MI Right to Read

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

3,212 books were banned in 35 school districts across Florida during the 2025–26 school year. That’s the second largest number of book bans, behind only Texas, in our latest spotlight on school book bans.

As draws to a close, we interviewed Stephana Ferrell, the co-founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project, about how she’s fighting to keep the Sunshine State out of the dark. In addition to providing invaluable data to PEN America as we compiled our new spotlight, the grassroots movement has informed countless residents of Florida about the who, what, and why behind the state’s alarming censorship.

Read the full interview, and if you’re based in Florida, write a letter telling Florida’s Education Commissioner Henry Mack and your local school superintendent why the freedom to read matters in your community. Details at: https://pen.org/stephana-ferrell-interview/

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

The parent-driven coalition pushing back against book bans in Florida

10/14/2026

We're partnering with Library Journal to bring you a new course to help you fund your library.

We'll help you understand who makes the decisions, what matters to them, how your library is funded, and how to build support for a clear ask.

Register today: https://course.libraryjournal.com/products/get-funded-public-libraries

10/14/2026

Our free 150th anniversary masterclass is now available on demand! 🎉 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯, presented by 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 in collaboration with The University of Texas at Austin, is designed for everyone who works in or supports libraries. Whether you shelve, serve, teach, manage, govern, or support, this masterclass is for you.

Register now for immediate access: https://hubs.la/Q04yPSFF0

Across five one-hour video sessions, you’ll examine how libraries build trust and culture, advocate for their value, put sustainability into practice, make choices about whose stories are preserved, and respond to the challenges facing school libraries. Complete all five sessions, readings, and activities for 10 professional development hours and 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) from UT Austin.

10/14/2026

From pressure washers to ghost-hunting kits, libraries are lending unique items to help you save money.

10/14/2026

Are you ready to join us in Washington, DC? Registration for National Library Legislative Day is now open! Library advocates from across the country will join us to urge Congress to support libraries and our communities. This is your chance to speak directly to your elected officials in Washington alongside dozens of other library professionals. Join us in DC February 24th and 25th!

Attendance is limited; register now to secure a spot: ala.org/advocacy/nlld