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.
Empathy, Homelessness, and the Library
I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart spoke with author Ryan Dowd about his book, “The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone,” as a part of ALA Editions/ALA Neal-Schuman’s new online book club. It was a fascinating discussion about libraries and homelessness in the U.S. that also offered tools that can improve human relations across the board.
Give the Gift of ALA Gear This Holiday Season
This holiday season, show the world how much you love libraries and support ALA at the same time with hats, shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more goodies from the ALA Graphics Gift Shop. Save 25% on everything and enjoy FREE shipping through December 8!
‘How I Library’ Episode 13: Raj Tawney
In episode 13 of the “How I Library” podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with writer and journalist Raj Tawney about his new book, “All Mixed Up,” the semiautobiographical story of a multi-ethnic American boy who forges a complex friendship with a Pakistani immigrant in the wake of 9/11.
Get ‘Wicked’ at the Library
Idina Menzel starred as the green-hued witch Elphaba in the original Broadway production of the musical, “Wicked,” which is now a smash film. Along with her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, she served as honorary chair of Library Card Sign-up Month in 2022. “Let your imagination sing at the library,” said Idina.
Kids Hunt Bigfoot, Nessie, and Other Cryptids with Help from Their Library
When Bigfoot and a host of other famous cryptids were spotted in a Virginia park in October, area kids set out on foot to find them with help from their local library.
Librarians Celebrate Latino and Spanish-Language Graphic Novels
Are you a comic book or graphic novel fan looking for a new read that will both educate and broaden your horizons? The American Library Association’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, have announced a list that highlights some of the best graphic novels that showcase Spanish-speaking and Latino stories and creators.
James Patterson Gives Bonuses to Hundreds of Library Workers
To celebrate his latest nonfiction title, “The Secret Lives of Booksellers & Librarians,” Patterson made a special donation to award bonuses to more than 200 ALA members from across the U.S. The nomination period for the award was announced in April when Patterson’s book was released.
ALA Vows to Defend Intellectual Freedom and Access to Information Against Political Threats
In response to results of the 2024 United States election, the American Library Association has vowed to continue its defense of the core values of librarianship in the face of political threats. What are the core values?
Ali Velshi: Libraries Are Indispensable in the Fight for Social Justice
Ali Velshi, host of “Velshi” and chief correspondent for MSNBC, believes libraries are indispensable in the fight for social justice; places where everyone can explore and learn about new worlds, cultures, and perspectives to help create a world of better understanding and equality.
‘How I Library’ Halloween Episode with David Dastmalchian
For this special Halloween episode of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with actor, writer, and producer David Dastmalchian. Dastmalchian joins the show to discuss his love of comics and horror movies, his writing career, and of course, how he libraries.
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.
Empathy, Homelessness, and the Library
I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart spoke with author Ryan Dowd about his book, “The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone,” as a part of ALA Editions/ALA Neal-Schuman’s new online book club. It was a fascinating discussion about libraries and homelessness in the U.S. that also offered tools that can improve human relations across the board.
