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American Library Association

All articles tagged with #american library association

societyculture1 year ago

"2023 Book Bans: LGBTQ and Race-Centered Targets Revealed"

The American Library Association reported that the most challenged books in the United States in 2023 focused on LGBTQ experiences and themes of race, with over 4,200 titles being challenged, marking a significant increase from previous years. The challenges often target books with LGBTQ characters or themes, reflecting a trend of organized groups circulating lists online to encourage mass challenges of certain titles. While some argue they are trying to protect children from explicit or inappropriate content, others see it as a concerted effort to limit visibility and knowledge about LGBTQ lives and experiences.

via The New York Times|
#american-library-association#book-bans#censorship
social-issues1 year ago

"2023's Top Challenged Books: Majority Feature LGBTQ Themes"

The American Library Association released a list of the 10 most challenged books of 2023, with seven of them featuring LGBTQ themes, sparking debates over what reading materials are appropriate for kids and teenagers. The moves to restrict or withdraw books have been driven by conservative activist groups and Republican elected officials, leading to a 65% spike in book challenges over the previous year. The association emphasized the importance of protecting the freedom to choose what to read and highlighted the harmful impact of pressure groups targeting books about LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.

via NBC News|
#american-library-association#book-censorship#book-challenges
books-and-literature1 year ago

"Rising Resistance: LGBTQ Books Face Ongoing Challenges in Libraries"

Maia Kobabe's graphic memoir "Gender Queer" has topped the American Library Association's list of most challenged books for the third consecutive year, sparking debates over library content and parental control. The ALA's top 10 snapshot includes several books with LGBTQ themes, as well as sexually explicit content, with bans and attempted bans reaching record highs in 2023. Many of the challenged books touch upon LGBTQ and racial themes, reflecting ongoing controversies surrounding book censorship and content appropriateness in libraries and schools.

via The Associated Press|
#american-library-association#book-censorship#books-and-literature
educationcensorship1 year ago

"Record Surge in Book Ban Attempts Reported for 2023"

The American Library Association's report reveals a 65% increase in book challenges in 2023, with nearly half of the challenged books dealing with LGBTQ themes or race. The challenges are increasingly driven by organized groups, particularly in Florida and Texas, and the fate of the challenged books remains uncertain. While some books are removed, many survive the challenges, indicating support from school and library boards. However, the escalating battle over books is evident in the growing number of states passing laws to restrict books and the subsequent legal challenges.

via NPR|
#american-library-association#book-challenges#censorship
education1 year ago

"Record Surge in Book Ban Attempts Across US in 2023"

The American Library Association reported a 65% spike in book challenges in 2023, reaching a historic high of 4,240 titles targeted for removal from schools and public libraries. The challenges, driven by conservative activist groups and politicians, have focused on books dealing with LGBTQ+ and people of color experiences. The report highlights a growing trend of organized and aggressive attempts to censor multiple titles, with Florida leading in the number of challenges. The issue has sparked national attention and concern among speech advocates, educators, and parents.

via NBC News|
#american-library-association#book-bans#censorship
educationcensorship1 year ago

"Record Surge: Book Bans Hit All-Time High in US Schools and Libraries"

The American Library Association reported a record high of 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in US schools and libraries in 2023, with a 65% spike from the previous year. Many banned books related to LGBTQ+ issues or race, including well-known novels like Lord of the Flies and To Kill a Mockingbird. The ALA president emphasized that book bans are an attack on freedom to read and reflect an attempt to hide or eliminate diversity. The movement has grown in Republican-led states, with 17 states seeing attempts to ban over 100 books, posing threats to library professionals' employment and well-being.

via The Guardian|
#american-library-association#book-bans#censorship
politics1 year ago

Georgia Bill Advances to Sever All Ties with American Library Association

A bill in Georgia aims to sever all ties between public and school libraries in the state and the American Library Association, citing concerns of politicization and promoting "aberrant sexual behavior and socialist anti-American rhetoric." The push against the ALA has gained momentum in several states, with some local libraries opting out as well. Critics argue that the move would deprive libraries of crucial resources and professional development, while supporters believe it is necessary to combat what they see as a source of controversial books in children's sections.

via NPR|
#american-library-association#censorship#conservative-activism
literature2 years ago

"Eggers' 'The Eyes & the Impossible' Wins 2024 Newbery, Harrison Takes Caldecott"

Author Dave Eggers won the John Newbery Medal for his middle grade book The Eyes and the Impossible, while author and illustrator Vashti Harrison won the Randolph Caldecott Medal for her book Big at the American Library Association's annual Youth Media Awards. Harrison is the first Black woman to win the Caldecott Medal, and her book Big was also awarded both Coretta Scott King author and illustrator honors.

