Public Libraries

Laws going into effect in July are creating issues around the country: In Texas, school vendors must now rate sexual content in books sold to districts; Iowa public libraries that share space with school libraries struggle to adapt to new restrictive legislation meant for schools; and large book reviews forced by new law begins in Florida.

In Katy (TX) ISD, a content review for "explicit" materials will stop book purchases and leave already-bought titles in a warehouse; a Florida mom claims I Am Billie Jean King harmed her daughter; and book banning battles in Connecticut and California.

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. 

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.

Three Arkansas parents are suing, alleging that the relocation of LGBTQ+ books in the public library is unlawful censorship. Meanwhile, book ban battles continue in New York, Connecticut, Alaska, and Washington.

National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman's poem from President Joe Biden's inauguration has been restricted to older grades in one Florida school district; New Jersey legislators introduce law to prohibit book banning based on "partisan or doctrinal reasons”; and more in Censorship News.

These outstanding works by 12 authors encompass historical fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, picture books, and more. 

Fantasy or contemporary, funny or serious, these books show characters of different cultural backgrounds, skin colors, and gender identities, demonstrating the many ways in which Jews can be intersectional.