I Love Libraries

Every year, more than 1,000 library users from across the U.S. nominate a librarian for the I Love My Librarian Award. And along with those nominations come a lot of questions. We have the answers! Join us as we break down some of the most common queries.

I Love My Librarian Award: Your Questions Answered! Have questions about the I Love My Librarian Award? We have answers! Check out some of the most common ones here.

Our latest report on book bans happening in the U.S. and efforts to combat them includes news from Utah, which recently banned 13 books from school libraries across the state, including works by Margaret Atwood and Judy Blume.

U.S. Book Challenges Update: August 9 Edition Our latest report on book bans happening in the U.S. and efforts to combat them includes news from Utah, which recently banned 13 books from school libraries across the state.

ICYMI: The new episode of our “How I Library” podcast features artists and disability awareness advocates John and Anni Furniss, authors of the incredible memoir, "The Blind Woodsman."

John and Anni are a married couple who live and create art from their home in Washington. John has been a woodworker for almost 20 years—he is also completely blind. A su***de survivor, John is passionate about sharing his story to help others. Anni is a mixed-media artist with a hypermobility condition who spreads awareness about using art to help with mental and physical challenges. Together, they have created an online community dedicated to mental health awareness, disability advocacy, and art with more than two million followers. They joined us to discuss their book, their art, their advocacy work, and of course, how they library.

'How I Library' Episode Seven: John and Anni Furniss In episode seven of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with artists and disability awareness advocates John and Anni Furniss, authors of the memoir, "The Blind Woodsman."

"Reading sets you free." We love this new Charlie Mackesy poster from ALA Graphics. What an uplifting message. 📚💖 https://bit.ly/CharlieMackesyPoster

Library trustees are powerful advocates for libraries. Through the hard work of trustees, new libraries are built, budgets are restored and increased, and new respect is generated for the role libraries play in communities and on campuses.

Get Involved! Become a Library Trustee Today Want to get involved in your library at a higher level? Consider becoming a library trustee. Library trustees are powerful advocates for libraries. Through the coordination, hard work, and determination of trustees, new libraries have been built, budgets have been restored and increased, and new res...

In a special message for I Love Libraries, Lil Rel Howery from "Harold and the Purple Crayon" encourages everyone to visit their library to discover exciting new worlds—both real and imaginary—in books, comics, games, and more.

'Harold and the Purple Crayon' Star Lil Rel Howery Wants You to Discover New Worlds at Your Library The classic children's book "Harold and the Purple Crayon" is coming to the big screen! And star and library lover Lil Rel Howery is encouraging everyone to visit their library to discover exciting new worlds, both real and imaginary, in books, comics, games, and more.

Free event alert for library friends! Join us tomorrow (Tuesday, 7/30) at 5pm CT for an incredible opportunity! https://bit.ly/3yq0nOw
United for Libraries has opened their virtual conference keynote to everyone. Don't miss sociologist Eric Klinenberg, author of Palaces for the People, as he shares strategies for library boards, Friends groups, and Foundations to advocate for libraries amidst funding cuts, book challenges, and the current political climate. ✨ (Thank you to sponsor Penguin Random House & Penguin Random House Library Marketing)

Save the date! https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/october-19-save-the-date-to-protect-the-freedom-to-read-at-the-polls/
Saturday, October 19th will be a national Freedom to Read Community Day of Action to remind decisionmakers that the freedom to read is an enduring, non-partisan American value that enjoys a broad base of support in our communities. Together, we will counter voter apathy and motivate citizens to vote in their local, state, and federal elections for pro-library and anti-book banning candidates.

Hundreds of library users have already nominated their librarian for the Award - have you? Spread the word and share some librarian love! 10 librarians will receive $5,000, and yours could be one of them! Submit your nomination by Sept. 30: https://bit.ly/3EMzHao

In the new episode of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with artists and disability awareness advocates John and Anni Furniss, authors of the incredible new memoir, "The Blind Woodsman."

'How I Library' Episode Seven: John and Anni Furniss In episode seven of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with artists and disability awareness advocates John and Anni Furniss, authors of the memoir, "The Blind Woodsman."

