Public Libraries

The new law in New Jersey aims to limit book removals and protect librarians from criminal prosecution; in Illinois, some school districts are choosing to lose state grants instead of complying with its Freedom to Read law; additional titles removed in Oregon and Tennessee; and more in censorship news.

Widespread outrage and condemnation forced Montgomery County (TX) library system to return Colonization and the Wampanoag Story to the nonfiction shelves; a Tennessee county school district has removed more than 400 books; a Kentucky county district removes books after conservative mailer; and more.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. (BCALA) welcomes book submissions for the current cycle of its Children & Young Adult Literary Awards.

With rampant book banning in the U.S., the ILA has updated its guide, Advocating for Children's Right to Read, with action items for stakeholders, from teachers and school and public librarians, to administrators and policy makers.

Iowa schools will start the year without some books in the libraries and classrooms; titles removed from schools in Texas, Colorado, and Indiana; angry accusations and arguing over book banning mar Florida county school board meeting; judge orders Alaskan district to return books to the shelves.

Sidewalk chalk art, scavenger hunts, and skyline-themed art projects are just some ways to celebrate an urban summer, along with reading a great book.

A new cookbook for kids shares Juneteenth history and tradition through recipes, as well activities for the whole family.

The report released today examines more than 4,000 book bans in 52 public school districts in 23 states from July to December 2023. 

These books nurture literacy, empathy, and understanding.