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The Freedom to Read Project has released a free advocacy guide and workbook; ALA sets date for Youth Media Awards; educators and public librarians can submit proposals for a visit from National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett; and the National Women's History Museum opens registration for virtual field trips.

Some students in North Carolina will no longer have access to their public library through their school ID; Florida appeals Penguin Random House v. Gibson decision; book ban debates in Nevada and Iowa; and more.

Book bans continue at school libraries, and at an Arizona county public library system, children's books on puberty and sex ed were moved to the adult nonfiction section.

These resources and ideas from ALA, Unite Against Book Bans, the National Coalition Against Censorship, and others will help plan for Banned Books Week Oct. 5-11.

The film—which documents librarians across the country fighting back against censorship attempts and personal and professional attacks—will hit U.S. theaters in October.

As educators and authors wait on expected appeals in Penguin Random House v. Gibson, school librarians are in limbo and author Laurie Halse Anderson is "cautiously opimistic."

Des Moines (IA) Public Schools students can use their student IDs as library cards and avoid school library book restrictions; North Carolina district changes book policy to meet new state law and changes to Title IX; Maryland community protests removal of Flamer from district; and more.

In a precedent-setting win for the freedom to read, on August 13 Judge Carlos E. Mendoza ruled that Florida House Bill 1069, which sought to ban “pornographic” material and books describing “sexual conduct” from school and classroom libraries, was overbroad and unconstitutional.

School Library Journal and NCTE continue to champion works that have long been taught in classrooms, including YA classics like Caroline B. Cooney's The Face on the Milk Carton and Robert Cormier's We All Fall Down.

In a huge legal win for freedom to read and First Amendment advocates, a U.S. district judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. In other censorship news, a Michigan school librarian is suing a parent for an alleged smear campaign against her that led to harassment and death threats.

Florida education commissioner sends letter to schools warning them against using Beanstack; PEN America files new brief in Iowa book ban case; the National Park Service may remove some history books from stores; and more in Censorship News.

Censorship, AI, and federal funding top the list of concerns for school librarians heading into the 2025-26 school year.

Educational materials deemed "racially or sexually divisive" would be removed from public schools in 17 southern and midwestern states, plus the latest from Florida, the full list of titles removed at Department of Defense schools, and more.

Readers clap back on censorship and more.

The nine picture books cited in Mahmoud v. Taylor are not pornography. Nor are they obscene. What is obscene is a Supreme Court decision that denies the basic humanity and equality of LGBTQIA+ people.

Lavonnia Moore lost her job after including the Kyle Lukoff book in a summer reading display at the request of a young patron; new law gives school boards in Texas authority over collection development; Ohio governor vetoed bill that would have restricted public library access to titles "related to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."

Eager attendees packed a much anticipated screening at the American Library Association Annual conference in Philadelphia. With the filmmakers and titular subjects on hand, it was an emotional experience of The Librarians, which examines the national crisis of censorship and the heroic professionals on the front lines of defending intellectual freedom.

Freedom to read advocates ask Florida legislators to probe books removed without review in Florida; an audit finds Utah school librarians preemptively removed titles in fear; and more of the latest in censorship news.

Even a so-called "narrow" ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor would undermine the First Amendment and access to diverse viewpoints in public education and lay the groundwork for even more serious ramifications, a Georgetown law professor explains.

After public outcry, most of the 381 books removed from the Naval Academy are back; Texas legislation sends bill to governor that requires school boards or "advisory councils" to approve every new library book and review complaints; and Alabama Public Library board praises precedent set by Fifth Circuit decision in Little vs. Llano County.

The National Coalition Against Censorship is launching a new Teen Advocacy Institute over the summer; a read-in is scheduled during ALA Annual to support the push for librarians in Philly schools; the lawsuit against Lucy Calkins is dismissed; and more in this edition of News Bites.

EveryLibrary responds to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' Little v. Llano County decision, which will allow the government to remove or restrict access to books from public library shelves.

In a rare win for those fighting book bans in South Carolina, a book on Billie Jean King is returning to the shelves; advocates and school staff are fighting back against censorship in Pennsylvania and Ohio; and more in the latest Censorship News.

The actress and literacy advocate accepted an award at the PEN America Literary Gala and expressed her anger about the state of censorship in the United States, also noting her appreciation for librarians and others pushing back on the attacks on books, authors, and access.

