School Libraries

Kiese Laymon, award-winning author and MacArthur Fellow, is out with a new picture book. City Summer, Country Summer celebrates the deep bonds of friendship forged among three Black boys on a summer journey to visit their grandmothers in Mississippi.  

From the loss of Hoopla, databases, and Wi-Fi hotspots to the closing of rural branches, librarians document the devastating effect of the end of IMLS funding.

Several states received notice that their IMLS grants were terminated; the Department of Education demands states sign a certified letter declaring their public schools do not have any programs that could be considered to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion or it will withhold funding. 

The elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services would be a devastating blow to public and school library services across the country. ALA and EveryLibrary call on Congress and the American people to fight for the funding.

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.

As assessment and recovery efforts continue, Tennessee Association of School Librarians president Dustin Hensley is stepping up to assist in the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Here are some ways to help.

In districts like Cypress Fairbanks ISD in Texas, students are returning to schools this fall without full-time certified school librarians.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting proposals for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian and National Leadership Grants for Libraries Programs; ALA put out the call for LibLearnX program proposals; Kwame Alexander will host a free virtual event for students; and more.
 

With budgets mostly flat, book challenges and rising costs pose hurdles for school librarians.