When “Everyday Banning” Becomes the New Normal for School Libraries
PEN's 2025 report shows how systemic book bans have become in K-12 school libraries and also shows a path forward to restore books to the shelves through direct action.
Recent Posts
Agenda Setters vs. Agenda Reactors: Defining the Librarian’s Role in Policy
School librarianship, whether we acknowledge it or not, is a special interest. The right to read is a special interest. This may sound uncomfortable at first. After all, we often think of special interests as lobbyists or industry groups, but advocating for the centrality of libraries in education is similar. [...]
Uncovering Candidates’ School Library Stances: How to Create Surveys that Work
Our colleagues at ACT4SL are hosting “Uncovering Candidates’ School Library Stances: How to Create Surveys that Work”, a virtual event on Tuesday, September 30, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT. As library advocates, we need to know how our state and local candidates are positioning themselves on issues such as library access, literacy, [...]
ADVERTISEMENT
Trending Posts
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Articles on SLJ
More Recent Posts
36 Messages for 36 Audiences: Tailoring Advocacy Across Political Frames
School library advocates often default to a single message: “This will help kids.” For many audiences, that’s powerful. But not everyone listens through the same lens. What resonates with one policymaker may leave another unmoved. In advocacy, message discipline is not about repeating the same words everywhere. It’s about adapting the message to the audience […]
When to Fight and When to Step Aside: Strategies for Addressing Good and Bad Bills
Not every bill requires the same response. Some demand an all-out campaign, while others are better left alone to unfold without drawing extra attention. The most challenging lesson for advocates is discerning when to fight and when to step aside. Two principles guide this discernment: School librarians often face legislation that undermines their work or […]
Six Types of Legislative Witnesses: Rethinking Testimony and Messaging
When a bill is considered, the testimony and messaging surrounding it can influence whether it progresses or stalls. School librarians often rely on one approach to advocacy: sharing heartfelt stories about how libraries benefit children. While these stories are impactful, they are not the only way to convey their message. In reality, there are at […]
ADVERTISEMENT
Beyond Talking Points: The Importance of Policy Depth
Much of school library advocacy is built on stories. We share anecdotes about the child who discovered themselves in a book, the family who found a welcoming space, and the teacher who relied on the library for instructional support. These stories are crucial; they form the heart of our profession and inspire many of us […]
When Book Bans are a Form of Discrimination, What is the Path to Justice?
By Guest Writer Kavita Mohan* for EveryLibrary As we previously discussed in Politics in Practice (May 2023), U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) entered into a Resolution Agreement with the Forsyth County School District in Georgia following its investigation into whether the District’s removal of certain books from schools created a hostile […]
The Seven Bills That Will Safeguard the Future of School Librarianship
The future of school librarianship requires strategic legislative action to safeguard these vital roles. This article outlines seven key legislative and policy proposals designed to protect and strengthen school libraries, ensuring equitable access to resources and intellectual freedom for all students.
Talking with the Class of ’99 about Censorship at their School
Mobilizing Alumni Networks for School Library Advocacy High school alumni are a potentially useful group for advocating about school library issues and initiatives. While some alumni have left your area, many towns and neighborhoods continue to have well-established networks of local graduates who can be mobilized for advocacy. With the current fight over censorship and […]
ADVERTISEMENT
Archives
ADVERTISEMENT
Follow This Blog
Enter your email address below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email.