News and Updates

Shepard Fairey loves libraries. The famed artist behind the iconic “Hope” poster created for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and countless other works has created a special limited-edition scarf in connection with accessories and design manufacturing company, Echo, with a portion of the proceeds going to the American Library Association (ALA).

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 Colorado, Iowa, California, and Virginia.

Neil Gaiman is one of our favorite authors. The mind behind The Sandman, American Gods, Coraline, Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (with Terry Pratchett), and so many more fantastical books is a fierce supporter of libraries. So much so that he recently donated $25,000 to the Woodstock (N.Y.) Library. The funds will go towards a children’s reading circle, a spot for storytimes and group activities at the library’s new location when it opens next year.

School and public libraries across the U.S. are currently experiencing an unprecedented increase in book censorship attempts. Here are five steps you can take now to stand with libraries and protect the freedom to read.

‘Tis the season for Cyber Monday and holiday shopping promotions everywhere. But amid all the ads for once-a-year sales, don’t forget that your local library offers the biggest savings of all. A library card is far more powerful than any coupon code: Every day, your library can save you tons of money on entertainment, education, and more. Here are some of the best values you can get from your library.

Gift buying for book lovers is super easy, right? Just buy them some books! If only it was that simple. Since you’re here at I Love Libraries, you obviously know that readers’ wants and needs are incredibly diverse. A book that appeals to a sci-fi/fantasy enthusiast may not be a historical non-fiction lover’s cup of tea. And so on. Thankfully, there are a plethora of nonbook gift options out there for the reader in your life. We’ve compiled some of our favorites from the American Library Association and beyond for you this holiday season.

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, many of us will be traveling to spend time with family and friends. That could lead to a lot of free time while waiting for flights, during long car/bus rides, or before or after the big meal. If you're like us, you're going to fill that time with a book or two. (Or three depending on how voracious a reader you are.) The big question is: What to read? With so many good books out there, it can be hard to decide! Thankfully, the American Library Association (ALA) is here to help.

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 Iowa, Utah, California, and pop singer Pink's efforts to fight book bans.