via NPR|
#american-library-association#awards#childrens-literature
library-services2 years ago

Alabama Library Service Director Concerned About State's Stance on Inappropriate Content

Nancy Pack, the executive director of the Alabama Public Library Service, has recommended disaffiliating from the American Library Association (ALA) and allowing libraries to move books without being labeled as censorship. Pack expressed concerns about a proposed list of potentially inappropriate books, citing issues with cost, specificity, and the need for guidance. She also fears that the state may change library rules to make it a "sin" to have anything objectionable, impacting all libraries. The process of changing library rules is described as long and arduous. The next APLS board meeting will discuss book challenges and the pros and cons of the ALA.

via AL.com|
#alabama#american-library-association#book-challenges
education2 years ago

The Real Problem in School Libraries: Porn, Not Banned Books

The American Library Association (ALA) is facing criticism for promoting pornographic books in K-12 public school libraries while attempting to ban books and story hours with patriotic themes. Excerpts from explicit books were read during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, highlighting the inappropriate content available to children. Some argue that these books help children feel seen, while others believe they are victims in need of help. The ALA's president, Emily Drabinski, has advocated for banning story hours on faith, family, and patriotism while promoting pornography in libraries. Critics argue that the ALA is not the nonpartisan organization it claims to be and should not receive taxpayer funding.

via The Federalist|
#american-library-association#banned-books-week#censorship
education2 years ago

"From Bans to Celebrations: Banned Books Week Events Nationwide"

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) initially banned all activities and messages associated with Banned Books Week, citing potential violations of North Carolina's new parents' bill of rights. However, CMS later reversed its decision, stating that it is a site-based decision and not a violation of the Parents' Bill of Rights. The American Library Association's Banned Books Week, which celebrates freedom to read and addresses attempts to censor books, has sparked controversy amid calls from parents' rights groups to remove or restrict certain books. The association has been criticized for defending books deemed inappropriate by some groups.

via WFAE|
#american-library-association#banned-books-week#charlotte-mecklenburg-schools
society2 years ago

"Rising Book Bans and Sanctuary Libraries: The Battle for Freedom of Expression"

The American Library Association (ALA) reports a rise in book bans and attempted bans, with efforts now extending to public libraries as well as school-based libraries. In the first eight months of 2023, the ALA tracked 695 challenges to library materials and services, a 20% increase from the previous year. The challenges are increasingly directed against multiple titles, with conservative organizations leading banning efforts and calling for more parental control over children's reading materials. The ALA's opposition to bannings has led to some communities withdrawing their membership, and attacks against teachers and librarians have also been reported. The trend of book bans is expected to continue as long as these groups target whole categories of books.

via The Guardian|
#american-library-association#book-bans#censorship
politics2 years ago

"Ron DeSantis Stands Firm Against Trump's Election Claims: Morning Rundown"

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis firmly rejects Donald Trump's claims of election fraud, stating that the winner is determined by the inauguration ceremony. The head of the American Library Association, Emily Drabinski, addresses backlash over a tweet referring to herself as a "Marxist lesbian," as conservative lawmakers push to defund the organization. Safety regulations for warehouse workers are lagging, leaving them vulnerable to dangerous heat conditions. Delays in the federal workers' compensation program are causing injured employees to experience prolonged medical care, potentially leading to long-term disabilities. "Barbie" is set to surpass $1 billion in global ticket sales, breaking a record for female directors.

via NBC News|
#american-library-association#barbie#federal-workers-comp
education2 years ago

Chicago Conference Trains Librarians to Defend Intellectual Freedom and Fight Book Bans

Librarians gathered at the American Library Association's annual meeting in Chicago to receive training on how to fight book bans and legislative censorship. Attendees were encouraged to confidently counter book challenges and ensure the freedom to read. The ALA conference hosts thousands of librarians, library staff, authors, publishers, and educators as several states push to restrict access to books in schools and libraries, overwhelmingly those about race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ topics. The association in March released data showing a record 1,269 demands to censor library books in the U.S. in 2022, a 20-year high.

via The Associated Press|
#american-library-association#book-bans#censorship
politics2 years ago

Illinois leads the way in banning book bans.

Illinois has become the first state to pass a law against the banning of books in public libraries, which has been on the rise across the US as conservatives seek to suppress books dealing with race, history, and LGBTQ topics. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and requires Illinois public libraries to adopt the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights. During the 2021-2022 school year, the push to ban books has accelerated, with issues such as transgender rights and critical race theory becoming political and social flashpoints.

via Reuters.com|
#american-library-association#book-bans#critical-race-theory