Public Libraries

As censorship efforts continue, here's a look at some of the latest developments in schools and public libraries around the country.

Despite dangers, school and public librarians continue to push back against efforts to censor books. 

The most challenged graphic novel this fall: Gender Queer. And the award-winning Maia Kobabe memoir remains a frequent target nationwide. Graphic novels are more vulnerable, says Jonathan Friedman of PEN America, as older people simply are less comfortable with them. 

SLJ rounds up censorship news around the country, with reports of books threatened with removal in Arizona, Iowa, Missouri, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The Front Desk author tweeted a call to action to her colleagues, as she tries to "motivate and mobilize" people to fight coordinated efforts to remove books from schools and libraries.

Well-organized literacy programs help kids in detention access and talk about books. 

Pat Scales answers questions about a recommended booklist; culling biographies for "questionable behavior," and titles that might upset kids in foster care.

Fines bar kids from library services, don’t bring in much revenue, and force staffers to spend time on bookkeeping. Several librarians say the pandemic was the catalyst for ditching them.

Authors Jerry Craft, Grace Lin, and others discuss the personal and professional impact of having parents call to remove their books from schools and libraries.