In The News

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.