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Posts by Kathy Lester
This week, we learned 21 states are eager to dismantle your First Amendment Rights.
It should be bigger news.
Here's the story, and here's what you can be doing about it. These are YOUR RIGHTS that the states want to steal from you.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Show up for our libraries, American Library Association.
New: ALA and @aaslala.bsky.social welcome the reintroduction of the Right to Read Act by @reed.senate.gov and Rep. Adelita Grijalva!
This legislation would help ensure that all students have access to a school library, staffed by a certified school librarian. More: www.ala.org/news/2025/12...
TY to #Arizona D-07 Rep @adelitaforcongress.bsky.social & Senator Jack Reed 4introducing Right to Read Act (12/4/25) to "close gaps in access" to #schoollibrary resources & "surge federal investment" to increase Ss literacy @aaslala.bsky.social #TLSky #EduSky grijalva.house.gov/media/press-releases
ALL IMLS grants restored in every state & territory.
In response to a ruling from a federal judge in Rhode Island, the Institute of Museum and Library Services reinstated all previously canceled grants in every state and territory. It's a huge win for libraries and our communities.
"The reinstatement of all IMLS grants means that libraries across the country will be able to resume vital services for learning, imagination, and economic opportunity. We are breathing a sigh of relief, but the fight is not over." ALA President Sam Helmick. Show up for our libraries, American Library Association.
NEWS: The Institute of Museum & Library Services has restored ALL previously canceled federal grants to libraries, following a ruling by a federal judge in Rhode Island last month.
This is a massive win for libraries & communities in every state & territory!
Learn more: www.ala.org/news/2025/12...
Image of lady justice beside a stack of books.
**NEW**
Today, the ACLU of South Carolina filed a lawsuit on behalf of public school students and school librarians. They're challenging the constitutionality of the state's book banning law and a memo outlining the state's content censorship policy.
bookriot.com/aclu-sc-laws...
Join me at Policy as an Advocacy Tool: Tips for Booksellers, Librarians, and Community Advocates publicschoolstrong.controlshift.app/events/polic...
Was stunned to hear this news. Thank you for your work & best wishes on your next endeavor.
Congratulations!!!
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer opened ALA's 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Philadelphia with advice for young adults, from handling bullies to admitting when you're wrong. #ALAAC25
How can YOU Show Up #ForOurLibraries? We've got you covered. Here are three steps you can take RIGHT NOW at ala.org/showup
1: Speak out, tell Congress to Fund Libraries
2: Spread the word, share the campaign with your community
3: Help sustain ALA's work, because the fight isn't free
#ALAAC25
The applause says it all. Thank you, Dr. Carla Hayden. #ALAAC25
I looking forward to connecting with school library colleagues at #aasl25. Honored to be presenting with Molly Dettmann! #L4L
Harassment Crisis!
24% of school librarians were harassed over books this year—30% at high schools. When did protecting young minds become a contact sport?
www.slj.com/story/Nearly...
#slj.com #librariesforeveryone #assaultonbooks #fREADomtoread #librariansunderffire
Join me at People’s Town Hall 7th CD with special guest Sen. Elissa Slotkin midems.controlshift.app/events/7th-c...
#librarian Christine Beachler and Dr. Hoeve share their strategies for fighting book banners. #library Special offer from Junior Library Guild
apple.co/4di138F
The Library of Congress belongs to Congress and the American people. [Logos: Show up for our libraries - American Library Association]
For 225 years, the Library of Congress has collected America’s stories and kept Congress informed. The American Library Association stands with America’s library.
Another librarian is standing up for herself! If you feel led to do so, consider giving up a snack/treat this week and donating that $5 to my friend Christine.
www.gofundme.com/f/legal-supp...
The American Library Association praises servic of Dr. Carla Hayden, decries 'unjust dismissal' of Librarian of Congress. [Image of Dr. Carla Hayden standing in the stacks in a library]
NEW: ALA salutes Dr Carla Hayden for her exceptional service to the nation as the Librarian of Congress. We are deeply disappointed in Dr Hayden's abrupt & unjust dismissal last night, an insult to the scope & breadth of her work.
Read ALA Pres. Cindy Hohl's statement: www.ala.org/news/2025/05...
Save Elmo!
Fund Libraries: Tell Congress to invest in libraries. ALA American Library Association, #FundLibraries.
We need EVERY library advocate to raise their voice in support of library funding. Take action NOW, call Congress to #FundLibraries: bit.ly/Call2FundLibraries
Time is running out to Fund Libraries next fiscal year. Congress MUST act to include libraries in the next federal budget. #ForOurLibraries
Second federal judge rules against dismantling IMLS. In response to a lawsuit from 21 state Attorneys General, a federal judge in Rhode Island has ruled that the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services is likely illegal. This is the second federal court to rule against the slashing of the agency, following a ruling in ALA’s separate legal case in Washington. Show up for our libraries. ALA American Library Association.
NEW: A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that the gutting of the Institute of Museum & Library Services is likely unlawful. This is the SECOND federal court to rule against the slashing of the only federal agency dedicated to library funding.
Learn about ALA's own legal case: ala.org/IMLS-lawsuit
Federal Court halts dismantling of IMLS in ALA lawsuit. U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia grants temporary restraining order.
🚨 Today, a federal court granted a temporary restraining order to halt the administration’s dismantling of IMLS—a direct result of the lawsuit filed by ALA and @afscme.bsky.social.
www.ala.org/news/2025/05...
#ForOurLibraries #FundLibraries
Happy Independent Bookstore Day 📚
Not everyone can always get to their library. It’s important for kids, for people to build their home libraries. To discover books they love so much they reread them over and over and over again.
Enter one of the library’s greatest friends… the indie bookstore 💛
I'm glad local NPR is covering the pro-book ban law under consideration in New Hampshire, but it's frustrating that it continues to present "both sides" as if one of those sides is not totally lying. THERE IS NO "TRIPLE-X STUFF" IN SCHOOLS. They should say that. www.wbur.org/news/2025/04...
Picture of Ed Garcia of Cranston Public Library, Rhode Island State Librarian Karen Mellor, and other advocates standing in front of a federal courthouse in Providence with attorneys representing the Rhode Island Attorney General.
Today, Rhode Island library advocates attended the first hearing in a lawsuit filed by 21 state Attorneys General to halt the President's dismantling of the Institute of Museum & Library Services.
Thank you to the Attorneys General showing up #ForOurLibraries.
Use your own voice: ala.org/showup
A lawsuit filed against Rockford (MI) Public Schools (RPS) over 14 library books described as “sexually explicit” has been dismissed by the Court of Appeals. (Wood TV)
www.slj.com/story/Studen...
Libraries are for everyone!
I oppose the Trump Admin’s efforts to ban books, eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), & slash funding for public libraries that would cut services.
Let’s keep libraries free, accessible & welcoming to all!