All posts tagged: Library

Alberta Faces Proposed Censorship Legislation, and More Library News

Alberta Faces Proposed Censorship Legislation, and More Library News

Published by José Betancourt

Supportive Library Legislation Updates Illinois and Rhode Island each have pending legislation that would strengthen and support libraries in the state. Illinois’s proposed bill tackles the perpetual eBook problem and would stop publishers from overcharging libraries for digital materials, as well as limit the number of eBook software licenses a library can purchase. Rhode Island’s bill, meanwhile, would require every public school in the state to have a dedicated library and a certified school librarian. Of course, the big question for Rhode Island revolves around funding, but I still appreciate seeing bills like this that recognize the importance of school libraries for all students. Check Your Shelf Sign up to receive Check Your Shelf, the Librarian’s One-Stop Shop For News, Book Lists, And More. Subscribe to Selected No Thanks Book Bans Reach Canada Obviously, the US isn’t the only country dealing with book bans and censorship issues, but we’re starting to see a lot of noise coming out of Alberta recently. Proposed legislation would modify Alberta’s existing laws and allow the Municipal Affairs Minister to …

Does Your Library Have Its Own Annual Book Lists?

Does Your Library Have Its Own Annual Book Lists?

Published by Jenni Sidey

When we think about annual book lists, very often we are thinking about The New York Times best of the year, the NPR Book Concierge, or, of course, Book Riot’s Best of the Year. Sometimes we might see what the New York Public Library has done, as one of the largest and most prominent library systems in the country. But there are public libraries that are really doing the work to bring something new and interesting to their communities, and with that, they’re doing the whole world a big favor! While we love to see what’s at the top of lists across the board, libraries highlighting very specific communities and types of books for their local communities could spark discourse far beyond their local reach.  Detroit Public Library African American Booklist I learned about this 50+-year annual publication from a library colleague when she moved from Detroit to Arizona, and now I keep an eye out for it every year. With such a large Black population and a long and storied history of Black literature and …

Wikipedia Bans AI-Generated Content, and More Library News

Wikipedia Bans AI-Generated Content, and More Library News

Published by José Betancourt

Katie’s parents never told her “no” when she asked for a book, which was the start of most of her problems. She has an MLIS from the University of Illinois and works full time as a Circulation & Reference Manager in Illinois. She has a deep-rooted love of all things disturbing, twisted, and terrifying and takes enormous pleasure in creeping out her coworkers. When she’s not at work, she’s at home watching the Cubs with her cats and her cardigan collection. Other hobbies include scrapbooking, introducing more readers to the Church of Tana French, and convincing her husband that she can, in fact, fit more books onto her shelves. Twitter: @kt_librarylady View All posts by Katie McLain Horner Source link

American Library Association most challenged books of 2025 : NPR

American Library Association most challenged books of 2025 : NPR

Published by Sam Flores

The American Library Association’s list of the most frequently challenged books of 2025 includes Sold by Patricia McCormick, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer: A Memoir. American Library Association hide caption toggle caption American Library Association The American Library Association has released its annual list of the most commonly challenged books at libraries across the United States. According to the ALA, the 11 most frequently targeted books include several tied titles. They are: 1. Sold by Patricia McCormick2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky3. Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe4. Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas5. (tie) Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo5. (tie) Tricks by Ellen Hopkins7. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas8. (tie) A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess8. (tie) Identical by Ellen Hopkins8. (tie) Looking for Alaska by John Green8. (tie) Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout Many of these individual titles also appear on a 2024-25 report issued last October …

These Were The Most Challenged Books in the US Last Year, According to the American Library Association

These Were The Most Challenged Books in the US Last Year, According to the American Library Association

Published by Jenni Sidey

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Since 1990, the American Library Association (ALA) has tracked the books being challenged across the United States. These are documented and recorded challenges, either cataloged by staff or shared with staff by library workers. Challenges, as opposed to book bans, are complaints about materials; challenges can result in a book being banned, but they can as easily result in books being relocated, redacted, or restricted. They can also result in no action being taken at all. Every year, the ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF) shares the top 10 most challenged books across the country during National Library Week. Here’s what topped the list for 2025. 8. (tie) A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess  8. (tie) Identical by Ellen Hopkins  8. (tie) Looking for Alaska by John Green  8. (tie) Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout The most challenged books list isn’t the only information ALA releases annually. Their new report highlights several other key elements of …