An Ohio man burned 100 books he checked out at a public library; military academies and schools that serve children of military members continue to battle book bans; South Carolina has banned more books than any other state; and more in censorship news. 

In a big victory in the fight for intellectual freedom and access to books in school libraries, the majority of candidates backed by pro-censorship organizations like Moms for Liberty lost their school board races in Texas on Saturday.

The Republican governor of North Dakota said no to legislation he called redundant and misguided; Texas legislators want to dictate where books are in bookstores; students and librarians continue to fight book bans across the country.

Book access and other restrictions on libraries and library values remain top of mind for readers. So too, practical posts toward serving library patrons, with creative ideas for staging a crime investigation to teach research skills and preserving family recipes getting the most views on SLJ.com.

The bare breast of Roman goddess Virtus on the Virginia state flag means kids in Lamar, TX, can't access lessons about Virginia on PebbleGo Next; Oklahoma teacher who gave kids QR code for Brooklyn Public Library's Banned Books collection loses defamation suit; and a military mom explains why her children are part of the lawsuit against Department of Defense schools.

Twelve students are suing the Department of Education Activity—the federal school system that runs schools for children of U.S. military members—and the Secretary of Defense for the removal of books from school libraries; Mississippi has removed race and gender databases accessed by public schools and libraries; and more.

Readers responded to our coverage of a North Carolina bill, which could bring criminal charges against librarians over "material that is harmful to minors"—and much more. 

PEN America, the National Education Association, and student advocacy organization SEAT are among those who have filed amicus briefs in support of the school district in the upcoming Supreme Court case; Harry Lerner has died; applications open for Banned Books Week programming grants; and more.

The American Library Association released its data on 2024 censorship attempts, but don't let the lower numbers fool you. The strategy may have changed, but the organized efforts to remove books from shelves remains.

In the latest censorship legislation tracker, North Carolina moves to charge librarians with a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a Florida bill seeks to make it easier to remove books and punish schools, while Nevada and Colorado legislators take steps to protect collections.

The George M. Johnson memoir is No. 1 for the first time after Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer held the top spot the last three years. Two Ellen Hopkins titles made the list.

The author of Joyful Song, Heather Has Two Mommies, and Hachiko Waits shares the questions, anxiety, and outcome of a planned school visit in Missouri.

Courts are dominating library censorship news with a federal judge temporarily blocking the Iowa book ban law, a Colorado district defying court orders to return books to shelves, and two lawsuits filed against a Minnesota school district.

The judge ruled in favor of the ACLU of Colorado, which brought the lawsuit on behalf of two students in the Elizabeth School District; Texas bill that gives school boards authority over school library book selection passed the state senate; Oregon high school removed Flamer by Mike Curato after a student complaint.

The Missouri Secretary of State has launched an investigation into OverDrive and stopped funding for the platform; Utah bans a 17th book from all public schools; a Virginia district removed seven books from the shelves; and in South Dakota, a bill to criminalize librarians was amended with an appeal process on "obscene" materials.

Rochester (MN) Pride cited unspecified safety concerns for canceling the visit by The Rainbow Parade author Emily Neilson; federal judge says lawsuit over removal of school library books in Florida can continue; districts in South Carolina and Texas keep The Hunger Games and Bathe the Cat on the shelves, respectively, while a Pennsylvania high school removes three LGBTQIA+ graphic novels.

New PEN America analysis of book bans in the 2023-24 school year found that bans across reading levels and genres continued to target titles about people of color, race, racism, and LGBTQIA+ subjects, as well as stories about disabled people, immigrants, social activism, and bullying.

A bill to remove legal protections from school and public librarians advances in South Dakota; Livingston Parish, LA, has emptied the YA shelves in five branches and told librarians to read every title in search of sexually explicit material; and so much happening in Arkansas in the latest Censorship News.

While winning the Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz awards often leads to a bump in sales and a spot on school library shelves, censorship legislation, librarians afraid of challenges, and the growing anti-diversity movement could change that this year.

Schools for military families must pull several lessons tied to immigration, gender, and sexuality and remove books that could "potentially" cover those topics; Tennessee county removes 32 books from school libraries; and Utah pulls 16th book from state's schools.

Topics that drew reader attention in an eventful first week of February 2025. 

The executive order saying the United States will only recognize "two sexes" will have a ripple effect that "will undoubtedly affect public schools, public libraries, and the literature that is shelved in both," according to the statement signed by more than 50 organizations.

