'It's Been Devastating': A Q&A With The Top Librarian Fighting The GOP's Book Bans
11 months, 3 weeks ago

'It's Been Devastating': A Q&A With The Top Librarian Fighting The GOP's Book Bans

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING It’s that time of year again: National Library Week! HuffPost recently caught up with American Library Association President Emily Drabinski to talk about what is going on with these attacks, if the nation’s librarians are doing OK, and how she and others who care about kids having access to a diversity of books are pushing back. In Georgia, the state Senate recently passed legislation that would ban libraries from spending money on services offered by ALA, which a Republican state legislator called “Marxist and socialist.” “It turns out there’s an algorithm for those two words in conjunction,” she told HuffPost. The weaponization of libraries that we’ve seen since 2021 – when I’ve really seen this starting, then the attacks on ALA and now me personally ― is a bludgeon that’s scaring people everywhere. “I think it’s about eliminating the universal access to the stuff of imagination, which is what libraries provide.” - Emily Drabinski, president of the American Library Association.

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History of this topic

Arkansas Law Criminalizing Librarians Ruled Unconstitutional
3 months ago

Arkansas Law Criminalizing Librarians Ruled Unconstitutional

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A federal judge on Monday struck down key parts of an Arkansas law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing “harmful” materials to minors. “I respect the court’s ruling and will appeal,” Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement to The Associated Press. “The law deputizes librarians …

Judge rules Arkansas law allowing criminal charges against librarians is unconstitutional
3 months ago

Judge rules Arkansas law allowing criminal charges against librarians is unconstitutional

Associated Press  

— A federal judge on Monday struck down key parts of an Arkansas law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing “harmful” materials to minors. “I respect the court’s ruling and will appeal,” Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement to The Associated Press. “The law deputizes librarians and booksellers as the agents …

New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries
3 months, 2 weeks ago

New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Phil Murphy signed a law Monday to prohibit public …

New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries
3 months, 2 weeks ago

New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries

Associated Press  

PRINCETON, N.J. — New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law Monday to prohibit public and school libraries from banning books in the state and to enshrine protections against civil and criminal charges for librarians who comply with the law. Murphy signed the bill at Princeton’s public library, a short walk from Princeton University’s ivy-draped campus and cast the …

New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries
3 months, 3 weeks ago

New Jersey becomes latest state to prohibit bans on books in school, public libraries

LA Times  

New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law Monday to prohibit public and school libraries from banning books in the state and to enshrine protections against civil lawsuits and criminal charges for librarians who comply with the law. Murphy signed the bill at Princeton’s public library, a short walk from Princeton University’s ivy-draped campus and cast the legislation in …

Censorship in UK school libraries is worse than you think
7 months, 1 week ago

Censorship in UK school libraries is worse than you think

The Independent  

British author Juno Dawson is a top target for US censors. The Index on Censorship investigation, where 53 per cent of school librarians who responded to our survey said they had been asked to remove books from their shelves and – even more worryingly – 56 per cent of those librarians were forced to actually remove those books, paints a …

How best to stop books being banned? Ban such bans.
10 months ago

How best to stop books being banned? Ban such bans.

Live Mint  

While far-right groups—in mostly Republican-led states—wage a crusade to ban thousands of books in schools and public libraries across the country, Minnesota is pushing back. Where previous attempts typically involved a parent or small group of parents challenging a single book title, now groups with clear political agendas are filing coordinated challenges against scores of books, all under the guise …

Alabama lawmakers advance bill that could lead to prosecution of librarians
11 months ago

Alabama lawmakers advance bill that could lead to prosecution of librarians

LA Times  

Alabama lawmakers this week advanced legislation that could see librarians prosecuted under the state’s obscenity law for providing “harmful” materials to minors, the latest in a wave of bills in Republican-led states targeting library content and decisions. It also expands the definition of prohibited sexual conduct to include any “sexual or gender oriented conduct” at K-12 public schools or public …

Minnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They’re banning the book ban
11 months ago

Minnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They’re banning the book ban

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A movement to ban book bans is gaining steam in Minnesota and several other states, in contrast to the trend playing out in more conservative states where book challenges have soared to their highest levels in decades. The move to quash book bans is welcome to people like Shae Ross, a queer and out Minnesota high …

American librarians face prison as activists look to ban more books
11 months, 2 weeks ago

American librarians face prison as activists look to ban more books

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy When an illustrated edition …

Librarians fear new penalties, even prison, as activists challenge books
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Librarians fear new penalties, even prison, as activists challenge books

Associated Press  

When an illustrated edition of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” was released in 2019, educators in Clayton, Missouri needed little debate before deciding to keep copies in high school libraries. “There’s a depiction of a rape scene, a handmaid being forced into a sexual act,” says Tom Bober, Clayton district’s library coordinator and president of the Missouri Association of School …

