News and Updates
Olympian Johnny Weir Supports His Hometown Library
Johnny Weir, three-time U.S. national champion in men’s figure skating, two-time Winter Olympian, and current television commentator, posted a video on his Instagram to encourage support for Quarryville (Penn.) Library Center, his hometown library. Last year, Fulton and East Drumore Townships in Lancaster County withheld $6,500 from the library over objections to LGBTQ+ content.
‘How I Library’ Episode Nine: Max Greenfield
The latest episode of our “How I Library” podcast features actor and author Max Greenfield. Greenfield’s TV acting credits include “New Girl,” “The Neighborhood,” and “Bob’s Burgers.” He is also a successful author of books for kids. He joins us to discuss his writing career, the inspirations for his latest book, “Good Night Thoughts,” and, of course, his love of libraries.
Get Informed, Get Registered, and Get Ready to Vote
This National Voter Registration Day, we’re asking library advocates to pledge to get informed, get registered, and get ready to vote by joining ALA’s Reader, Voter, Ready campaign.
Libraries: More than meets the eye!
My sister recently texted me, “The local library near the park just reserved a room with internet connection for me
Stephen King Reacts to Florida Banning 23 of His Books
The horror maestro had a three-word response after finding out Florida banned 23 of his books from school libraries.
Comic artist Jorge Corona: “Libraries are pretty dope places”
“Libraries are pretty dope places, especially because you can read comics for free,” said Eisner Award-nominated comic artist Jorge Corona (Transformers, No. 1 With A Bullet, Big Trouble in Little China) in a special message recorded for us to celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month.
Roll Out! It’s Library Card Sign-up Month!
It’s Library Card Sign-Up Month! This year, we’ve teamed up with the TRANSFORMERS to encourage people everywhere to roll out to their library and sign up for a library card. Here are a few ways you can participate.
U.S. Book Challenges Update: August 30 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 Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, as well as info on a lawsuit brought by major publishers against the state of Florida over book bans.
American History Is Native History
At the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival session “American History is Native History” on August 24, American Library Association President Cindy Hohl received a warm welcome and enthusiastic response when she asked panelists to speak about the importance of libraries in researching Native history.
U.S. Book Challenges Update: August 23 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 California, Colorado, and Florida, as well as an association’s efforts to fight book bans.
Get Involved: Advocate for School Libraries
As youth across the U.S. head back to school, it’s vital that we turn our attention to school libraries. Schools with a strong school library program and a certified school librarian ensure their students have the best chance to succeed. Yet, many students are returning to school without a resource essential for success: a strong school library program lead by a certified school librarian.
Librarian-Turned-Mayor Gets City Its First Library
A city in Texas now has a library thanks to its mayor—who used to be a school librarian.
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.