Chicago Public School Students Automatically Granted Library Access, and More Library News

Chicago Public School Students Automatically Granted Library Access, and More Library News

Published by José Betancourt

It’s another week and another roundup of updates to keep you at the top of your library game. We’ve got a pair of big updates on the Institution of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) legal fight, a great partnership between Chicago’s public libraries and public schools, the best April new releases, an author who has finally revealed the true identity behind their pseudonym, and more. Let’s dive in. Source link

Chicago’s Excellent Public School-Public Library Partnership

Chicago’s Excellent Public School-Public Library Partnership

Published by José Betancourt

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Welcome to Today in Books, our daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more. Chicago Turns All Public School IDs Into Library Cards To Boost Student Access In an era where library access is being hindered nationwide, one way some communities are pushing back is through developing public school and public library partnerships. We saw this in Des Moines last year–which resulted in legislative backlash this year that, fortunately, did not progress to law. Now, Chicago is getting in on the action. All public school ID cards for students grant them access to the Chicago Public Library. The pilot program they began in 2022 has now been rolled out districtwide. Rad! The 100 Most Influential People of 2026 I always love when writers and other literary folks land on lists of the most influential of any given year. For TIME‘s annual “most influential,” we’ve got not one, but two authors whose names …

Reprints, New Releases, and More Resources for Library Workers

Reprints, New Releases, and More Resources for Library Workers

Published by José Betancourt

Katie’s parents never told her “no” when she asked for a book, which was the start of most of her problems. She has an MLIS from the University of Illinois and works full time as a Circulation & Reference Manager in Illinois. She has a deep-rooted love of all things disturbing, twisted, and terrifying and takes enormous pleasure in creeping out her coworkers. When she’s not at work, she’s at home watching the Cubs with her cats and her cardigan collection. Other hobbies include scrapbooking, introducing more readers to the Church of Tana French, and convincing her husband that she can, in fact, fit more books onto her shelves. Twitter: @kt_librarylady View All posts by Katie McLain Horner Source link

Institute of Museum and Library Services Saved from Defunding

Institute of Museum and Library Services Saved from Defunding

Published by Jenni Sidey

The American Library Association, together with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees–the nation’s largest union of cultural workers– has reached a favorable settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, thwarting the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). According to an April 9 press release from the American Library Association (ALA), the settlement ensures the agency will continue awarding grants, conducting research, and supporting the operation of libraries and museums. The agreement also requires that previously terminated grants be reinstated, staff reductions reversed, and that the administration refrain from further action against IMLS.  Related Articles ALA President Sam Helmick said in a statement, “When the administration began shuttering IMLS last year, it set off a chain reaction. Libraries across the country started cutting hours, staff and services people rely on – after school programs, support for jobseekers and connection for older adults. This settlement protects life-changing library services for communities across the country. ALA will continue to defend every American’s freedom to read and learn.”  Established in …

3 Readalikes For Library Books With Long Hold Lists

3 Readalikes For Library Books With Long Hold Lists

Published by José Betancourt

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Picture it: a patron comes to the desk looking for a copy of the latest bestseller and is disappointed to learn that while yes, the library has ordered 10 copies of said bestseller, all of the copies are checked out and there’s a waiting list to boot. But wait! Before the patron walks away empty handed, you say, “But can I interest you in this similar book while you wait?” As a librarian, I love pulling out a good readalike for a patron. It feels like a secret customer service weapon, and it introduces the reader to an author they may not have heard about otherwise. To that end, I’ve pulled together a list of three new books that are probably checked out at your libraries right now, as well as alternate suggestions to give to patrons while they wait. If your patron is looking for… The Keeper by Tana French The third book in the Cal Hooper …