"Wildcat," Ethan Hawke's film about writer Flannery O'Connor, is now available on streaming services! ICYMI: Ethan and star Maya Hawke joined us on the "How I Library" podcast to talk about the film, O'Connor's influence, their love of libraries, and more.

'How I Library' Episode Five: Ethan and Maya Hawke In episode five of “How I Library,” I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with Ethan and Maya Hawke about “Wildcat,” their new film about author Flannery O’Connor. They discuss bringing O’Connor to the big screen, as well as their thoughts on book bans and censorship...

The Library of Congress has awarded the 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction to author James McBride. “[He] knows the American soul deeply, reflecting our struggles and triumphs in his fiction," Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said.

James McBride to Receive 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction The Library of Congress has awarded the 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction to James McBride. One of the Library’s most prestigious awards, the annual prize honors an American literary writer whose body of work is distinguished not only for its mastery of the art but also for its o...

A school district in Florida voted in May to remove a novel, presciently titled, "Ban This Book," from its shelves. The book follows a girl who starts a secret banned-book library after her favorite book is removed from her school library due to a ban.

School District Bans Book About Book Banning The school district of Indian River County, Florida, voted in May to remove Alan Gratz’s 2017 novel, presciently titled "Ban This Book," from its shelves. "Ban This Book" follows a fictional fourth grader who tries to check out her favorite book from her school library only to find it's been remov...

A report published this week looks at emerging trends around technology, digital literacy, and more in U.S. public libraries: Data that is vital to understand how libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation and evolve to meet community needs. https://bit.ly/3zNw7xi

New Survey Looks at Evolving Library Tech Trends This week, the Public Library Association published its 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report which looks at emerging trends around technology, patron resources, infrastructure, digital literacy, and staffing in U.S. public libraries. The report addresses questions such as: How are library pr...

"Librarians have always been special to my family and me. Since the days of accompanying my mom to our local branch, I’ve felt a sense of acceptance and encouragement within library walls. And now, I was able to see up-close how libraries are innovating their spaces and serving their communities." Author Raj Tawney reflects on his experiences at ALA's 2024 Annual Conference in San Diego.

Finding Belonging at the World’s Largest Library Conference ALA’s Annual Conference is the largest library conference in the world. It’s 2024 event, held June 27–July 2 in San Diego, was my first, and I was honored to be surrounded by librarians from around the world as I promoted my debut middle-grade novel, "All Mixed Up." Librarians have always been...

ICYMI: Paula Poundstone is our guest on the new episode of the "How I Library" podcast! Poundstone is an iconic standup comic, a panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” a podcast host, an author, and much more. She’s also a longtime library advocate.

'How I Library' Episode Six: Paula Poundstone In episode six of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with comedian Paula Poundstone. Poundstone is an iconic standup comic, a panelist on NPR’s news quiz show, “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” the host of the podcast, “Nobody Listens to Pa...

Behind the scenes at ALA Annual in San Diego with author Kwame Alexander, actor Max Greenfield, and MSNBC correspondent Ali Velshi as they record videos for us about the importance of libraries and library workers. Coming soon to ilovelibraries.org!

Paula Poundstone is our guest on the new episode of the "How I Library" podcast! Poundstone is an iconic standup comic, a panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” a podcast host, an author, and so much more. She’s also a longtime library advocate.

'How I Library' Episode Six: Paula Poundstone In episode six of the “How I Library” podcast, I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with comedian Paula Poundstone. Poundstone is an iconic standup comic, a panelist on NPR’s news quiz show, “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” the host of the podcast, “Nobody Listens to Pa...

The New York Public Library has announced the 21 winners of its National Teen Writing Contest, which asked teens across the country: “Why is the freedom to read important to you?” And the grand prize-winning essay was published by Teen Vogue! https://bit.ly/4bfxuC5

Teen Writers Explore the Importance of the Freedom to Read The New York Public Library has announced the 21 winners of its National Teen Writing Contest, which asked teens across the country, “Why is the freedom to read important to you?” The contest, which ran from October to December last year, is part of NYPL’s Books for All campaign that celebrate...

For the past 55 years, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards have celebrated and served as a guide to the most outstanding books for youth by African American authors and illustrators that affirm African American culture and universal human values.

