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.
Who You Gonna Call?
Do things go bump in the night at your house? Do you see or feel otherworldly presences in your home? Do you think you have a ghost? Libraries across the country are helping amateur ghost hunters in their communities by lending out ghost-hunting kits, complete with instructions on how to use the equipment.
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.
White House Recognizes Library Efforts to Combat Opioid Crisis
The Biden-Harris administration announced October 8 the participants of the White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose, a nationwide call-to-action for organizations to increase training on and access to life-saving opioid overdose reversal medications like naloxone. The American Library Association (ALA) is one of more than 250 organizations and businesses that have made voluntary commitments to the challenge.
Pumpkin Spice Up Your Fall with the Library of Congress
If you’re like us, you love to fill your spaces with sights, sounds, and smells of fall. Thankfully, the Library of Congress has a plethora of free resources that can be used to add instant autumn ambiance.
Optimus Prime: Librarian? The Origin of the Famed Autobots’ Leader
It’s Library Card Sign-up Month, and TRANSFORMERS’ Optimus Prime is helping libraries everywhere celebrate by showing off his very own Cybertron Public Library library card. But did you know that before he was the hero we know today, Optimus was a librarian named Orion Pax?
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.
Who You Gonna Call?
Do things go bump in the night at your house? Do you see or feel otherworldly presences in your home? Do you think you have a ghost? Libraries across the country are helping amateur ghost hunters in their communities by lending out ghost-hunting kits, complete with instructions on how to use the equipment.
