All articles tagged with #public libraries
The article discusses the decline of traditional book reading in Western culture, especially in the U.S., as it is replaced by digital snippets, social media, and audio/video content, leading to a shift from a literary to an oral culture.
The article highlights 27 positive aspects of the United States, including its strong public library system, preservation of large wilderness areas, advanced accessibility laws, scientific innovation, and extensive public lands, offering a more balanced view of the country beyond its criticisms.
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.
Illinois has become the first state in the US to outlaw book bans in public schools and libraries. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill into law on Monday, prohibiting public schools and libraries from banning books. The measure, which takes effect on January 1, 2023, requires public libraries to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights or their own statement prohibiting book banning to be eligible for state money. The signing comes amid record book challenges, laws and policies to limit books available in public schools and libraries.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has cancelled the proposed 4% budget cuts to the city's public libraries, which would have forced many branches to close on weekends. However, library officials are still concerned about the impact of previously announced budget cuts of $36 million. The public library system is a vital community resource, with over 200 locations across the city, and is a foundation of critical priorities like childhood reading and providing access to the internet. The back-and-forth between the mayor and City Council leaders over budget cuts is a governmental rite of spring in New York, with negotiations expected to continue.
Llano County officials have decided not to close any of the three branches associated with the county library system, alleviating the immediate threat. The decision comes two weeks after a federal judge ordered county officials to return to the library system books they’d removed. Seven library patrons sued the county judge, commissioners court, library board members and library system last year, arguing that their First Amendment rights to access and receive ideas had been infringed when officials removed certain books based on their content.