News and Updates

2023 was a tumultuous year for libraries. Book bans dominated headlines as well as city council and school board meetings, threatening the access of information to readers of all ages and the livelihoods and safety of library workers across the country. Despite these upheavals, libraries soldiered on to provide critical services to their communities—and developed truly innovative programs along the way. This National Library Outreach Day, we survey some standouts.

Celebrated each year on the Tuesday of National Library Week, National Library Workers Day is an opportunity to recognize the hard-working, dedicated, and often-underpaid library professionals who keep our libraries thriving, especially during these challenging times. Please take a moment to appreciate the library worker in your life today!

The American Library Association kicked off National Library Week, celebrated April 7-13, with the release of the annual State of America's Libraries report, which contains the highly anticipated list of the top 10 most challenged books of 2023, along with the reasons why the books were banned or challenged.

Author and this year's honorary chair of National Library Week (NLW), Meg Medina, kicks off NLW 2024 by sharing what led her to become an advocate for and lover of libraries.

Millions of people are predicted to turn their gazes to the sky April 8 to witness an event that has captivated people since the dawn of humankind—a solar eclipse. And libraries across the U.S. are getting in on the action.

Communities across the U.S. will come together April 7–13 for National Library Week, the annual celebration of libraries and library workers. This year's theme, "Ready, Set, Library!" is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a call to action for Americans to rediscover the treasure trove of opportunities libraries offer. 

Austin (Texas) Public Library has launched a social network to help teens keep access to banned books. The "Save The Books Social Network" brings together teens who are passionate about fighting for the freedom to read and want to see themselves represented in books at the library.

Footage from an event at an Alabama library last week is going viral and proving that the library is definitely punk rock.