New Bills in Iowa Threaten to Tighten Obscenity Provisions for Libraries

House File 274 would repeal a section of the Iowa Code that addresses obscenity exemptions for public libraries and educational institutions, while Senate File 347 proposes steep fines for sharing allegedly obscene work with minors. American Library Association president-elect Sam Helmick called the legislative pairing “a parfait of awful.” Continue reading at 'Publishers Weekly'

[ Publishers Weekly | 2025-02-20 05:00:00 UTC ]

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Attempts to Ban Books Doubled in 2022

A new report from the American Library Association showed a spike in censorship efforts, with 1,269 attempts. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2023-03-23 13:10:19 UTC ]
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ALA Reports Shocking Increase in Attempted Book Bans in 2022

With book banning and legislative attacks on the freedom to read continuing to surge across the country, the American Library Association tracked a stunning 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, nearly double the record-shattering 729 challenges recorded in 2021. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-03-23 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Should Public Libraries Double Down on Print Book Collections?

Data from the IMLS show gate counts and circulation have been falling for more than a decade. U.K.-based library advocate Tim Coates says print books hold the key to reversing the trend. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-03-10 05:00:00 UTC ]
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The Week in Libraries: February 24, 2023

Amid criticism, Puffin revises its plan to soften some of the language in Roald Dahl's classic works; North Dakota passes a new law that wou ban sexually explicit materials in public libraries; and Library Futures releases a policy paper on digital ownership. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-02-24 05:00:00 UTC ]
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‘Libraries, You Are My Heroes’: Readers Share Memories of a Favorite Haven

A photo essay celebrating the versatility of public libraries prompted an outpouring of enthusiasm from card-carrying book lovers. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2023-02-19 10:00:09 UTC ]
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Book Review Podcast: Public Libraries, and Profiling Paul Harding

A celebration of community libraries and their expanding role, and a look at the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Paul Harding. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2023-02-17 17:56:54 UTC ]
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The Week in Libraries: February 17, 2023

Among the week's headlines: PEN America reports that 'educational censorship' bills are continuing to spread nationwide; the Utah Library Association delivers a powerful statement on censorship; and registration is now open for the 2023 ALA Annual Conference, set for June 22-27 in Chicago. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-02-17 05:00:00 UTC ]
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Turning Nairobi’s Public Libraries Into ‘Palaces for the People’

A Kenyan nonprofit is restoring iconic public libraries, leaving behind a segregated past and turning them into inclusive spaces. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2023-02-04 10:00:30 UTC ]
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Children’s book ‘Freewater’ wins Newbery, Coretta Scott King awards

The American Library Association has announced the top children’s and young adult books for 2023. This year’s John Newbery Medal for best children’s book went to Amina Luqman-Dawson’s novel “Freewater” about a community of people who escaped slavery. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2023-01-31 16:14:22 UTC ]
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Here are the 2023 Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz Award Winners

The American Library Association has announced the 2023 winners of the Youth Media Awards, including the Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2023-01-30 17:02:28 UTC ]
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The Week in Libraries: January 27, 2023

The American Library Association gets a massive grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to address key issues in libraries; Florida librarians and educators struggle with pernicious new 'parental rights' laws; and two more states introduce new library e-book bills. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-01-27 05:00:00 UTC ]
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America’s Public Libraries Reflect the Systematic Failures and Social Inequality of Our Country

Growing up, the library was not just Amanda Oliver’s favorite place but also her “first beloved destination, first embodied center… it was absolutely sacred.” However, soon after Oliver began her career as a librarian at a Title I school and then in the D.C. public library system, she witnessed... Continue reading at Electric Literature

[ Electric Literature | 2023-01-05 12:00:00 UTC ]
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Why Christmas Trees Don’t Belong in Libraries

What gets included in public libraries has been discussed more and more these days. Here is why Christmas trees should stay out. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2022-12-07 11:33:00 UTC ]
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Michigan Library Association Defends Library Defunded Over LGBTQ Books

In a statement this week, the Michigan Library Association called the vote to defund the Patmos Library (Jamestown, Mich.) over the library’s refusal to pull several LGBTQ-themed books from library shelves "a local tragedy with national implications." Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-11-15 05:00:00 UTC ]
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The Most Popular In-Demand Books in U.S. Libraries: July-September 2022

Here are the most popular, in-demand books across US public libraries between July and September 2022. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2022-11-02 10:39:00 UTC ]
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What’s a Book Sanctuary?: Book Censorship News, October 14, 2022

This week's book censorship news, plus a look at US public libraries declaring themselves upholders of the First Amendment Rights of all. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2022-10-14 10:40:00 UTC ]
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Libraries across the country are being forced to close because of bomb threats.

In a predictable—but nevertheless horrifying—extension of the ongoing wave of book bans across the country (not to mention the bomb threats to a children’s hospital for providing gender-affirming healthcare), Motherboard has reported that at least a dozen public libraries across the country have... Continue reading at Literrary Hub

[ Literrary Hub | 2022-09-30 16:07:29 UTC ]
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Public Libraries Now Have To Deal With Hoax Bomb Threats

The anonymous messages come as conservatives wage a culture war over events and books with LGBTQ or racial justice themes. Continue reading at HuffPost

[ HuffPost | 2022-09-23 21:22:11 UTC ]
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Congressional Resolution Condemns Nationwide Book Banning Efforts

In honor of Banned Books Week, the resolution seeks to recognize the “alarming threats to freedom of expression” sweeping the country, and calls for “local governments and educational institutions” to protect the rights of Americans “to read a wide array of book reflecting a multitude of... Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2022-09-23 04:00:00 UTC ]
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