FTRF files brief in support of suit challenging censorship in Llano County

Free People Read Freely - Freedom to Read Foundation logo The Freedom to Read Foundation filed an amicus curiae brief with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Leila Green Little, et al. v. Llano County, et al., a lawsuit challenging the Llano County government’s decision to remove a large number of books from the Llano County Library shelves because certain library users, county residents, and county officials complained that the books’ contents were objectionable. The plaintiffs argue that the removal of books from the library’s collection violates the plaintiffs’ First Amendment right to access those books in the library.

ALA, June 2

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Spencer Donovan writes: “In 2023, the government board that runs the Greenville (S.C.) County Library System banned nearly all displays, a reaction to the political turmoil over Pride Month and Juneteenth. At some point after the ban, library branches removed posters from their bathrooms publicizing a local helpline for domestic abuse survivors. It’s unclear if the library will again allow the signs, which are created by Safe Harbor, a Greenville-based nonprofit that operates the domestic abuse helpline. Library leadership told The Post and Courier the signs don’t comply with the display policy.”

Greenville Post and Courier, Feb. 5; Oct. 25, 2023
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Ashley Mowreader writes: “As with many technological advancements, academic libraries have been spurred to respond to the evolution of generative artificial intelligence (AI). A September 2024 report found 7% of academic libraries are implementing AI tools, but 32% of the librarians and library-adjacent professionals surveyed said no AI training was available at their universities. A recent guide from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque offers a foundation for librarians to support student thriving in an AI-embedded world.”

Inside Higher Ed, Feb. 10; University of New Mexico, Jan. 9
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Drew Dodson writes: “Donnelly (Idaho) Public Library, along with students, librarians, parents, and several of the world’s largest publishing companies, are suing the State of Idaho. A complaint filed February 4 in US District Court says HB 710, adopted last year by the Idaho Legislature violates federally protected free speech rights by censoring books available in public libraries.” Similarly, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas filed suit in US District Court on behalf of Patty Hector, former Saline County (Ark.) librarian, who was fired in October 2023 over her opposition to censorship efforts, and LeEllen Condry, former dean of students at Elizabeth (Colo.) Middle School who was fired in October 2024 after protesting the removal of library books, has filed complaints with the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Boise (Idaho) Dev, Feb. 4; Arkansas Times, Feb. 3; ALA Governance Office, May 8, 2024 KMGH-TV (Denver), Jan. 31
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Robin Camille Davis writes: “How well is your library website working for your users? Even if you don’t have time right now to conduct user research (like user interviews or a usability study), you can still run five tests to ascertain the health and user-friendliness of your website. Is it accessible? How does it look on Google? How does it look on a phone browser? Do all the links work? And is it down for everyone, or just me?”

Choice LibTech Insights, Feb. 10
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Megan Bennett writes: “ALA recently received the largest gift in its 150-year history: a $25 million bequest from Washington, D.C.–based financial advisor James W. Lewis. The bequest from Lewis, whose love for libraries dates back to his childhood in North Carolina, will provide needs-based scholarships for those training to be librarians. The gift will help fund ALA’s Spectrum Scholarship Program, which provides money for students of color pursuing their master’s degrees in library and information science. American Libraries spoke with Lewis about his memories of libraries and how he hopes future scholarships will address the profession’s current sociopolitical challenges.”

American Libraries Trend, Feb. 11
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Tiara Allen writes: “As February arrives, so does Black History Month, a time to honor the rich history and contributions of Black and African Americans. How a library celebrates Black History Month will vary widely on the community it serves, what resources are at its disposal, and what bandwidth its staff members have available to plan events. However, no matter how many or few resources libraries have available, there is a wide variety of activities a library can do to celebrate, ranging from in-person programs to virtual programming. This article offers ideas to incorporate into your programming repertoire.”

Public Libraries Online, Feb. 6
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On February 10, ALA launched For Our Libraries, a new supporter program that invites the public to join the fight to protect libraries and library professionals at a pivotal moment in our country’s history. The “Become a Supporter” link on Ilovelibraries.org allows supporters to make one-time or recurring donations to help advance key ALA initiatives, including advocating for library funding, providing grants to small and rural libraries, fighting censorship, and advocating for broadband funding. Supporters who make a $10 recurring monthly donation can receive perks including a tote bag, access to virtual author talks, and an online subscription to Booklist Reader.

ALA Communications, Marketing, and Media Relations Office, Feb. 10

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