school libraries

PEN America has published its Banned Books List for 2026, the organization's annual documentation of books removed or restricted in schools and libraries. The list tracks censorship efforts across the United States and typically fuels public debate about intellectual freedom, education policy, and parental rights over reading materials.

The Federal Communications Commission is considering reductions to subsidies that help schools and libraries pay for internet access, according to WBUR. The program, widely known as E-Rate, has long supported connectivity for students in lower-income communities, and any cuts could affect districts already struggling to maintain affordable access. Debate is expected over how reductions would impact students who rely on school-provided connectivity.

A call is growing to preserve E-Rate, the US program that helps schools and libraries afford internet access, with supporters urging action to keep connectivity affordable for students and communities. Backers are encouraging people to make calls in support of the program, arguing that funding cuts would hurt access to affordable internet.

The Camden County Board of Commissioners in New Jersey has issued a recognition of Banned Books Week, highlighting the county library system's commitment to free and open access to reading materials. The proclamation comes amid ongoing national debate over book challenges and removals in schools and libraries. Local officials used the occasion to affirm support for intellectual freedom and residents' right to read.

PEN America, the free expression organisation, is drawing attention to the growing practice of banning books from school libraries and classrooms. The group has repeatedly warned that such removals, often targeting titles dealing with race, gender and sexuality, restrict students' access to ideas. The renewed spotlight keeps pressure on school districts and lawmakers debating censorship.

An education leader has argued that banning books causes harm beyond the books themselves, affecting students and schools. The remarks come amid ongoing debates in the United States over removing titles from school libraries and curricula, with educators warning about restrictions on what young people can read.

PEN America has issued a new report on book bans in US schools, timed to coincide with Banned Books Week, the annual awareness campaign highlighting censorship. The organisation has tracked thousands of book removals from school libraries and curricula in recent years, often targeting titles dealing with race, gender and sexuality. The report is expected to fuel ongoing national debate over educational censorship.

The ACLU of Illinois held a talk at Morris Library about banned books. The event comes amid ongoing national debate over efforts to remove books from libraries and schools, and it offered attendees a discussion of censorship and access to literature. No further details about speakers or attendance are available beyond the announcement of the event itself.

Billings Public Library has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over book bans as National Banned Books Week begins. The Montana library is drawing attention amid national disputes over removing titles from shelves, with communities weighing concerns about content against calls to protect access to books. The annual week highlights challenged titles and debates over censorship in libraries and schools.

Publishers Weekly reports on preparations for Banned Books Week 2026, an annual campaign that unites libraries, booksellers, publishers and readers in defending the freedom to read. The event highlights books that have been challenged or removed from shelves and schools, and organisers are encouraging communities to coordinate events and advocacy around the theme of standing together against censorship.