News

Texas may change how schools select library books. Critics say it could lead to more bans.

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

via The Texas Tribune (Texas)

Senate Bill 13 would create school library advisory councils largely made up of parents. It would give school boards, rather than librarians, the final say over new books.

School Board – General, Parent Involvement, Book Bans

South Dakota House bill would remove protections for librarians in ‘obscenity’ cases

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

via Rapid City Journal (South Dakota)

A House Bill which could jail librarians resuscitates fears and frustration once harbored during Rapid City Area Schools' book ban controversy.

School Board – General, Book Bans

Ann Patchett, literary activists push back on book bans at Literary Day on the Hill

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

via Tennessean (Tennessee)

Rep. Justin Jones announced a new bill that would prohibit book bans across the state after a record year of removals in school libraries.

Book Bans

‘Last resort’ housing / Christmas tree farm sale / HIV outbreak

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

via Bangor Daily News (Maine)

What we're talking about in Maine today.

Book Bans

New Hermon superintendent wants to embrace transparency at embattled school department

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

via Bangor Daily News (Maine)

Barbara Sargent faces the task of uniting a split community during a tumultuous period for the school district that has included lawsuits and attempted book bans.

Book Bans

Georgia Today: Tort reform bill faces pushback; Senate debates book bans; Ga. HS Basketball Finals

Tuesday, March 4th, 2025

via Georgia Public Broadcasting (Georgia)

On the March 4 edition: Gov. Brian Kemp's tort reform bill faces pushback from survivors of violent crimes; Georgia Senate reignites a debate over the banning of books; and Georgia High School…

Book Bans

‘Lawmakers’ Day 26: House OKs midyear budget, Senate passes ban on hormone therapy for minors

Tuesday, March 4th, 2025

via Georgia Public Broadcasting (Georgia)

With Crossover Day near, House members voted on over 20 bills. Banning gender dysphoria treatment was once again on the Senate's busy agenda.

Book Bans

‘It was action’: Amherst resident’s play spotlights Freedom Riders’ journey

Tuesday, March 4th, 2025

via NewsAdvance.com (Virginia)

Amherst resident Sharon Ponton's play "Freedom Riders: Our History Revisited" brings to life the historic journey a group of 13 men and women, Black and white, embarked on in May 1961 to bring…

Book Bans

Lawmakers consider ‘Freedom to Read’ bill as latest attempt to limit book bans in Oregon schools

Monday, March 3rd, 2025

via Oregon Public Broadcasting (Oregon)

Proponents point to historic highs in book ban attempts, largely targeting people of color, women and LGBTQ+ communities. Opponents argue it should be up to the parents.

School Board – General, Book Bans, Parent Involvement

Waterloo school board members speak on new federal DEI mandates

Monday, March 3rd, 2025

via Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (Iowa)

With a deadline to scrap DEI initiatives approaching, Waterloo school board members are publicly speaking on federal directives.

School Board – General, Book Bans, Parent Involvement, Sex Education

North Dakota citizen-led group organizes statewide ‘Read Outs’

Monday, February 24th, 2025

via Grand Forks Herald (North Dakota)

Right to Read ND is encouraging people to bring a book and read silently outside their local library on Saturday, March 1, in opposition to Senate Bill 2307, which legislates library materials.

School Board – General, Book Bans

Sexual assault survivor implores Iowa lawmakers to pass ‘Erin’s Law’

Monday, February 24th, 2025

via Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (Iowa)

Senate File 172 would require all Iowa schools to teach sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention to students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Book Bans, Sex Education

Bibliofiles: Challenging the freedom to read

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

via Times Union (New York)

Organizations like the New York Library Association and the New York Civil Liberties Union fight book bans, censorship and challenges to the freedom to read

Book Bans

Spot Lit: Four Local Authors Questioning Societal Norms and Personal Biases

Friday, February 21st, 2025

via Washington City Paper (District of Columbia)

As the White House seeks to control the art we consume, from the Kennedy Center to book bans, these local authors are the voices we need now.

Book Bans

50+ books to add to your reading list this Black History Month

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025

via Boston.com (Massachusetts)

Celebrate Black History Month with a good book. Our readers recommended 50+ stories to dive into this February and beyond.

Book Bans

Nassau County faces lawsuit over executive power, following a trend seen across U.S., lawyers say

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025

via Newsday (New York)

Democrats claim Nassau's special deputies program violates county and state laws.

Book Bans

Literacy advocates in Ohio defend difficult texts as they mark Toni Morrison Day

Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

via The Associated Press (Ohio)

Ohio lawmakers and literacy advocates used the birthday of one of America's most frequently banned authors to defend difficult texts.

Book Bans

Lawmakers go toe-to-toe on school library policies, complaints

Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

via Concord Monitor (New Hampshire)

Heather Robitaille hadn't realized her daughter felt different from her peers when she first got glasses at age 4 – until they read a book together that featured a bear that wore glasses.

Book Bans

Roundhouse Rundown: Red flag law, education proposals, electric school buses

Monday, February 17th, 2025

via KOB (New Mexico)

We are just about halfway through this 60-day legislative session, and New Mexico's state lawmakers already have a lot to show for it.

School Board – General, Book Bans