Public Libraries

President Obama released a letter calling book challenges "profoundly misguided and contrary to what has made this country great" and thanked librarians for their "unwavering commitment to the freedom to read."

The Florida teachers' union has its case against the state dismissed, and book banning battles in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Nevada are highlighted in this week's Censorship News.

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.

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.

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.