The lawsuit claims the Arkansas librarian lost her job after being targeted by a group wanting book restrictions; Texas county commissioners fire a library director and put a judge in charge; South Carolina board of education removes four more books from all schools; and more in censorship news.

There were tears and standing ovations as librarians, including Martha Hickson and Amanda Jones, watched their stories of fighting against censorship chronicled in the new film.

In the latest lawsuit battling censorship, Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and Sourcebooks have filed a lawsuit challenging an Idaho law that restricts books in both public and school libraries. 

The American Library Association issued a strong statement in response to the actions of the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, saying, in part: "In their cruel and headlong effort to terminate protections from discrimination for LGBTQIA+ students and students of color, the Department of Education advances the demonstrably false claim that book bans are not real. Book bans are real."

PEN America and EveryLibrary respond to the action taken by the Trump administration, which called the book bans "a hoax" and also voided a resolution agreement with Forsyth County (GA) Public Schools.

The Supreme Court will hear the case of Maryland parents who want their kids to be able to leave the classroom when materials with LGBTQIA+ characters are used by educators, an Idaho public library system creates "adult only" room and ends the ability for children to access other branches in the system, and more in censorship news.

An attempt to add Angel of Greenwood to the high school language arts curriculum was rejected by the Pine-Richland School Board, Florida's censorship attempts move to public libraries, and more in censorship news.

Oklahoma and New Hampshire legislators file bills to monitor library materials and promote parental rights, while a New Mexico lawmaker moves to protect librarians.

The 2021 School Librarian of the Year reflects on a busy year and promises to keep fighting censorship attempts and anti-library legislation in 2025.

“The law deputizes librarians and booksellers as the agents of censorship," judge Timothy Brooks wrote in the ruling. Plus, more news about book removals and community pushback on censorship attempts around the country.

With the expected attempts to enact the plans defined in Project 2025, librarians must act strategically within their schools, communities, and local and state legislation to ensure the future of libraries. Experts share tactics and advice for the upcoming fight.

A bill in Ohio would criminalize teachers and librarians for having "obscene" books in their collections; New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu pulls state librarian nomination after pressure from conservative groups; districts in Kansas and Tennessee remove and restrict titles; and more in censorship news.

EveryLibrary executive director John Chrastka spoke at the 2024 SLJ Summit, providing a playbook for statewide strategies to prioritize and protect school libraries and librarians.

IMLS-funded, READCON provides free, self-guided training to help library practitioners build strong community relationships, ­manage ­difficult situations, and engage stakeholders. Public, school, and academic library workers are also welcome to READCON's ­Legal Landscape of Librarianship Forum, February 18–20.

Book challenges overwhelm members seeking to follow library policy and address other district issues.

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.

Utah has added Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott to its list of books banned at all public schools; the Texas state board of education wants legislation giving it  control of school library collections; and Crank by Ellen Hopkins remains on South Carolina high school shelves, but students will need parental permission.

Parents and patrons want the LGBTQIA+ romance by Alice Oseman removed; a Tennessee district orders the immediate removal of 150 books; and a school board is set to review collections in a Virginia district in search of "sexually explicit" material that goes against policy.

The South Carolina Board of Education allowed three classics to remain in libraries and classrooms but removed seven titles from all public schools; Arizona district pays nearly $90,000 to settle book ban lawsuit; 25 books and graphic novel series removed from a Pennsylvania district. 

More than 10,000 book bans in public schools in the 2023–24 school year represented a nearly 200 percent rise in book bans. The new Index of School Book Bans offers a state-by-state and district-by-district database of book bans searchable by author and title.

Rosie Stewart is ready to organize at the state level to push freedom to read legislation and make sure legislators know the political consequences of book banning.

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.

Saturday is Freedom to Read Day of Action; New Jersey State Library receives IMLS grant for information literacy initiative; Scholastic reveals next "The Hunger Games" cover; and more in News Bites.

After a challenge, Colonization and the Wampanoag Story by Linda Coombs was moved to fiction at the Montgomery County (TX) libraries; Kokila won't back down from its mission to empower children and publish diverse titles; and more news.

Penguin Random House has a lobbyist; NYU studies impact of book bans; South Carolina district removes Assassination Classroom; and more.

The new California law prohibits public libraries from banning books based on "race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation of a book’s subject, author, or intended audience"; New Jersey legislators move "Freedom to Read Act" forward; and more. 

