Recently, a fellow blogger from NYC, Ashley Hawkins, penned an excellent post about a disturbing trend of school librarians putting graphic novels on “vacation.” Ashley labeled such actions censorship. I agree. And if recent headlines are any indication, this trend… Read More ›
Intellectual Freedom
Putting Your Graphic Novels On Vacation Is Censorship
A trend has developed among school librarians which we need to question and firmly eradicate. It is the trend of putting the graphic novel section or popular series on “vacation” to eliminate student choice. The books targeted have a graphic… Read More ›
Inspiring Intellectual Freedom without adding fuel to the book ban fire
“But I know it when I see it.” This phrase is famous and is a quote by United States Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart. Stewart gave an opinion on an obscenity case in the 1964 Jacobellis v. Ohio. In the… Read More ›
Beyond This Crisis: The Near Future of Our Work in School Libraries
The Recent Past and The Near Future When we say “beyond this crisis,” some may ask which one? We are entering the third year of a global pandemic. The pandemic isolation and current political environment have further exacerbated polarization. And… Read More ›
Looking Behind and Looking Ahead: A School Librarian’s Hurdles, Highlights, and Hopes
“Where did you go to, if I may ask?” said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along. “To look ahead,’ said he. “And what brought you back in the nick of time?” “Looking behind,” said he. –from The Hobbit, by… Read More ›
Creating an Adulting 101 Section
As students mature into adults there are certain life skills that they will need to be successful. They are progressing from dependent child to independent member of the world. Some of the most important things I have learned as an… Read More ›
Book Challenges: Coming Soon to a School Near You?
Challenging Times If you or someone you know hasn’t yet had a book challenge, give it time. As you are undoubtedly aware, there is a rising tide of book challenges across the country. Targets include specific titles and particular topics;… Read More ›
Librarians, Let’s Confer about Who We Are
This short volume of a post stands between bookends: #AASL21, which just occurred last week, and the upcoming #VAASL conference, which takes place next week. The word “confer” has been around for over five hundred years; its first known use… Read More ›
A School Librarian’s Thoughts on Labeling Programs: Part 2
So, if there is no evidence that forcing kids to read in zones and on grade levels for their independent reading is best practice, why do some schools enforce this in the school library? I agree with a recent Facebook… Read More ›
Gearing up for the Challenge: Tips for Tackling Censorship
It’s not often that school librarians gravitate toward the gridiron for advice, but when it comes to combating censorship, iconic Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi had the perfect game plan: “Preparedness is the ultimate confidence builder.” From January-September 2019,… Read More ›