Censorship

Unite Against Book Bans, the coalition of organizations fighting censorship, which includes SLJ, is asking individuals, authors, organizations, and associations to sign on to the statement and support the freedom to read.

In a keynote conversation to open the conference, Blume discussed decades of fighting for free speech and a lifetime of loving libraries.

While situations may differ, knowing your library display policy and garnering parental support are key steps, says free speech expert Pat Scales.

The lawsuits continue as another Florida district is sued for restricting access to a book; Maryland governor Wes Moore suggests "economic consequences" for states prioritizing book banning; and more in the latest Censorship News.

Wake County, NC, schools reject book challenges brought by Moms for Liberty—all 189 of them—and Jason Reynolds continues to inspire. Among the most popular posts on SLJ.com. 

In Wake County, NC, 189 book challenges filed by Moms for Liberty in one recent week were rejected. Illinois governor signs law to protect book access, while Texas, Indiana, and Iowa get new legal restrictions. 

EveryLibrary and GLAAD teamed up to offer practical advice for fighting censorship in your community; the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) announces its 2023 Best Book Awards; and publishing news from Baker & Taylor and Nosy Crow in this edition of News Bites.

The federal government is appointing someone to address the increase in book banning; publishers file brief in support of Llano County, TX, plaintiffs; Utah district removes Bible; and more in Censorship News.

SLJ spoke with Skye Perryman and Megan Uzzell of Democracy Forward, a nonprofit organization that provides legal counsel to help people and communities defend core democratic principles.