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LibrariesNew PEN America Report Finds 33% Jump in School Book Bans
"Amid a growing climate of censorship, school book bans continue to spread through coordinated campaigns by a vocal minority of groups and individual actors and, increasingly, as a result of pressure from state legislation," the report finds.
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Libraries
New ALA Data Shows Book Challenges Still Surging
Ahead of Banned Books Week, the ALA reported 695 attempts to censor library materials between January 1 and August 31, 2023, and 1,915 unique titles challenged—a 20% jump over last year.
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Publisher News
In a Blistering Opinion, Judge Officially Blocks Texas Book Rating Law
After nearly three weeks, federal judge Alan D. Albright delivered a 59-page written opinion holding that the controversial Texas law "misses the mark" by imposing a web of "unconstitutionally vague" requirements.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: September 15, 2023
Among the week's headlines: a politically charged hearing on book bans in the U.S. Senate; Illinois libraries face another wave of bomb threats; an internal report reveals the strain library workers at the Oakland Public Library are feeling; and a brilliant essay explores how today's right wing attacks on libraries echo from a dark chapter in our history.
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Copyright
Textbook Publishers Sue Notorious 'Shadow Library' Libgen
The suit claims that Libgen, one of the most popular pirate sites, attracts some nine million users a month in the U.S. alone, and offers 20,000 of the publisher plaintiffs' works for illegal download.
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Libraries
Texas Judge Hears Arguments Over Scope of HB 900 Injunction
At a hearing, judge Alan D. Albright appeared open to allowing parts of Texas's book rating law take effect, while attorneys for the plaintiffs insisted the law is unconstitutional and should be blocked in its entirety.
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Copyright
Internet Archive Files Appeal in Copyright Infringement Case
The notice of appeal, which was expected, came right at the 30-day deadline—a month to the day after judge John G. Koeltl approved and entered a negotiated consent judgment and a permanent injunction in the closely watched copyright case.
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Libraries
ALA Seeks Member Input on Freedom to Read Statement Revision
In the midst of a historic rise in book bans, the American Library Association has announced a series of "listening sessions" which could lead to the first revision of the landmark Freedom to Read statement since 2004.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: September 8, 2023
Among the week's headlines: Alabama Governor Kay Ivey questions the work of public libraries in her state; the political attacks on the ALA continue; the Senate finally confirms a fifth FCC commissioner, breaking a years-long partisan deadlock; and paying tribute to the first Black librarian in the school district of Philadelphia.
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Publisher News
Texas Argues Parts of New 'Book Rating' Law Should Be Allowed to Take Effect
In a September 1 filing, attorneys for the state renewed their broader bid to stay the court's August 31 preliminary injunction blocking HB 900 from taking effect, but also argued that parts of the law are outside the scope of the plaintiffs' claims and should be allowed to take effect.
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Publisher News
With Key Decision Imminent, Judge Orders Status Conference in Texas Book Rating Case
The moves come after the court held a second hearing on August 28 over a bid to block the law from taking effect, with the September 1 effective date bearing down.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: August 25, 2023
Among the week's headlines: bomb threats are made against librarians in Illinois and Oklahoma; Texas leaves the ALA, with Wyoming headed that way, too; and Washington State Librarian Sara Jones offers a powerful defense of librarians.
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Publisher News
Judge Stays Escambia County Book Banning Lawsuit to Consider Dismissal
The order comes after lawyers for the school district filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on several grounds, including that a policy change that went into effect on July 1 effectively moots the litigation.
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Libraries
New PEN America Report Documents Surge in ‘Educational Intimidation’ Bills
A new wave of legislation is leading to censorship in schools and libraries by creating a climate of fear and uncertainty for educators.
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Libraries
Judge Sets Second Hearing on Motion to Block Texas Book Rating Law
In the initial round of oral arguments over whether to block Texas's controversial book rating law, federal judge Alan D. Albright primarily challenged the state's position, and said he would issue a ruling before the law's September 1 effective date.
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Publisher News
The Week in Libraries: August 18, 2023
Among the week's headlines: libraries and schools face multiple challenges in Texas; a library administrator in Missouri is warned to stay 'politically neutral' or face discipline; a library in Washington state faces closure for making diverse books available; and Jay-Z juices library card signups at the Brooklyn Public Library.
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Publisher News
Stakes Are High as Judge Hears Motion to Block Texas Book Rating Law
A federal judge in Texas is hearing oral arguments on a high stakes motion filed by a coalition of booksellers and book industry advocates to block the state’s controversial new book rating law from taking effect on September 1. Attorneys for the state of Texas are asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit entirely.
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Publisher News
Judge Approves Final Injunction in Publishers, Internet Archive Copyright Case
After more than three years of litigation, it took judge John G. Koeltl just hours to sign off on the parties’ negotiated consent judgment—but not without a final twist.
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Publisher News
Judgment Entered in Publishers, Internet Archive Copyright Case
More than four months after a federal judge found the Internet Archive liable for copyright infringement, the parties have delivered a negotiated agreement for a judgment to be entered in the case. A final resolution could still be years away, however, as the Internet Archive has vowed to appeal.
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Libraries
The Week in Libraries: August 11, 2023
Among the week's headlines: librarians, educators, and publishers grapple with new state book banning laws; bestselling author John Green responds to having his books pulled from library shelves; a proposed judgment has been filed in the Internet Archive copyright case; and PEN America publishes a report on self-censorship in the publishing industry.
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