the 10 recipients of the I Love My Librarian Award. Serving communities across the nation, the 2025 award winners include four academic librarians, three public librarians, and three school librarians who were nominated by community members for their expertise, dedication, and impact on the people in their communities.
Library Lover Gives Transformational Bequest to Fund Scholarships for Aspiring Librarians
A library lover in Washington, D.C., has made a record-setting $25 million bequest to the American Library Association to fund library school scholarships for students with demonstrated financial needs.
U.S. Book Challenges Update: February 2025 Edition
More than 500 books removed from schools in Tennessee. An Oscar-winning actor reacts to her book being banned. These are among the stories in our latest report on book bans and challenges happening across the U.S. and efforts to thwart them.
‘How I Library’ Podcast Episode 15: Eric Rogers
In episode 15 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with television, film, and podcast writer Eric Rogers, whose credits include “Futurama,” “NYPD Blue,” “Skylanders Academy,” “Polly Pocket,” “Teen Titans Go!,” and more. He is currently the creator, executive producer, and showrunner of the animated series for kids, “Angry Birds: Mystery Island.” Rogers joins the show to discuss “Angry Birds,” his writing career, what goes into making a television show, especially an animated show for kids, and of course, how he libraries.
Fifty-Five Years of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association
Fifty-five years ago, Black librarians came together to establish an organization that would change librarianship and the American Library Association. Established in 1970, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association advocates for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation’s African American community and provides leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians. It was the culmination of decades of conversations and work.
And the Best Graphic Novels for Adults of 2024 Are…
Attention comic book and graphic novel lovers—this is big news! The American Library Association’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table has announced its 2024 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List and Top 10 List.
What Does It Mean to Be Human?
A touring exhibit that looks deep into the past to explain how humankind evolved over millennia has found welcome homes in libraries and seminaries across the United States.
Poverty and Philanthropy: Combining Education with Community Needs
In the latter half of the 2010s, 6th graders at Wyoming (Ohio) Middle School took a class that gave them firsthand experience in addressing food disparity in the community—one that ended up winning the school in the Cincinnati suburbs a grant from the American Library Association.
Give Your Library Lover an ALA Valentine
Valentine’s Day is here—and what better way to celebrate than by spreading your love of libraries?
We’ve Made Some Changes
We’ve made some changes here at I Love Libraries, but one thing has remained the same: our dedication to sharing the wonderful world of libraries with you. And the facelift allows us to do that in exciting, new ways.
Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud Want You to Support the American Library Association
Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud are legends in the comic book world—and huge supporters of the American Library Association. They want you to support ALA too.
Making Memories at the Library
Residents of Redding, Connecticut, can now connect with loved ones experiencing memory loss thanks to a program implemented at Mark Twain Library. And it all began with one simple patron request.
