In FY 2027 Budget Proposal, Trump Once Again Calls for the Elimination of Federal Library Funding
For a sixth time over his two terms, President Trump has proposed the elimination of the IMLS and with it virtually all federal library funding.
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The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: March 27, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your
Librarians Say the Library Ebook Market Needs Another Breakthrough Moment. Can Legislation Help Deliver It?
Amid surging demand, budget stress, high prices and unwieldy restrictions, librarians say the digital library market is unsustainable and they are looking to a new wave of proposed legislation to support some fundamental reforms.
The Outcome-Driven Library: Working Together to Inspire Even the Most Reluctant of Readers
"In an era defined by instant access and on-demand content, a three-month wait for a digital title creates the kind of friction that can reduce interest, erode trust in the library, and negatively impact overall reader engagement," writes Hoopla founder Jeff Jankowski.
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending March 27, 2026
Among the week's headlines: The 2026 PLA Conference is upon us; Illinois advances a library ebook bill; several worrisome library bills in Iowa die in committee; a Tennessee librarian could soon learn her fate for refusing an order to ban books; and SLJ announces its School Librarian of the Year.
The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: March 20, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending March 20, 2026
Among the week's headlines: why a library leader is running for public office in Connecticut; the GOP's nationwide book banning bill passes out of committee; a Tennessee library director makes a brave stand against book bans; and a major publisher pulls a book said to be created with AI.
Bankruptcy Filing Offers More Details into Baker & Taylor’s Stunning Collapse
According to court documents, Baker & Taylor has repaid its main creditor in full but still owes approximately $120 million to more than 1,000 remaining creditors, including approximately $68 million to publishers and $33 million to libraries.
The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: March 13, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your
Editor's Note: One Year In, with Much More to Come
It's been one year since 'Words & Money' soft launched at the 2025 London Book Fair. Founding editor Andrew Richard Albanese offers a status report.
Simon & Schuster Taps Former Amazon Exec Greg Greeley to Succeed Jonathan Karp as CEO
Greeley’s appointment comes some six months after Karp announced he would be stepping back to run a new imprint at Simon & Schuster, Simon Six.
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending March 13, 2026
Among the headlines this week: uncertainty looms large for libraries in Library Journal's recent annual budget survey; Seattle's mayor proposes a funding boost for the Seattle Public Library; a Texas librarian tangles with Moms for Liberty; and a defiant Alabama library doubles down in epic fashion.
The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: March 6, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your
OverDrive Names Marc Debevoise President
An OverDrive rep said Debevoise will focus on “operational leadership and execution," while founder and CEO Steve Potash will "continue to set the long-term vision and overall strategic direction for the company."
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending March 6, 2026
Among the week's headlines: ALA workers form a union; library advocates get to work as congress begins the FY 2027 budget process; a controversial book banning bill in Wyoming dies in committee; and a startup in Texas looks to cash in on the state's new book banning bill, S.B. 13.
IFLA Is Looking For the Next Masters of Library Science…Fiction
To celebrate its 100-year anniversary, IFLA (The International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions) is asking librarians to use their imaginations—literally—to contemplate the future of librarianship.
In Conversation: Literacy Advocate and Influencer Oliver James
TikTok influencer and literacy advocate Oliver James shares with Words & Money how he came to learn to read at 32 and what he hopes people take away from his journey.
The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: February 27, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending February 27, 2026
Among the headlines this week: An unusual election could deliver clues about how voters are feeling about book bans in Texas; Republicans introduce an anti-trans bill in Congress; a controversial book banning bill advances in Wyoming; and why a key publishing industry diversity study is on hold.
On Finding Elusive Quiet at the New York Society Library
An author on how this local independent library space was the key to getting her first novel over the finish line.
The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: February 20, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending February 20, 2026
Among the headlines this week: a federal judge rebukes Trump's efforts to rewrite history via executive order; New York Mayor Zorhan Mamdani's love of libraries faces a tough budget test; New Jersey's library ebook bill is back in the news; and Martha Hickson is featured in 'Vogue' magazine.
Why I am Starting Over Again with Sound Archive Books
With the launch of his innovative new venture—which envisions libraries as key partners—publishing entrepreneur and cultural producer Mitchell Davis, weighs in on books, libraries, music and art, and beginning from zero.
How You Can Help Shape the Future of Your Local Library
BISG Executive Director (and local library trustee) Brian O'Leary on why serving on your library's board may be for you, especially if you work in publishing.
The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: February 13, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending February 13, 2026
Among the week's headlines: the library community mourns Fobazi Ettarh; a tough winter is taking a toll on Philadelphia library workers; new book banning bills advance in Iowa, Florida, and Arizona; a freedom to read bill emerges in Alaska; and don't forget to make plans for PLA in Minneapolis.
ALA, DOJ Lawyers Are Negotiating a Potential Settlement in IMLS Case
“The parties seek this extension in good faith as they have begun to engage in negotiations regarding a potential settlement,” the joint filing states.
As Key Hearing Draws Near, Publishers Defend Their Bid to Join Authors' Copyright Lawsuit Over Google's AI Training
In a February 5 brief, the publishers stressed that their intervention in the case was necessary to ensure "the publishing industry’s discrete interests are fairly treated” and rejected Google's "over-the-top" opposition to their joining the litigation.
The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: February 6, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your
Bookshop.org, Draft2Digital to Make Self-Published Ebooks Available Through Indie Bookstores
“Partnering with Draft2Digital means self-published authors, an essential and rapidly growing part of the publishing landscape, can now work with indie bookstores, and they can support each other,” said Andy Hunter, Founder & CEO of Bookshop.org.
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending February 6, 2026
Among the week's headlines: Congress funds the IMLS, but the future remains uncertain; why South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace wants IMLS to pause funding for one library in her state; Iowa seeks to end school and public library partnerships; and Library Futures responds to OverDrive’s broadside in D.C.
The Words & Money Weekly Newsletter: January 30, 2026
Thank you for supporting Words & Money and helping to establish an independent media venture that aims to properly center libraries in the 21st century reading, writing, and publishing enterprises. If you're already a subscriber, thank you, and we encourage you to please share this newsletter with your