Library Legislation Updates to Begin 2026

Deal Score0
Deal Score0

Security Grants for Illinois Libraries

“With an alarming increase in the threat of violence against libraries and librarians across Illinois, the Secretary of State’s Office is now able to issue security grants to libraries across the state to ensure their ability to provide a safe environment for patrons, employees, and communities.” This is great, and I would like to once again give a huge kudos to Secretary of State Alexi Giannulias for her support of library workers. I used to work in a library where security measures were minimal due to budget constraints, and I hope this can be used in libraries.

New York governor denies right to read bill

Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill to combat censorship and book banning in school libraries, saying the bill would “confuse rather than clarify” the duties of school librarians. He also noted that school librarians already have considerable control over their collections. That may be true, but I don’t understand why anyone would think vetoing this bill is a productive strategy. But that’s probably why I work in a library and not in politics.

Protecting the right to read in 2026

It’s all over the internet, but be sure to read Kelly Jensen’s list of 60+ small tasks you can do this year to protect your right to read. Even when everything feels overwhelming and hopeless, you can still make a measurable impact in your community. Choose your task and get started today!

What I learned as interim library director

Now, it might be a bit cheating to highlight one of my own posts, but it’s been three years since I served as interim librarian at my last library, and I’ve learned some big lessons along the way. One of those lessons? I don’t know if I want to be a director again, but maybe that’s okay.


If you haven’t already, make this your year to subscribe to Literary Activism. This is the perfect newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest information on book censorship, and combine it with our bi-weekly library news here at Check the Shelves.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

      Leave a reply

      Booksology
      Logo
      Shopping cart