News and Updates

Every May 4, the world turns its gaze to a time long ago in a galaxy far, far away to celebrate one of the most iconic franchises in history: Star Wars. Not surprisingly, libraries and librarians across the US are enthusiastic supporters of Star Wars Day, hosting events both in-person and virtually.

One hundred years after George Mallory's ill-fated attempt to climb Mount Everest, his letters can now be viewed online in an archive created by the library at Magdalene College at Cambridge University, his alma mater.

Is it hard for you to make time to read? Is getting into the proper headspace to enjoy a book a daunting task? In an age when digital distractions are omnipresent, getting lost in literature can be difficult for many readers. How can you get back into the habit? The Guardian asked librarians to share the best ways to rediscover reading and make it a regular habit—and their tips for the “most unputdownable” books.

ALA and NBC’s Banned Book Club will discuss Rupi Kaur’s “milk and honey” Thursday, April 25. “milk and honey” is a collection of poetry about love, trauma, and healing. In 2022, it was one of many books that conservative parents wanted banned from public schools in the state of Texas. The book was also banned in multiple school districts in Missouri in 2023.

In episode three of How I Library, host Phil Morehart speaks with Newbery Medal-winning authors Linda Sue Park (A Single Shard) and Kate DiCamillo (The Tale of Despereaux, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures). They discuss their latest books, writing for kids, book bans, their favorite library memories, and much more.

The American Library Association is teaming up with Skybound and Hasbro's TRANSFORMERS to encourage people to roll out to their libraries.

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, California, and Illinois, and words from an author speaking out against book bans in New Hampshire.

In celebration of the release of his latest nonfiction book, "The Secret Lives of Booksellers & Librarians," author James Patterson is honoring select American Library Association members with bonuses.