May 2, 2025

In the days and weeks following Donald J. Trump's reelection, the sense of fear and demoralization among so many in the publishing and library communities was real. So many people I spoke to said they needed a break from the news, exhausted by the campaign, and by the prospect of four more years of defending our democracy and our values. But as the Trump administration's 100-day benchmark passed this week, it's hard not to notice the shift in momentum. Across the country, people are energized, in the streets, and speaking out. And in the courts, the administration's efforts are hitting a wall. Some 100 days in, the fight is on.

In this week's Words & Money newsletter, we report on a significant legal victory for the ALA in its bid to save the IMLS from the Trump administration's DOGE chainsaw. Our weekly media roundup, The Queue, shares developments in several key battles over book banning, as well as a very public commitment by Macmillan CEO John Yaged to stand up for libraries and the freedom to read. PEN America this week released a damning report on the Trump administration's first 100 days in office. In New York City, authors and publishers gathered for the Edgar Awards. Simon & Schuster and Urano World Press have announced a new partnership for Spanish language books. And, finally, a law professor and first-time author singles out the important contributions made to her book by her research librarian.

In terms of housekeeping, this is our second ever weekly newsletter. And while we have so much more planned editorially and a podcast in the works (stay tuned!), our first order of business is to ensure that our site and our email newsletter are working. It's a lengthy, deliberate process, a little buggy still, but it's going well and all is on track. Our goal is to hit our stride by the time we roll into the ALA Annual conference at the end June. Once again, we appreciate your readership and your feedback as the process rolls on. If you're having any issues with the site, or the newsletter deliver, please do let us know.

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.

The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending May 2, 2025

Among the week's headlines: The IMLS gets a court-ordered stay of execution from the Trump Administration's DOGE chainsaw; Macmillan CEO John Yaged talks book bans; the Book Industry Study Group hosted a strong annual conference in New York; and author Chris Barton shares a no-nonsense op-ed against a Texas book banning bill.

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.

Words & MoneyAndrew Richard Albanese

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.

Words & MoneyAndrew Richard Albanese

Edgar Award Winners Announced at Glittery Event

Last night, the Mystery Writers of America hosted The 79th Annual Edgar® Awards at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.

Words & MoneyErin Cox

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.

Words & MoneyAndrew Richard Albanese