Censorship

Elissa Malespina lost her job last spring after a performance review, which cited her book displays on race and LGBTQ themes. The 23-year veteran educator shares her experience to counter censorship and help fellow librarians know they are not alone.

“Imagining a world with you.” That’s the message on a new poster illustrated by award-winning artist Chan Chau and produced by SLJ and the Children’s Book Council to support LGBTQIA+ children and teens.

Efforts to shield children from perceived unpleasantness, however well intentioned, ignore the genuine fear and anxiety that kids must grapple with in their daily lives.

The Right to Read Act would help fund certified school librarians and well-resourced libraries across the country; the Philadelphia superintendent is looking for help from the city's public library system; Levine Querido launches a Spanish imprint; and more in News Bites.

School librarians ask Pat about possible parental pushback, principal mandates, and political pressure on collections.

Amanda Jones took her harassers to court but has lost the case.

Virginia Beach City school staff were accused of breaking the law, and books were removed in Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina in the latest Censorship Roundup.

Book honors, they’re coming. The 2022 titles longlisted for the National Book Award help kick things off and mock Newbery deliberations are in high gear. As for Banned Books Week, the not-a-celebration event drew plenty of announcements, commentary, and ongoing attention from our readers.

Demo Defense uses a web tutorial to walk librarians through reporting challenges and finding support, as well as to help the public donate to the organizations fighting against censorship.