Laying the Groundwork Ahead of Book Challenges There is a lot of information about book challenges out there. I’m just one of several folks who have written about this in Knowledge Quest previously. Out in the wider world, there are… Read More ›
Book Challenges
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 ›
Book Challenges, Part 2: A Resource Handbook
They Keep Going, and Going, and Going… Last month, I wrote about the rising number of book challenges facing libraries across the country. I offered a few tools to help school librarians prepare. Since then, the number of challenges has… Read More ›
The American Library Association opposes widespread efforts to censor books in U.S. schools and libraries
Due to a dramatic uptick in book challenges and outright removal of books from libraries, ALA’s Executive Board and the Boards of Directors for all of ALA’s eight divisions have released the following joint statement regarding attempts to remove materials… 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 ›
Preparing for Bumpy Roads Ahead
This weekend, while camping with my family, my husband decided to take a drive on a little-traveled “road.” I put “road” in quotes because for all real purposes, it was barely a path. With more rocks than smooth parts, it… 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 ›
Words Have Power: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Banned Books Week
Have you planned activities for Banned Books Week (BBW)? In 2017, BBW occurs from September 24-30 with the theme “Words Have Power.” To learn what the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is planning for this year… Read More ›
June Is GLBT Book Month
School librarians enjoy highlighting special observances for their students, and here’s one more: June is GLBT Book Month. Originating in the 1990s as National Gay and Lesbian Book Month, the American Library Association began its recognition in 2015 as GLBT… Read More ›
Keeping the Flame Alive: 50th Anniversary of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
Established in 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is fifty years old in 2017. Although you may imagine a large suite of offices with a big staff, that is not the case. OIF is manned by five dedicated individuals… Read More ›