A record-breaking 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023. Last year Unite Against Book Bans established a day for readers, library lovers, and advocates everywhere to stand up to censorship as part of a national day of action -- Right to Read Day, and thousands answered the call. Let’s do it again! Because the book banners are definitely still at it. For statistics to share, a guide to get you organized, and a toolkit to get you started - click on the post's title.
It's National Library Week. And this year's theme is "Ready, Set, Library!" Libraries enrich our lives, and connect our communities in ways we may not realize. From book groups to providing a safe after-school hangout space, to supplying resources for launching a business, and so much more. Discover good ways to celebrate National Library Week, and you might even win a prize. To find out how to participate - click on the post's title.
It’s the first day of Women’s History Month. It's also National Speech & Debate Education Day. So, we're celebrating with a couple of speeches by Sojourner Truth and Eleanor Roosevelt. To learn what they were so passionate about, and get the full text of their groundbreaking orations - click on the post's title.
For our 2024 celebration we're shining a spotlight on Phillis Wheatley (the first African-American to publish a book of poetry) and William Wells Brown (who wrote the first novel by an African-American). To find out more about the origins of Black History Month, these history-making individuals, and their ground-breaking works - click on the post's title.
The 2023 LOC National Book Festival takes place on August 12 in Washington, D.C. If you can't make it in person, be sure to check out the online options.