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.
Celebrate Let Freedom Read Day with Beth Ferry’s ‘Roar for Reading’!
On Let Freedom Read Day, the last day of Banned Books Week, we’re spotlighting an amazing new picture book, “Roar for Reading” by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Andrew Joyner. In this special episode of the How I Library podcast, Ferry dives into the book’s inspiration and the ongoing battle against book banning. “Roar for Reading”
Obama Celebrates Banned Books Week on Instagram
Barack Obama posted a special message on Instagram September 24 to commemorate Banned Books Week.
Preliminary Data on Book Challenges in 2024 Released
To kick off Banned Books Week, ALA released preliminary data documenting attempts to censor books and materials in libraries during the first eight months of 2024.
It’s Banned Books Week! Help Protect the Freedom to Read
It’s Banned Books Week, when libraries, schools, bookstores, groups, and individuals around the world—including Banned Books Week Honorary Chair filmmaker Ava DuVernay—call attention to censorship and ways to fight it. Here’s how you can get involved.
Libraries Debut New Card Designs for Library Card Sign-up Month
More and more libraries are using library cards to gain even further community engagement by holding library card design contests and by partnering with local organizations, sports teams, and national brands to create designs.
Here are some of our favorites that have been unveiled this Library Card Sign-up Month.
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 even though I’m not a resident. LIBRARIES ARE AMAZING!” She had been arranging a road trip to introduce her first grandson to members of the family, which included stops in multiple cities across the Midwest.
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.
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?
Celebrate Let Freedom Read Day with Beth Ferry’s ‘Roar for Reading’!
On Let Freedom Read Day, the last day of Banned Books Week, we’re spotlighting an amazing new picture book, “Roar for Reading” by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Andrew Joyner. In this special episode of the How I Library podcast, Ferry dives into the book’s inspiration and the ongoing battle against book banning. “Roar for Reading”