Censorship efforts at libraries continued to soar in 2023, according to a new report
1 year ago

Censorship efforts at libraries continued to soar in 2023, according to a new report

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Bannings and attempted bannings of books soared again in the U.S. last year, continuing to set record highs, according to a new report from the American Library Association. On Thursday, the ALA announced that 4,240 works in school and public libraries had been targeted in 2023, a substantial hike from the then-record 2,571 books in 2022 and …

The Next Chapter In The Battle Of The Books: Librarians
1 year ago

The Next Chapter In The Battle Of The Books: Librarians

Huff Post  

Not long ago, scholars, bibliophiles, publishers and reporters fretted over the future of libraries as they began closing in the face of dwindling public funds and an increasingly digitized world. West Virginia State Code defines obscene matter as anything “an average person applying community standards would find depicts or describes in a patently offensive way sexually explicit conduct and a …

In Georgia, a bill to cut all ties with the American Library Association is advancing
1 year ago

In Georgia, a bill to cut all ties with the American Library Association is advancing

NPR  

In Georgia, a bill to cut all ties with the American Library Association is advancing Enlarge this image toggle caption Claire Savage/AP Claire Savage/AP Those who've been trying to remove certain books from childrens' sections at public libraries are now taking aim at what they see as a source of the problem: the American Library Association. But Walker's more sweeping …

Georgia Senate considers controls on school libraries and criminal charges for librarians
1 year, 1 month ago

Georgia Senate considers controls on school libraries and criminal charges for librarians

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — A proposal that would require school libraries to notify parents of every book their child checks out was advanced by Georgia senators Tuesday, while a proposal to subject school librarians to criminal charges for distributing material containing obscenity waits in the wings. “The logical endpoint of where this bill, as well as others, are taking us is for …

To fight so-called book bans, some states are threatening to withhold funding
1 year, 3 months ago

To fight so-called book bans, some states are threatening to withhold funding

NPR  

To fight so-called book bans, some states are threatening to withhold funding Enlarge this image toggle caption Ted Shaffrey/AP Ted Shaffrey/AP On Jan. 1, Illinois' new law meant to slow the rapid rise of books being challenged or pulled from library shelves goes into effect. The Illinois law states that in order to be eligible for state grants, a library …

Republicans Use 'Decency' Law To Ban Books
1 year, 4 months ago

Republicans Use 'Decency' Law To Ban Books

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING At the November meeting of the Rutherford County, Tennessee, steering committee, Chairman Craig Harris asked the county’s public library board about their feelings on books that conservative members of the community had deemed indecent — and potentially in violation of a new city ordinance promoting “decency.” “Do you think ‘Let’s Talk About It’ should have been removed?” …

Children and parents begin uphill fightback against book bans in Florida
1 year, 5 months ago

Children and parents begin uphill fightback against book bans in Florida

CNN  

Central Florida CNN — Now that books are being banned and disappearing from school libraries, students and parents are showing up to school board meetings in Florida to argue for access to books that take on difficult subjects. “‘Wait,’ Josie said, trying to roll away beneath him, but he clamped his hand over her mouth and drove harder and harder …

Column: Not satisfied with schools, book banners are now targeting adults’ right to read
1 year, 5 months ago

Column: Not satisfied with schools, book banners are now targeting adults’ right to read

LA Times  

Students and other citizens at a recent school board meeting in Orlando, Fla., protest efforts by the board and state authorities to remove books from school library shelves and suppress education on race and LGBTQ+ issues. “This year, to date, it’s 49%.” We’re seeing groups go to school or library board meetings to demand the removal of multiple titles all …

Book bans and challenges surged by 33% last year, report finds
1 year, 6 months ago

Book bans and challenges surged by 33% last year, report finds

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Banned books and proposed restrictions on library materials have surged …

Challenges to library books continue at record pace in 2023, American Library Association reports
1 year, 6 months ago

Challenges to library books continue at record pace in 2023, American Library Association reports

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Book bans and attempted bans continue to hit record highs, according to the American Library Association. Through the first eight months of 2023, the ALA tracked 695 challenges to library materials and services, compared to 681 during the same time period last year, and a 20% jump in the number of “unique titles” involved to 1,915. “The …

Conservative book ban push fuels library exodus from national association that stands up for books
1 year, 6 months ago

Conservative book ban push fuels library exodus from national association that stands up for books

Associated Press  

— After parents in a rural and staunchly conservative Wyoming county joined nationwide pressure on librarians to pull books they considered harmful to youngsters, the local library board obliged with new policies making such books a higher priority for removal — and keeping out of collections. “This effort to change what libraries are, or even just take libraries away from …