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Celebrate 55th Anniversary This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards. Presented annually by the American Library Association, the awards serve as a guide for parents, librarians, and caregivers for the most outstanding books for youth by African American authors and illustrators that affirm Af...

From innovative programs to improving access to resources to promoting literacy, librarians transform their communities in creative and positive ways. The I Love My Librarian Award recognizes those librarians who go above and beyond for their communities.

Let’s Show Our Librarians Some Love! Love your librarian? Of course you do! Nominations are now open for this year’s I Love My Librarian Award. Submit your nomination today!

Love your librarian? Of course you do! Nominations are now open for the 2025 Award. Your librarian could receive $5,000 and the recognition of a lifetime. Submit your nomination online by September 30! https://bit.ly/3yiyT9C

ICYMI: Mahon Public Library in Lubbock is host to a myriad of spooky occurrences: disembodied whistling, footsteps, and voices; books that fling to the floor by themselves; the ghosts of a former volunteer and a dark-haired woman in a red dress; and more! https://bit.ly/45Ua5Dq

Do Ghosts Haunt the Halls of a Texas Library? Mahon Public Library is host to a myriad of spooky occurrences: disembodied whistling, footsteps, and voices; books that fling to the floor by themselves; and the ghosts of a former volunteer whose seen in the horror lit section and a dark-haired woman in a red dress.

The Library of Congress has opened its vaults to showcase some of its rarest holdings—many of which are on public display for the first time—including the contents of Abraham Lincoln’s pockets when he was assassinated and James Madison’s crystal flute.

Library of Congress Unveils Its Treasures The Library of Congress has opened its vaults to showcase and celebrate some of its most historically significant holdings—many of which are on public display for the first time.

On Sunday, June 9, Woodstock (N.Y.) Public Library received a bomb threat via email. The library had hosted a drag story hour the day before, and the event was referenced in the email. It was one of several threats directed at libraries this week.

New York Library Receives Bomb Threat After Drag Story Hour On the morning of Sunday, June 9, Woodstock (N.Y.) Public Library received a bomb threat via email. The library had hosted a drag story hour the day before.

Librarian Amanda Jones received death threats and was harassed and bullied after speaking out against book censorship in her Louisiana town. She tells her story in her debut memoir, “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America."

A Librarian Fights Back Amanda Jones, one of the first librarians in the US to file a defamation lawsuit against her detractors, received death threats, online harassment and bullying, and more after making a speech against book censorship at her local library board in July 2022. Jones is telling her story in her debut mem...

The new episode of the “How I Library” podcast features Ethan and Maya Hawke! They joined us to discuss “Wildcat,” their film about writer Flannery O’Connor, their thoughts on book bans, their book recommendations, and, of course, their love of libraries.

'How I Library' Episode Five: Ethan and Maya Hawke In episode five of “How I Library,” I Love Libraries editor and show host Phil Morehart speaks with Ethan and Maya Hawke about “Wildcat,” their new film about author Flannery O’Connor. They discuss bringing O’Connor to the big screen, as well as their thoughts on book bans and censorship...

ICYMI: LeVar Burton was on MSNBC’s The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle last October to discuss the rise in book bans. He said that the increase is “alarming,” but it has an upside: It’s forcing us to have a conversation about who we want to be as a nation.

“When people say there are no books being banned, they’re just ill-informed or being willfully ignorant.” LeVar Burton Talks Banned Books Actor, activist, and 2023 Banned Books Week Honorary Chair LeVar Burton was a guest on MSNBC’s The 11th Hour on Monday to discuss the book bans and challenges that we’re currently facing in the United States. Burton said that the unprecedented increase in bans and challenges is “alarming,” b...

Minnesota bans book bans. An Idaho high school grad protests book bans during her graduation ceremony. Tennessee targets LGBTQ+ authors and books. A school district in Texas votes to redact textbook chapters on vaccines and climate change. Read about them all and more in our latest report.

U.S. Book Challenges Update: May 31 Edition Libraries and schools across the country are experiencing unprecedented levels of attempts to ban or remove books from their shelves. I Love Libraries will continue to raise awareness by highlighting attempts to censor library materials, as well as efforts by librarians, parents, students, and conce...