MI Right to Read

05/30/2026

Despite ongoing book bans, censorship efforts, and other challenges to free expression, independent bookstores across the country are continuing to grow and serve their communities. The American Booksellers Association reported record membership growth and hundreds of new bookstore openings, underscoring the resilience of those committed to connecting people with books, ideas, and the freedom to read.

Read the full article by Claire Kirch, Publishers Weekly:

At the American Booksellers Association’s annual membership meeting, held virtually on Thursday, CEO Allison Hill celebrated booksellers’ resilience and reported a 19% increase in membership, which now stands at 3,417 bookstores.

05/30/2026

PEN America is raising concerns about a recent increase in book removals from Duval County school libraries, questioning whether the review process is transparent and accountable to the public.

Supporters of intellectual freedom argue that students deserve access to a wide range of ideas and that decisions about library materials should include clear public oversight and community input.

Read more by Ariel Schiller, News4Jax:

Duval County Schools has more than doubled the number of books removed from shelves through an internal review process, raising transparency concerns from PEN America. The free expression group criticizes the lack of public oversight, noting the removals disproportionately impact students with limit...

05/30/2026

As attacks on the freedom to read continue, many librarians are facing online harassment, threats, and doxxing simply for doing their jobs. A new resource from PEN America highlights practical steps librarians can take to protect themselves online and emphasizes the importance of community support—because no one should have to face intimidation for defending access to information.

Read more by PEN America:
https://pen.org/librarians-fight-online-abuse/

Resources for libraries, including other sources:
- PEN America Online Abuse Digital Safety
https://pen.org/online-abuse-digital-safety/

- MI Right to Read Resources
https://www.mirighttoread.com/resources

- MLA Public Opinion Survey on Public Libraries and Book Banning
https://www.milibraries.org/statewide-survey-on-library-issues

- Unite Against Book Bans Toolkit
https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/toolkit/

- American Library Association Challenge Reporting
https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/report

- ALA Responding to Hate Speech and Hate Crimes
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/hate

- Library of Michigan Book Challenges, Censorship, and Michigan Public Libraries Info Sheet
https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/-/media/Project/Websites/libraryofmichigan/For-Libraries/Administration/Library-Law/Other/Book_Challenges_Censorship__Michigan_Public_Libraries_742861_7.pdf?rev=248b7ebfd62746e2b15c85da66a8481e

- Fight for the First.org Tools (EveryLibrary)
https://www.fightforthefirst.org/

Despite the prevalence and impact of harassment campaigns, librarians and educators are not powerless and they are not alone.

05/30/2026

After community members spoke out against the denial of the use of the book "Scythe" in a high school English class, and a curriculum decision was reversed, award-winning YA author Neal Shusterman met virtually with Windsor High School students to discuss his novel Scythe. He encouraged discussion over challenging and banning books.

This article highlights the value of trusting educators, engaging students with diverse ideas, and ensuring young people have opportunities to explore literature that sparks critical thinking and conversation.

Read the full article by Noah Abrams and Shandra Back, Northern California Public Media:
https://krcb.org/20260529101127/news-feed/after-book-ban-reversal-young-adult-author-speaks-with-windsor-high-students

Northern California Public Media

05/29/2026

The right to read is part of your freedom—protected so you can choose what you read for yourself and your family. That means you have the right to explore ideas, ask questions, and make your own decisions about books and information without that choice being made for you.

Libraries protect that freedom every day by ensuring access to a wide range of perspectives while respecting the rights of others in the community.

Learn more about what we're doing in Michigan, and join the MI Right to Read coalition: https://www.mirighttoread.com/

05/28/2026

Sign up to attend the Michigan Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Summit on June 10–11 and help shape the future of intellectual freedom advocacy in Michigan libraries. 📚

This free, statewide gathering will bring together library leaders, trustees, and advocates to build policy strategies, strengthen partnerships, share solutions, and prepare libraries to respond to growing challenges to the freedom to read.

Featuring speakers:
Kyle Nawack, ACLU of Michigan
Tasslyn Magnusson, EveryLibrary and PEN America
Bob Devries, Governmental Consultant Services, Inc.
Kristin Fonticharo, University of Michigan
Dr. Shannon Oltman, Wayne State University
and Lance Werner, Kent District Library

Save your spot (and learn more) here: https://ow.ly/oO5G50Z4HhL

05/27/2026

A recent update from PEN America highlights ongoing efforts nationwide to defend free expression, challenge censorship, and support the freedom to read in schools, libraries, and communities.

From opposing book bans to advocating for transparency and access to diverse stories, the work reflects why protecting intellectual freedom continues to matter for readers everywhere.

Read about the ongoing efforts defending free expression, advocating for authors and the freedom to read:
https://pen.org/pen-america-speaks-may-15/
(by PEN America)

PEN America works tirelessly to defend free expression, support persecuted writers, and promote literary culture. Here are some of the latest ways PEN America is speaking out.

05/27/2026

The Teton County Library Board in Wyoming has issued a statement publicly opposing H.R. 7661, a federal bill critics say could lead to broad book bans in schools and restrict access to educational materials.

The library’s statement emphasizes local control, the freedom to read, and the importance of librarians, educators, and families—not politicians—making decisions about what students can access.

Read the article in full by Kelly Jensen, Book Riot:

Teton County Library's Board of Directors has issued a powerful statement against the passage of HR 7661, a national book banning bill.

05/27/2026

Read Freely Alabama has received a $40,000 grant to continue fighting library censorship and support civic engagement efforts in rural and underserved communities. The funding will help expand advocacy, community organizing, and education around the freedom to read—reflecting growing nationwide efforts to support libraries and push back against censorship.

Read the article by Jacob Holmes, Alabama Political Reporter, in full here:

The funding will support eight events aimed at helping rural and underserved communities organize against book bans and restrictive library policies.

05/27/2026

A Tennessee school district has removed Alex Haley’s Roots from school library shelves under the state’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act—sparking national conversations about censorship, history, and students’ access to information.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel helped generations better understand slavery, family history, and Black American experiences. Protecting the freedom to read means ensuring readers and students can access diverse stories, perspectives, and history.

Knox County Schools Superintendent announced yesterday that the book will return to KCS school libraries immediately.

Read more (by Matt Hollingsworth, Knox County News, News 6):

Knox County School Board Member Katherine Bike has requested that the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Roots” be returned to school libraries, arguing that the law was not intended to remov…