Book sanctuaries are institutions committed to upholding the First Amendment Rights of all citizens, wherein book bans and challenges must follow through a specific procedure to be considered. They are places where books and the right to read them remains at the forefront of what an institution does. Chicago Public Libraries (CPL) declared themselves book sanctuaries in late September. Along …
Every time a book is banned, there are more of us watching, more of us calling attention to the values of voices that are marginalized by systems of power. I feel a movement taking shape.
Professor and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Tracy K. Smith in American Libraries magazine, Nov-Dec. 2023Share Books Not Hate
Thank you to Samantha M. Clark, author of middle grade novels, activist and the creative source of this inspiring message. Visit her website to find merchandise, to nominate a librarian to receive free books and spread the love.
Banned Books Week – the perfect time to launch video on The Whole Community Library.
In a time of intense political polarization, library staff in every state are facing an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. Many great resources exist to help library staff including the Unite Against Book Bans toolkit. The Tocker Foundation is pleased to offer one more with this video presentation from the authoritative voice of Mark Smith, retired director of …
Public libraries in rural Texas invited to join Neil Gaiman Watch Party.
Through a collaboration with the Westport (CT) Library and Tocker Foundation, rural libraries can join a thrilling, nationwide event to celebrate the visionary works of acclaimed author, Neil Gaiman. Stream a captivating live presentation featuring exclusive insights and in-depth discussions about his mesmerizing tales. From the haunting realms of “American Gods” to the whimsical adventures of “Coraline,” this watch party …
Marathon Public Library gets honorable mention as best small library in U.S. by Library Journal
Library Journal’s annual award showcases the exemplary work of libraries serving populations under 25,000. This year’s prize went to Page (AZ) Public Library, an outstanding example of an exemplary library. One of two honorable mentions went to Texas’ smallest accredited library in Marathon. Kudos to the hard-working folks who make the Marathon Public Library a community anchor. Stay tuned for …
The Freedom to Read Foundation and the American Association of School Librarians have joined the Association of University Presses, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Freedom to Learn Advocates in filing an amicus curiae brief that supports the request by the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and two Texas …
Education at the library takes the spotlight in new WebJunction series.
Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library in Caldwell, Texas is serious about supporting individuals in advancing their education. This WebJunction article features their programs as a shining example of just one way that libraries strengthen their communities. This is the first in a five part series.
Booksellers sue over Texas law requiring them to rate books for appropriateness
Texas Tribune announces two Texas bookstores and three national bookseller associations file suit over House Bill 900, which requires private booksellers to rate books on appropriateness, and bans “sexually explicit” material from libraries.
The record number of book challenges we’re reporting today are not the result of a parent filing authentic requests for reconsideration. Overwhelmingly, we’re seeing groups and individuals at library board meetings demand the removal of long lists of books obtained from organized censorship groups who share these lists on social media.
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual FreedomI know that library workers of all types take seriously the fundamental mission to enhance and provide access to information for all. We understand that at our very core, we are an equity-based profession - one that might not exist if someone were to suggest it today.
Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada, American Library Association President 2022-2023Let history show of this period that librarians and the writers whose works they protect from being removed or erased, were on the frontlines in upholding our democracy.
Tracie D. Hall, ALA Executive Director upon accepting the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community, 73rd National Book Awards, November 16, 2022.ALA Fund helps librarians facing threats, challenges and wrongful termination.
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom’s Director says “We’re seeing an unprecedented volume of challenges . . . In my twenty years with ALA, I can’t recall a time when we had multiple challenges coming in on a daily basis.” For those librarians across the country who are faced with these challenges and threats, financial support can be found …
The Constitution prohibits public bodies, such as libraries, from discriminating on the basis of viewpoint or censoring materials based on their message. Libraries uphold these Constitutional principles by enabling readers to choose materials representing a variety of ideas, opinions and views. ALA is alarmed by the increasing trend of censorship campaigns directed at libraries around the country. These proposals would strip readers of their freedom to choose and could make it impossible for libraries and librarians to fulfill their legal and professional responsibilities.
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director, Office of Intellectual Freedom of ALA in a letter to The Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and ReformLibraries cannot remain neutral about hate, oppression, censorship.
In the current climate of well-funded campaigns to control what children read, Melanie Huggins, president of the Public Library Association (a division of the American Library Association), is speaking out in Public Libraries Journal Jan/Feb 2022. She shares that in the past, the diversity of a collection served as a library’s primary (and mostly quiet) act of resistance against hate, …
State Broadband Development Office holds listening tour across state.
To guide the strategic vision of Texas’ new Broadband Development Office, Comptroller Glenn Hegar is touring 12 communities to get Texans’ insights about internet access and collect input to develop the state’s first broadband plan. These events are free, and Texans are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts about broadband services in their communities. This is a great opportunity …
Rural libraries get help to rebuild from the pandemic with American Rescue Plan: Humanities grants.
American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries is a $2 million grant program to anchor libraries as strong humanities institutions as they rebuild from the pandemic and restore activities. American Library Association (ALA) will award up to 200 ARP grants of $10,000 each to libraries with an emphasis on reaching historically under-served and/or rural communities. ALA provides all you need …
Writers’ League of Texas ready to take their Texas Writes program back on the road.
Is your library ready to host in-person programming again? The Writers’ League of Texas is seeking rural libraries interested in hosting their free, 3 hour writing workshop, Texas Writes. Each workshop includes two presentations on the craft of writing by published authors, plus a moderated conversation and Q&A. Workshops are free and open to all. Twelve to fifteen rural libraries …
Libraries don't have to be open to be essential.
Mark Smith, State Librarian, Texas State Library and ArchivesTSLAC creates map to help Texans locate free Wi-Fi
Texas State Library and Archives Commission takes the lead on helping Texans find free Wi-Fi. At the urging of Texas Legal Services Center/TexasLawHelp.com, and Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, TSLAC has launched a map of public Wi-Fi spots across the state. But the job is not yet complete. They need your help by adding more locations not currently included. If …