Kara Yorio

School Library Journal is now accepting applications for the 2026 School Librarian of the Year award, sponsored by Scholastic. Let us know what you are doing in your school library and join an exceptional group of honored peers.

A career retrospective at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the current political climate have kid lit creator Grace Lin considering the purpose of her future work.

The organization, One Word at a Time, will focus on kids 8-15 and run multiple initiatives, including virtual visits from Kwame Alexander and other kid lit authors, as well as a Teacher Study program.

Censorship, AI, and federal funding top the list of concerns for school librarians heading into the 2025-26 school year.

Amid the celebration of books and libraries was the undercurrent of a community under attack, with conversations and sessions at ALA Annual in Philadelphia centered around advocacy, democracy, and diverse books.

The former Librarian of Congress spoke with author Kwame Alexander about getting fired and offered ALA Annual attendees comfort and guidance.

It will now be up to educators and local school districts to stand up for intellectual freedom, book access, and LGBTQIA+ rights in the face of parental opt outs and political pressure, according to PEN America staff attorney Elly Brinkley.

SLJ wants to know what's on your mind as you think about the next school year. Fill out our Google form to share your hopes, concerns, and plans for 2025-26.

Even a so-called "narrow" ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor would undermine the First Amendment and access to diverse viewpoints in public education and lay the groundwork for even more serious ramifications, a Georgetown law professor explains.