Truthout
libraries
India’s Free Library Movement Counters Caste Discrimination and Authoritarianism
Organizers are leaning into the library as a crucial institution in broader movements for social and political change.
Book Bans Overwhelmingly Target Children’s Books by People of Color, Study Finds
A new peer-reviewed study finds that books by women of color, often featuring diverse characters, are frequent targets.
The Right’s Raid on Libraries Is So Extreme, Even the Dictionary Is Under Fire
The right to read is under attack. During National Banned Books Week, we fight back.
Librarians Resist Israel’s Efforts to Destroy Palestinian Cultural Heritage
A global network of librarians and archivists is organizing in solidarity with their Palestinian colleagues.
Idaho Law Criminalizes Librarians Who Allow LGBTQ Books to Stay on Their Shelves
An informal survey suggests that more than half of the librarians in Idaho are considering leaving their jobs.
Public Libraries Are Essential Resources — and They’re More Threatened Than Ever
Our libraries are already combating inequality, we need to make sure they have the funds to keep doing it.
Alabama House Passes Bill That Could Be Used to Criminalize Librarians
Critics argue the legislation violates the First Amendment.
Maryland Governor Signs “Freedom to Read Act” Into Law
“Maryland takes a bold step forward in safeguarding the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth and educators.”
Attempted Book Bans Last Year Targeted More Than 4,240 Titles, an All-Time High
There is “absolute evidence” of an effort “to remove particular books,” an American Library Association official said.
E-Books Can Subvert Book Bans, But Corporate Profit-Seeking Stands in the Way
Exorbitant costs and restrictive licenses are obstructing libraries’ efforts to resist book bans via access to e-books.