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.”
In The News
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.
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
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.
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending April 25
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.
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending April 18
Hearing Set in ALA Lawsuit to Block IMLS Destruction
The schedule appears to accommodate an ALA request that the court rule by May 4, which ALA lawyers cite as the date a "mass termination" of IMLS staff is reportedly set to take effect.
‘Palpably Illegal’: State Attorneys Fire Back at Trump Administration’s Shaky Defense of IMLS Closure
'At bottom, the situation is simple,' attorneys argued in an April 16 filing. 'The President issued an executive order so illegal that Defendants cannot defend it on the merits.'
Trump Administration Responds to States' IMLS Lawsuit
In a filing this week, Trump administration lawyers said a coalition of 21 states lacked standing to sue in federal court.