News and Updates
‘How I Library’ Episode Six: Paula Poundstone
In episode six of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with comedian Paula Poundstone.
Poundstone is an iconic standup comic, a panelist on NPR’s news quiz show, “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” the host of the podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone,” and an actor in numerous TV shows and films. She’s also a longtime supporter of libraries.
Teen Writers Explore the Importance of the Freedom to Read
The New York Public Library has announced the 21 winners of its National Teen Writing Contest, which asked teens across the country, “Why is the freedom to read important to you?” The contest, which ran from October to December last year, is part of NYPL’s Books for All campaign that celebrates and raises awareness about the freedom to read in response to the alarming rise in book bans and challenges around the country.
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Celebrate 55th Anniversary
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards. Presented annually by the American Library Association, the awards serve as a guide for parents, librarians, and caregivers for the most outstanding books for youth by African American authors and illustrators that affirm African American culture and universal human values.
Let’s Show Our Librarians Some Love!
Love your librarian? Of course you do! Nominations are now open for this year’s I Love My Librarian Award, and ten librarians will receive $5,000 and the recognition of a lifetime.
Library of Congress Unveils Its Treasures
The Library of Congress has opened its vaults to showcase and celebrate some of its most historically significant holdings—many of which are on public display for the first time.
New York Library Receives Bomb Threat After Drag Story Hour
On the morning of Sunday, June 9, Woodstock (N.Y.) Public Library received a bomb threat via email. The library had hosted a drag story hour the day before.
A Librarian Fights Back
Amanda Jones, one of the first librarians in the US to file a defamation lawsuit against her detractors, received death threats, online harassment and bullying, and more after making a speech against book censorship at her local library board in July 2022. Jones is telling her story in her debut memoir, “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning,” which will be released later this summer.
‘How I Library’ Episode Five: Ethan and Maya Hawke
In episode five of “How I Library,” I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with Ethan and Maya Hawke about “Wildcat,” their new film about author Flannery O’Connor. They discuss bringing O’Connor to the big screen, as well as their thoughts on book bans and censorship, their book recommendations, and, of course, how they library.
U.S. Book Challenges Update: May 31 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 Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas, and Idaho.
Illinois Librarian Wins on ‘Jeopardy!’
Congratulations to librarian Abby Mann for her win on the May 28 episode of “Jeopardy!” A digital scholarship librarian at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Ames Library, Mann came from behind in Final Jeopardy! to put an end to graduate student Amar Kakirde’s four-game winning streak, winning $5,200 in the process. Mann will defend her title against a teacher and an archivist in a new episode airing tonight.
Library Collections Preserve Veterans’ Stories
This Memorial Day, we’re remembering those who have served in the U.S. armed forces throughout American history by exploring the various military and veterans collections at libraries across the U.S. They’re fascinating—and sobering—histories that reveal incredible stories of bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice.
‘The Kite Runner’ Next Up for ALA/NBC Banned Book Club
For AAPI Heritage Month, the American Library Association/NBC Banned Book Club will discuss Khaled Hosseini’s acclaimed novel, “The Kite Runner.” Hosseini’s book has faced numerous bans and challenges since its release, rooted in Islamophobia and claims that it promotes sexual violence and terrorism.
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.