Conservative book ban push fuels library exodus from national association that stands up for books
1 year, 6 months ago

Conservative book ban push fuels library exodus from national association that stands up for books

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A tweet by ALA President Emily Drabinski last year in which she called herself …

Wyoming Head Librarian Fired For Refusing To Remove Books
1 year, 7 months ago

Wyoming Head Librarian Fired For Refusing To Remove Books

Huff Post  

Illustration: Jianan Liu/HuffPost; Photos: Getty Images, Amazon, Google Maps In late July, the board of the Campbell County Public Library system in Wyoming voted 4 to 1 to terminate Terri Lesley, its longtime director. One woman said during public comment that her personal survey of the teen section indicated that 60% of the books were “witchcraft,” while another said that …

Librarians train to defend intellectual freedom and fight book bans at Chicago conference
1 year, 9 months ago

Librarians train to defend intellectual freedom and fight book bans at Chicago conference

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — School librarian Jamie Gregory has been called a “pedophile” and “groomer,” bombarded with private messages threatening harm, accused of distributing pornography in schools, and had her personal address posted on social media. I’m not going to let that happen,” Gregory said Saturday to a room packed full of about 100 fellow librarians at a training session on fighting …

Arkansas librarians are suing to block state law that threatens them with jailtime
1 year, 9 months ago

Arkansas librarians are suing to block state law that threatens them with jailtime

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Arkansas is among four states that have recently enacted state laws that make it …

These authors’ books are some of the most challenged in the US. They’re speaking out
1 year, 11 months ago

These authors’ books are some of the most challenged in the US. They’re speaking out

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Well, they do matter.” To Kobabe, learning that …

The book ban surge gripping America’s schools and libraries
1 year, 11 months ago

The book ban surge gripping America’s schools and libraries

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. PEN has described the measures collectively as part …

Illinois seeks library pledge against ‘banning’ books
1 year, 11 months ago

Illinois seeks library pledge against ‘banning’ books

Associated Press  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois’ new secretary of state and Democrats in the General Assembly are pushing back against a rise in challenges to books shelved in libraries. “It’s not just someone who is a cisgendered white woman like myself, it’s someone who could be of a completely different ethnicity, different background, different culture.. To take that diversity out is a …

Library association reports record book ban attempts in 2022
2 years ago

Library association reports record book ban attempts in 2022

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Now, many library workers face threats to their employment, …

Book ban attempts hit record high in 2022, library org says
2 years ago

Book ban attempts hit record high in 2022, library org says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Attempted book bans and restrictions at school and public libraries continue to surge, setting a record in 2022, according to a new report from the American Library Association released Thursday. “Every day professional librarians sit down with parents to thoughtfully determine what reading material is best suited for their child’s needs,” ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada said …

'Never seen anything like this': US librarians report book bans hit record high in 2022
2 years ago

'Never seen anything like this': US librarians report book bans hit record high in 2022

Raw Story  

Librarians from across the United States released a report showing that pro-censorship groups' efforts to ban books with LGBTQ+ themes and stories about people of color have driven an unprecedented rise in the number of book challenges, with right-wing organizers pushing library workers to remove works ranging from the dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale to children's books about foods enjoyed …

Book Ban Efforts At Schools, Libraries Hit Record High In 2022: Report
2 years ago

Book Ban Efforts At Schools, Libraries Hit Record High In 2022: Report

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING NEW YORK — Attempted book bans and restrictions at school and public libraries continue to surge, setting a new record in 2022, according to a new report from the American Library Association being released Thursday. “Now, many library workers face threats to their employment, their personal safety, and in some cases, threats of prosecution for providing books …

US saw record book-banning efforts in 2022, library group says
2 years ago

US saw record book-banning efforts in 2022, library group says

Al Jazeera  

Conservative groups are trying to restrict availability or ban books covering topics such as race and gender identity. “Every day professional librarians sit down with parents to thoughtfully determine what reading material is best suited for their child’s needs,” ALA President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada said in a statement. In Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis has approved laws to review reading …

LOCALIZE IT: School library book removal efforts rise
2 years ago

LOCALIZE IT: School library book removal efforts rise

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association’s Office …

"A danger to democracy itself": Authors fight back against limiting libraries' digital rights
2 years, 6 months ago

"A danger to democracy itself": Authors fight back against limiting libraries' digital rights

Salon  

These are but a handful of the writers who have signed their names to an open letter released Thursday by a nonprofit group concerned with digital rights issues, Fight for the Future. The letter, titled "Authors for Libraries," expresses disheartenment about "the recent attacks against libraries being made in our name by trade associations such as the Association of American …

As book bans mount, literary stars are championing libraries and literacy
2 years, 6 months ago