Picture book creator Todd Parr's work has been the target of censorship attempts for more than a decade. This Banned Books Week he wants people to spotlight the purpose of the books being attacked.

A group of parents in Montgomery County, MD, has asked the Supreme Court to review their school district's decision not to allow them to opt their children out of seeing books with LGBTQIA+ characters; and Sarah J. Maas books and other titles removed in Cobb County, GA, and Rutherford County, TN.

A week-long school visit from Messy Roots creator Laura Gao highlighted the need for students to see the work of marginalized communities and hear from the creators themselves.

Julia Garnett writes about the events that led her to speak at a school board meeting and why it was important to continue to use her voice and organize against censorship.

In time for Banned Books Week, NCTE and SLJ have partnered again to provide professional reviews of banned curriculum staples. We highlight 18 acclaimed works by celebrated authors, including Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

PEN America released a memo with preliminary book banning numbers, showing a huge increase in banned titles from the previous school year; Carole Boston Weatherford is the 2024 Young People's Poet Laureate; We Need Diverse Books honored by Library of Congress; and more.

Documents show the high cost of book challenges and legal battles over censorship in Utah and Florida school districts; challenged books stay on shelves in Watertown, NY, and Buncombe County, NC; and more.

Banned Books Week 2024 is about raising awareness and taking action. Here are some events, resources, and ways to get involved in the fight against censorship.

And Tango Makes Three is one of three dozen books that will be back on school shelves in Nassau County, FL, thanks to a settlement of a lawsuit against the district. Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed against a Texas public library is headed to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

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.

Here we go! Readers let loose on the selection available in middle grade titles as well as disinvited authors.

These titles with book banning and censorship themes are good to share with students and patrons of all ages during Banned Books Week and all year round.

The censorship-related legal battles continue as Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Club, Harper Collins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, Sourcebooks, The Authors Guild, Julia Alvarez, John Green, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jodi Picoult, and Angie Thomas sue Florida; and the Department of Justice files a brief in support of the lawsuit against the Cobb County (GA) School District.

These titles include the background for the current state of book banning, as well as ideas to help librarians respond proactively and reactively. Turn to these titles for information and inspiration for the fight.

While book bans and other efforts to curtail free expression in schools have made headlines, canceled visits have gone relatively unmarked. SLJ spoke with authors about their experiences. 

The nonprofit advocacy group's week-long virtual event will be a celebration of libraries, reading, and the First Amendment with author panels, advocacy education sessions, and more.

The Francis Howell School District in O'Fallon, MO, passed a new policy to allow the removal of certain books and restrict gender identity conversation. Meanwhile in Texas, one district is considering banning books about gender fluidity and another seeks to alter its policy after Advanced Placement titles are removed from libraries.

New Jersey school librarian Elissa Malespina outlines the steps for using AI to create social media posts for Banned Books Week and more.

A reader tries to make sense of book banning legislation and more.

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.

Judy Blume's Forever and six titles from Sarah J. Maas are among the books removed from all Utah schools; group files lawsuit against Idaho library law; authors and educators write letter to Florida governor; and more.

The actions of this broad coalition of partners, led by the Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship and the Louisiana Association of School Librarians, lays out a template to follow in other states battling bad bills.

Follett School Solutions denies an NBC News report that it released student information to law enforcement in Texas; the FCC expands the E-rate program, PLA releases its 2023 Tech Survey; Algonquin Young Readers is closing, and more.

The Grand Forks (ND) Public Library created a new YA section to respond to challenges on books about puberty; Idaho librarians discuss their practical response to the state's new materials law; a review committee is overruled in a Texas district; and more.

Kate Lindley spoke to SLJ at ALA Annual, sharing the original goal of her Gold Award project, the reason fighting book banning is so important to her, and what's next for her after an extraordinary year.

A bill to arrest librarians because of the content of books in the library failed to pass in Alabama, but a new, amended one is now filed for the next legislative session; Escambia County (FL) School Board wants to depose a seven-year-old in a banned books lawsuit; and a federal court will review its on decision in Llano County (TX) book removal case.

As Pride month comes to an end, attacks on LGBTQIA+ books and authors continue around the country, including the burning of a Pride display at an Oregon bookstore.

Public library access will be restricted for minors in Lafayette Parish, LA; new laws require changes for librarians in South Carolina and Tennessee; and Crank stays on shelves in Virginia.