According to the American Library Association, over 4,200 works in school and public libraries were targeted in 2023, a jump from the old record of nearly 2,600 books in 2022. Many challenged books…
Bloomington Jefferson senior Shae Ross, center, joined Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, left, at an event promoting proposed legislation to prevent books bans based on ideology at Como Park High School in St. Paul, Minn., on March 21, 2024.ST. PAUL, Minn. — A movement to ban book bans is gaining steam in Minnesota and several other states, in contrast to the trend playing out in more conservative states where book challenges have soared to their highest levels in decades.
According to the American Library Association, over 4,200 works in school and public libraries were targeted in 2023, a jump from the old record of nearly 2,600 books in 2022. Many challenged books — 47% in 2023 — had LGBTQ+ and racial themes. One such bill is awaiting Democratic Gov. Wes Moore’s signature in Maryland. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill last month that sets a high bar for removing challenged materials, especially those dealing with race, sexual orientation and gender identity. A version pending in New Jersey would protect librarians from civil or criminal liability.“That’s what’s so critical here. The voluntary nature of reading,” said Martha Hickson, a librarian at North Hunterdon High School in New Jersey.
The state House is considering an approach with more teeth, including penalties and allowing private citizens to sue to enforce it. At a House hearing last month, speakers said books by LGBTQ+ and authors of color are among those most frequently banned. Karlton Laster, director of policy and organizing for OutFront Minnesota, who identifies as Black and queer, said reading their works helped him “communicate my hard feelings and truths to my family and friends,” and helped him come out to his family.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
High construction costs push library board to approve renovation changes for Las Palmas LibraryThe San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees approved the design changes after public comment.
Read more »
Annual List of Most Targeted Books Released by American Library AssociationThe American Library Association has released its annual list of the top 10 most targeted books, with 'Gender Queer' by Maia Kobabe topping the list for the third consecutive year. The graphic memoir, which explores the author's journey with sexuality and gender, has faced challenges due to its LGBTQ content and alleged sexual explicitness. The ALA aims to shed light on the actions of pressure groups that seek to restrict or remove these books from libraries and schools.
Read more »
Helen Hall Library staff will no longer check library cards at the doorStaff would first ask for cards at the door, but now the League City library believes people are sufficiently aware of a new policy to combat capacity challenges.
Read more »
San Diego Public Library launches program to erase library fines, fees for youthThe San Diego Public Library is offering one-time forgiveness for young people who have had their accounts suspended for unreturned items, and starting Thursday…
Read more »
Cedar Park library foundation kicks off fundraising campaign for new libraryThe Cedar Park Library Foundation aims to raise $1.5M for the city's new library, doubling in size and featuring enhanced collections and spaces.
Read more »
Memecoins have more potential upside than blue-chip governance tokens, according to VCVariant general partner Li Jin explores how different types of memecoins capture and monetize attention.
Read more »