Public Libraries

The Missouri House approves state budget that strips public libraries of funding, students protest in Oregon, a 100-year-old woman speaks out against censorship in Florida, a Utah parent challenges the Bible, and more in this week's censorship news.

The American Library Association recorded 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since the organization began compiling the data more than 20 years ago.

Here is a look at the strategies and messaging in eight states with recent bills to remove the prosecution exemption for librarians and educators in current obscenity laws.

Governor Ron DeSantis accuses critics of creating a false narrative around school book removal in Florida; parents want books pulled in Maine; and news from South Carolina, Tennessee, and Iowa.

As censors attack, administrators issue directives; getting ahead of Moms for Liberty; a parent bars his son from the debate team.

A roundup of recent book challenge efforts and the news on the fight for intellectual freedom from Florida to California.

Kaye Johnson brought a statement from George M. Johnson, the author of All Boys Aren't Blue, which was one of six titles a group wanted removed from the public library. The Board of Trustees decided that all six titles will remain on the shelves at the Glen Ridge Public Library.

The nonprofit organization offers comprehensive resources on creating community advocacy organizations to fight censorship, and monitor and speak out against legislative efforts.

The 2023 Youth Media Awards and librarian opinions about the Newbery dominated reader attention.