As book bans mount, literary stars are championing libraries and literacy

CNN  

CNN — Readers and educators across America are observing Banned Books Week by exploring restricted books and supporting their authors – whether they are newly added to the ever-growing list of challenged works, or classics that have drawn controversy for decades. Greg Doherty/The Recording Academy/Getty Images Literacy groups are using the words of iconic “Reading Rainbow” host and children’s author …

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says
2 years, 6 months ago

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The wave of attempted book banning and restrictions continues to intensify, the American Library Association reported Friday. “We’re seeing that trend continue in 2022, the criticism of books with LGBTQ subject matter,” Caldwell-Jones says, adding that books about racism such as Angie Thomas’ novel “The Hate U Give” also are frequently challenged. A middle school librarian in …

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says
2 years, 6 months ago

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I've never seen anything like this,” says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, …

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says
2 years, 6 months ago

Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says

LA Times  

Amanda Darrow, director of youth, family and education programs at the Utah Pride Center, poses in December 2021 with books that have been the subject of complaints from parents in Salt Lake City. “We’re seeing that trend continue in 2022, the criticism of books with LGBTQ subject matter,” Caldwell-Jones says, adding that books about racism such as Angie Thomas’ novel …

When they came for the librarians: My profession is under attack — what happens now?
2 years, 7 months ago

When they came for the librarians: My profession is under attack — what happens now?

Salon  

America's libraries are under attack. A bit more than $100 of my annual tax bill goes to my local library — a library that is funded above our state's legal minimum. I live in an average home in a county with one of the highest property-tax rates in the country — and about $100 of my annual tax bill goes …

Librarians push back against book-banning
2 years, 10 months ago

Librarians push back against book-banning

Salon  

This article originally appeared at Common Dreams. The goal of Unite Against Book Bans—which also includes the Authors Guild and prominent publishers such as Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster—is "to empower individuals and communities to fight censorship and protect the freedom to read," according to the ALA. "This is a dangerous time for readers and the public servants …

Librarians, authors, publishers form anti-book ban coalition
2 years, 10 months ago

Librarians, authors, publishers form anti-book ban coalition

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The American Library Association, the American Federation of Teachers and more than a dozen other organizations have formed a coalition to fight the nationwide wave of book bans and challenges. Unite Against Book Bans also includes the publishers Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan, the Authors Guild and the National Coalition Against Censorship. Readers, particularly …

Tennessee lawmakers pass K-12 library oversight, end session
2 years, 11 months ago

Tennessee lawmakers pass K-12 library oversight, end session

Associated Press  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee lawmakers closed out their annual legislative session Thursday, striking a deal that would let a politically appointed panel remove books from public school libraries statewide through a new veto power over local school board decisions. Those proposals and others head to the Republican governor, concluding a session in which lawmakers pushed further on conservative hot-button issues …

Brooklyn Public Library offers teens free library cards and access to banned books
2 years, 11 months ago

Brooklyn Public Library offers teens free library cards and access to banned books

CNN  

CNN — Teens and young adults across the country now have unlimited, free access to books that have been banned at their local libraries, thanks to a digital initiative from one of the nation’s largest public libraries. New York City’s Brooklyn Public Library took a stand against growing censorship and book bans in announcing its “Books UnBanned Initiative” recently, providing …

Book Banning And Threats Against Librarians Soared Over Past Year, Report Shows
2 years, 11 months ago

Book Banning And Threats Against Librarians Soared Over Past Year, Report Shows

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING NEW YORK — Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, has never been so busy. The two most challenged books on the ALA’s top 10 list have been in the news often: Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir about sexual identity, “Gender Queer,” and Jonathan Evison’s “Lawn Boy,” a coming-of-age novel narrated by a …

Book ban attempts reach highest level in 20 years, new report finds
2 years, 11 months ago

Book ban attempts reach highest level in 20 years, new report finds

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Attempts to ban books …

Library study finds ‘challenged’ books soared in 2021
2 years, 11 months ago

Library study finds ‘challenged’ books soared in 2021

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, has never been so busy. The two most challenged books on the ALA’s top 10 list have been in the news often: Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir about sexual identity, “Gender Queer,” and Jonathan Evison’s “Lawn Boy,” a coming-of-age novel narrated by a young gay man. …

Conservatives Are Banning Books From Schools While Whining About 'Cancel Culture'
3 years, 2 months ago

Conservatives Are Banning Books From Schools While Whining About 'Cancel Culture'

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING When a publisher stops printing an old Dr. Seuss book nobody read because it contained harmful racial stereotypes, Fox News and the entire Republican party lose their minds over “cancel culture.” But when conservatives across the country start banning and censoring dozens of books at a time from school libraries, they’re just trying to protect the kids. …

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