News and Updates

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.

‘How I Library’ Episode Eight: Lil Rel Howery
Episode eight of the “How I Library” podcast features actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery. Howery has appeared in films such as “Get Out,” “Free Guy,” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” and in the TV shows “The Carmichael Show,” Rel,” and “Eureka!” And now he’s back on the big screen in the film version of Crockett Johnson’s beloved children’s book, “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” starring as both the animated and life-action versions of Harold’s friend Moose. He joined us to discuss bringing Johnson’s book to the screen, the power of imagination, the intricacies of playing a moose, growing up in Chicago, and of course, his love of libraries.

I Love My Librarian Award: Your Questions Answered!
Have questions about the I Love My Librarian Award? We have answers! Check out some of the most common ones here.

U.S. Book Challenges Update: August 9 Edition
Our latest report on book bans happening in the U.S. and efforts to combat them includes news from Utah, which recently banned 13 books from school libraries across the state.

‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ Star Lil Rel Howery Wants You to Discover New Worlds at Your Library
The classic children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon” is coming to the big screen! And star and library lover Lil Rel Howery is encouraging everyone to visit their library to discover exciting new worlds, both real and imaginary, in books, comics, games, and more.

Get Involved! Become a Library Trustee Today
Want to get involved in your library at a higher level? Consider becoming a library trustee. Library trustees are powerful advocates for libraries. Through the coordination, hard work, and determination of trustees, new libraries have been built, budgets have been restored and increased, and new respect has been generated for the powerful role libraries play in communities and on campuses.

‘How I Library’ Episode Seven: John and Anni Furniss
In episode seven of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with artists and disability awareness advocates John and Anni Furniss, authors of the memoir, “The Blind Woodsman.”

James McBride to Receive 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction
The Library of Congress has awarded the 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction to James McBride. One of the Library’s most prestigious awards, the annual prize honors an American literary writer whose body of work is distinguished not only for its mastery of the art but also for its originality of thought and imagination. The award commends strong, unique, enduring voices that tell us something essential about the American experience.

School District Bans Book About Book Banning
The school district of Indian River County, Florida, voted in May to remove Alan Gratz’s 2017 novel, presciently titled “Ban This Book,” from its shelves, overruling its own review committee which had recommended that the district retain the book. “Ban This Book” follows a fictional fourth grader who tries to check out her favorite book from her school library only to find it’s been removed due to a ban. She rebels by starting a secret banned-book library.

New Survey Looks at Evolving Tech Trends in Libraries
This week, the Public Library Association published its 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report which looks at emerging trends around technology, patron resources, infrastructure, digital literacy, and staffing in U.S. public libraries. This data is vital to understanding how libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation and evolve to meet community needs.
The report addresses questions such as: How are library professionals advancing digital equity in their communities? What types of technology devices do libraries loan to patrons, and are more or fewer libraries offering these items compared to 2020? What are the primary challenges libraries face in providing technology resources and services?

Finding Belonging at the World’s Largest Library Conference
ALA’s Annual Conference is the largest library conference in the world. It’s 2024 event, held June 27–July 2 in San Diego, was my first, and I was honored to be surrounded by librarians from around the world as I promoted my debut middle-grade novel, “All Mixed Up.” Librarians have always been special to my family and me. Since the days of accompanying my mom to our local branch, I’ve felt a sense of acceptance and encouragement within library walls. And now, I was able to see up-close how libraries are innovating their spaces and serving their communities.

LeVar Burton Awarded National Humanities Medal for Work Championing Literacy
LeVar Burton, actor, director, author, and former host of “Reading Rainbow,” was honored this week with the National Humanities Medal for his acting and literacy advocacy work in a ceremony at the White House. Seventeen distinguished humanists and two humanities organizations were recognized at the event.

Thank You for Being a Friend
Coordinated by United for Libraries, the 19th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, observed October 20-26, finds libraries across the United States celebrating and honoring the often-unsung heroes working behind-the-scenes to make a lasting difference for their libraries and communities: library Friends groups.

‘How I Library’ Episode 11: Daniel Kraus
In episode 11 of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with New York Times-bestselling author Daniel Kraus (“The Shape of Water”) about his new book, “Pay the Piper,” a posthumous collaboration with the late horror filmmaker George A. Romero (“Night of the Living Dead”).

Take Action for the Freedom to Read This Weekend
It’s more important than ever to show support for local libraries and the freedom to read: Book bans and challenges in the U.S. reached an all-time high in 2023 and continue at an alarming rate. On Saturday, October 19, libraries, bookstores, readers, and partners across the U.S. will be hosting rallies and events to unite against book bans and demonstrate a shared commitment to this fundamental freedom.

Librarians Join Author Jodi Picoult to Speak Out Against Book Bans
Librarians across the U.S. joined author Jodi Picoult to spread the word about book bans during the writer’s recent book tour.

Libraries Respond to Communities Hit by Hurricanes
Hurricanes have devastated the southeastern United States this month, and libraries and library associations are stepping up to help their communities in the aftermath.