and more.
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LibrariesThe Week in Libraries: September 27, 2024
Among the week's headlines: it was a busy Banned Books Week in court with developments in two major book banning cases; an anti–book banning resolution is reintroduced in Congress; Delaware libraries grapple with a ransomware attack; and the Carnegie Corporation gives $4 million to New York City libraries.
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Libraries
On Appeal, Llano County Seeks Book Ban Ruling That Would Upend Public Libraries
At an appeal hearing this week, lawyers for the rural Texas county told the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that it should strike down a three-decade-old precedent and hand politicians near total authority over what books can go on—or be banned from—public library shelves.
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Libraries
ALA Finds Book Challenges Are Slowing in 2024
ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 414 challenges to censor library materials in the first eight months of the year, down from 695 during the same period in 2023, with ALA reps suggesting that advocacy efforts, including lawsuits in several states, are beginning to yield positive results.
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Libraries
Penguin Random House Creates New Role to Help Battle Book Bans
Rosalie (Rosie) Stewart, most recently manager of grassroots communications for the ALA's Public Policy and Advocacy Office, will join the publisher as senior manager for public policy, reporting directly to PRH VP Skip Dye, a key move that signals the publisher's intent to expand its battle against book bans beyond the courtroom.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: September 20, 2024
Among the week's headlines, ALA releases a new booklist for young readers on the importance of voting; Penguin Random Houses's Banned Wagon embarks on its second-ever tour; and why the Florida attorney general is wading into a closely watched book banning case from Llano County, Texas.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: September 13, 2024
Among the week's headlines: PEN America reports a surge in school book bans; amicus briefs are filed in a key freedom to read case from Llano County, Texas; and Book Riot reports on the escalating attacks on academic libraries.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: September 6, 2024
Among the week's headlines: Louisiana librarian and freedom to read advocate Amanda Jones releases her memoir; officials in Garland County, Arkansas, are looking to put a library funding cut up for a vote; and the Internet Archive loses its appeal over the scanning and lending of library books.
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Publisher News
Appeals Court Upholds Decision Against Internet Archive’s Book Scanning Program
The decision leaves only the Supreme Court left for the Internet Archive, suggesting the case may finally be winding down after years of contentious legal wrangling.
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Libraries
DPLA, IPG Team Up to Offer Libraries an E-Book Ownership Option
A partnership between the Digital Public Library of America and the Independent Publishers Group is offering an e-book ownership option from a wide range of indie publishers.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: August 9, 2024
Among the week's headlines: the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has weighed in on Iowa's SF 496 with a mixed decision; Utah bans 13 books from all public schools in the state, six of which are by Sarah J. Maas; and Kelly Jensen of 'Book Riot' offers a how-to guide to fighting book bans.
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Content / e-books
OverDrive Forms New Content Group
Company officials said that the group will focus on "developing content discovery channels and evolving access models" to provide "the best possible content experience for institutions across the globe."
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: August 2, 2024
Among the week's headlines: a new EveryLibrary report explores the threat to libraries posed by the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025; Maggie Tokuda-Hall weighs in on book bans for 'Book Riot'; and a mother and TikToker in Idaho details her experience with the state's new harmful to minors law.
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Libraries
Sam Helmick Named ALA President for 2025-2026
Helmick, who is community and access services coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, steps in after Ray Pun, who won the election for ALA president in March, announced last month that he was stepping down for health reasons.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: July 26, 2024
Among the week's headlines: Kamala Harris addresses book banning at a campaign event; a community in Michigan seeks to remove its library board over their refusal to ban books; and NBC News has a chilling look at an officer's bid to charge three Texas school librarians for sharing inappropriate books.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: July 19, 2024
Among the week's headlines: ALA welcomes the FCC's decision to allow E-rate funding to be used to purchase and lend Wi-Fi hotspots; parents in Lansing, Mich., are unhappy with plans for two new library-less elementary schools; and Kelly Jensen at 'Book Riot' questions an unusually quiet Pride Month for libraries.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: July 12, 2024
Among the week's headlines: The Fifth Circuit will rehear its June decision in a closely-watched book banning case; Fresh off a high energy annual conference, ALA now faces some critical decisions; and why the New Mexico state library is offering New Mexicans access to the 'New York Times.'
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Shows & Events
Resurgent ALA Annual Conference Draws More than 13,000 to San Diego
Advocacy and the freedom to read took center stage at a high-energy, well-attended ALA Annual Conference.
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Shows & Events
ALA 2024: Ali Velshi Calls for Courage
At a June 30 keynote at this year’s American Library Association's Annual Conference, MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi discussed the plight of frontline librarians in the present political climate and his memoir, 'Small Acts of Courage.'
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Shows & Events
ALA 2024: Authors and Librarians Address 'Soft' Censorship
Numerous activities and events at the ALA annual conference addressed the problem of book bans.
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Shows & Events
ALA 2024 Opens with Applause, Determination, and Trevor Noah
The American Library Association's meeting started with a keynote from the former host of 'The Daily Show' and a fierce stand for the right to read.
