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The Week in Libraries: June 23, 2023
Among the week's headlines: The ALA Annual Conference kicks off in Chicago with a rally in defense of the freedom to read; EveryLibrary issues a sobering report on state legislation threatening libraries; and how one Missouri library is grappling with a new state rule governing allegedly 'inappropriate' library materials.
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Freedom Fighters: Ibram X. Kendi Kicks Off ALA 2023 with a Powerful Message to Librarians
The ALA’s first-ever Rally for the Right to Read featured librarians and advocates speaking of the need to fight censorship and a keynote from author Ibram X. Kendi, who praised librarians as modern-day freedom fighters.
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The Week in Libraries: June 16, 2023
Among the week's headlines: Illinois governor JB Pritzker signs a law to discourage book bans; Texas governor Greg Abbott signs a law that will encourage book bans; a school board in Missouri may use a new state law to ban Art Spiegelman's 'Maus'; and Zain Khalid wins the NYPL's Young Lions Fiction Award.
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Illinois Governor Signs Landmark Law to Discourage Book Bans in Libraries
The new law, signed by Illinois governor JB Pritzker on June 12, conditions state grant funding for libraries on adopting the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights or a written policy that would enshrine the freedom to read.
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The American Library Association's New Comics Initiatives
The ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable is rolling out new initiatives geared toward serving and supporting librarians.
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Librarians Strike Back Against Comics Bans
Comics and graphic novels are prime targets in the current battle to ban books at libraries across the country, and librarians who have championed the comics form find themselves on the front lines.
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The Week in Libraries: Archive 2023
An annual archive of PW's library column "The Week in Libraries," updated weekly.
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ALA 2023: Chicago Public Library Celebrates 150th Anniversary
One of the highlights for those attending the 2023 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago will be the Chicago Public Library’s 150th anniversary festivities, which will kick off with a citywide celebration on June 10 and continue throughout the rest of 2023.
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ALA 2023: Behind the Book Bans
PW talks to author and iSchool professor Emily Knox about how book banning has changed in just a few short years—and, perhaps most importantly, why it’s changed.
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ALA 2023: Program Picks for Dealing with Book Bans
This year’s conference features an especially strong lineup of programs responding to the ongoing nationwide surge in book bans and legislative challenges to the freedom to read.
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ALA 2023: Judy Blume, Amanda Gorman to Headline 2023 ALA Annual Conference
Great speakers and a strong slate of educational programming await the library community at the 2023 ALA Annual Conference, set for June 22–27 in Chicago.
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The Week in Libraries: June 9, 2023
Among the week's headlines: the Fifth Circuit hears a closely-watched book banning case; Louisiana passes a 'harmful to minors' law for library books; legal action over a flawed New York City library design; and California expands its partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
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White House Announces New Position to Combat Book Bans
In honor of Pride Month, the White House has announced a set of actions designed to protect LGBTQIA+ communities, including the appointment of a new coordinator within the Department of Education to facilitate a response to the rising number of book bans at the state level.
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Librarians, Publishers File Amicus Briefs in Texas Book Banning Case
With the Fifth Circuit set to review Judge Robert Pitman's March 30 decision to enjoin officials in Llano County, Tex., from banning library books, librarians and publishers have weighed in on the closely watched First Amendment case.
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Coalition Sues Over New Arkansas Library Obscenity Law
A coalition of 18 plaintiffs—including a powerful alliance of library, publishing, author, and bookseller groups—are suing to strike down a controversial new law that would expose librarians and booksellers to criminal liability for making allegedly inappropriate books accessible to minors.
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The Week in Libraries: June 2, 2023
Among the week's headlines: a library-led coalition has filed a lawsuit challenging a new Arkansas law that exposes librarians and booksellers to criminal prosecution for making allegedly inappropriate books available, while a new 'harmful to minors' rule in Missouri is causing confusion and concern.
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Librarians, Publishers, Bookstores Join Lawsuit Over Arkansas Library ‘Obscenity’ Law
Book business advocacy organizations, including the Association of American Publishers, will join a federal lawsuit over a law recently signed by Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders that exposes librarians in the state to criminal liability for making allegedly “obscene” books available to minors.
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DOE Delivers Potentially Crucial Finding in Fight Against Book Bans
Freedom to read advocates are applauding a federal consent decree that could help blunt the surge of book bans in schools.
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The Week in Libraries: May 19, 2023
Among the week's headlines: a surprise guest inspires the annual PEN America gala; a profile of a grassroots parents group defending the freedom to read in Florida; a brewing controversy over book bans in Colorado; and Minneapolis school administrators seek to ensure every school has a qualified school librarian.
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The Week in Libraries: May 12, 2023
Among the week's headlines: a new report explores the post-pandemic funding landscape for libraries, a library board shuts down a library-hosted book group for discussing a 'political' book, and more.
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