CHICAGO, March 22, 2023 — The American Library Association (ALA) today released new data documenting* 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly […]
American Library Association
American Library Association: Access to a Wide Variety of Reading Materials Is Critical for Student Development & Well-being
CHICAGO, September 20, 2022 – Access to books that represent a variety of cultures and viewpoints may boost a student’s development and well-being, according to a white paper from Unite Against Book Bans, an initiative of the American Library Association and several dozen national partners. The paper, “Empowered by Reading: The Benefits of Giving Youth […]
More than 25 organizations join forces with the American Library Association to Unite Against Book Bans
CHICAGO–The American Library Association (ALA) and a coalition of over 25 groups are banding together to empower individuals and communities to fight censorship and protect the freedom to read. Organizations including the American Federation of Teachers and the Authors Guild have joined the association’s Unite Against Book Bans campaign to raise awareness about the recent […]
Keeping Communities Connected: New report spotlights creative library broadband services during the pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report released today by the American Library Association shows the impact of broadband access through the nation’s nearly 17,000 public libraries during the pandemic, as well as the need for continued long-term investments in broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion programming. “Keeping Communities Connected: Library Broadband Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” […]
The American Library Association opposes widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries
CHICAGO November 30, 2021 – Due to a dramatic uptick in book challenges and outright removal of books from libraries, ALA’s Executive Board and the Boards of Directors for all of ALA’s eight divisions have released the following joint statement regarding attempts to remove materials that focus on LGBTQIA+ issues and books by Black authors […]
Nevada County Library awarded 2017 Baker & Taylor Summer Reading Grant
CHICAGO, March 2, 2017 – The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has awarded the 2017 Baker & Taylor Summer Reading Program Grant to the Nevada County Public Library, Nevada City, California. The grant is designed to encourage outstanding summer reading programs by providing financial assistance, while recognizing ALSC members for outstanding program development. […]