School Libraries

LGBTQIA+ authors and writers of color are getting fewer invitations to speak to students at schools as attempts to ban books continue across the country.

Twenty-five libraries in Title I schools have been awarded $700 grants, presented by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, in partnership with SLJ.

Recent censorship developments include a decision to keep the Bible in the library and classrooms at a Kansas high school, and the removal and review of the Epic! digital library app because of a concern over An ABC of Equality and other titles.

The author of Home Home stresses the importance of openly discussing mental health issues and offering hope to young people experiencing anxiety and depression.

Once again books with LGBTQIA+ characters and themes are the most challenged titles across the country.

In response to new legislation and customer requests, Follett was working on optional features that would allow parents to request to be notified what book their child has checked out of the library and limit their access to materials. They will no longer be creating those options.

Pluto, the main character of Melleby's How I Became a Planet, just wants to love things again like she used to. Depression changes her, but with a support system and time, Pluto knows she will be okay. 

Is it unconstitutional to ban books from a school library? Pico didn't provide an easy answer, but the ACLU and a couple of  Missouri students are suing arguing that the removal of books from the Wentzville R-IV district is a violation of their First Amendment rights.