Trump Fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Hayden's sudden dismissal "a disgrace" and the latest in the administration's efforts to "ban books, whitewash American history, and turn back the clock.”
Andrew Richard Albanese
Court Extends Temporary Block on IMLS Destruction, Orders Briefing on the DOJ's Bid for Reconsideration
Leon's order follows a status report delivered by the parties in 'ALA v. Sonderling' on May 6, and a DOJ motion asking the judge to dissolve his order in light of a recent appeals court decision in a nearly identical case.
Citing Appeals Court Ruling, DOJ Asks Court to Lift Order Blocking IMLS Destruction
Trump Administration lawyers on May 6 filed a motion asking federal judge Richard Leon to reconsider his order temporarily blocking the dismantling of IMLS.
Another Federal Court Blocks the Trump Administration's Destruction of IMLS
Judge John J. McConnell held that Trump’s March 14 executive order to dismantle the IMLS "ignores the unshakable principles that Congress makes the law and appropriates funds, and the Executive implements the law..."
Trump Budget Proposal Seeks to Eliminate the IMLS
In its May 2 plan, Trump officials outline a draconian $163 billion reduction in discretionary spending, which includes the elimination of the agency tasked by Congress with distributing federal library funding.
When We Fight, We Win: The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter for May 2, 2025
Leading this week's news, a federal judge on May 1 halted the Trump Administration's plan to destroy the IMLS, but the battle remains far from over.
Simon & Schuster, Urano World Publishing Announce Spanish Language Publishing Deal
Under the deal, “a select number” of Spanish language titles will be published in Spain and Latin America by Urano World and its imprints, while in the United States, co-published titles will be published under S&S's Primero Sueño Press imprint.
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending May 2, 2025
Among the week's headlines: The IMLS gets a stay of execution; Macmillan CEO John Yaged talks book bans; the Book Industry Study Group hosted a strong annual conference program in New York; and author Chris Barton shares a no-nonsense op-ed against a Texas book banning bill.
My Book Had a Doula. She Was My Librarian.
University of Richmond law professor Corinna Barrett Lain on the critical role her librarian played in 'birthing' her first book.
Court Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration's Destruction of IMLS
The IMLS is clinging to life after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on May 1, just 24 hours after oral arguments in Washington D.C. in a case brought by the American Library Association.
PEN America: Trump’s First 100 Days a ‘Five-Alarm Fire’ for Free Speech
In a new 26-page report, PEN America explores the executive orders and actions taken by the Trump administration in its first 100 days that hold grave implications for free expression.
ALA Replies to Trump Administration’s Defense of IMLS Destruction
With the filing, the ALA’s motion for a preliminary injunction is now fully briefed and ready for a scheduled April 30 hearing in Washington D.C. before federal judge Richard Leon.
How to Lose a Country in 100 Days: The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter for the Week Ending April 25, 2025
Our first Words & Money weekly newsletter comes at a momentous time for libraries and publishers—and for the United States.
In Conversation: Bestselling author and Historian Sarah Vowell
The bestselling author of seven nonfiction books on American history and culture talks with Andrew Richard Albanese about her recent contribution to Michael Lewis's 'Who Is Government' and why the country may soon learn a hard lesson about the importance of government workers.
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending April 25
Among the week's headlines: The Supreme Court hears a potential landmark case about books with LGBTQ+ themes; North Dakota governor vetoes the state's book banning bill; and two new library-related documentaries are set to debut.
Trump Administration Responds to ALA's Lawsuit to Save IMLS
In a lengthy filing, DOJ lawyers argue that the canceling of grants and the firing of staff at IMLS is not about dismantling the agency, but about realigning it consistent with the current administration’s policy objectives.