Sign in

Gavin Downing

@gavindowning.bsky.social
747 followers 526 following 73 posts

Librarian. Teacher. Nerd. Defender of Intellectual Freedom. Personal account. My opinions are my own.

PostsRepliesMedia
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
DOGE is shutting down the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This makes up 0.004% of the federal budget, and provides profound value to people in every corner of the country.
A screenshot of a reddit thread on r/fednews, by u/ruskiytrolk, describing DOGE dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
086
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
www.everylibrary.org/statementiml...
everylibrary.org
Statement on Trump's Attack on Federal Funding for Libraries
010
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
I simply am baffled by so many people interested in harming others just to harm them.
140
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
FOR MY WASHINGTON STATE RESIDENT FOLLOWERS: Senate Bill 5551 is coming up for a hearing NEXT TUESDAY. And it's asking the legislature to assure that every student has access to a certificated Teacher-Librarian. The funding is already there. but not all districts use the funding in that way.
1114
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Bob Cullen @robertgcullen1.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
There is still hope. If there were not, there would be no reason to get up in the morning. There is hope. Sometimes you need to be jarred into finding it, jarred into sharing it. MAYA ANGELOU Poet #BlackHistoryMonth
082
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Patton Oswalt @pattonoswalt.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
“The Democrats didn’t do enough on Gaza, so I withheld my vote to make a statement.” “Well, Trump won and now he’s gonna destroy Gaza.” “Yep. We’re paying the price for the Democrats’ incompetence.” “‘We?’ The Gazans are paying the price, not us” Pause. “I needed to make a statement.”
3197337154289
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) told NOTUS that even though what Elon Musk is doing is unconstitutional — “nobody should bellyache about that.” He added: “That runs afoul of the Constitution in the strictest sense. But it’s not uncommon for presidents to flex a little bit...” www.notus.org/congress/tru...
notus.org
Republican Senators Say They’re Fine Handing Their Power to Elon Musk
Musk's actions may be unconstitutional but “nobody should bellyache about that,” Sen. Thom Tillis said.
010
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Martha Hickson @sassylibrarian.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Please join me in supporting Rhea Young, a Texas librarian fired for protecting the right to read. It's a tough time for her right now. If you can, please consider helping out or sharing. gofund.me/83ab39bc
gofund.me
Donate to Rally for Rhea Young's Library Legacy, organized by Jacque Gonzalez
Hello, my name is Jacque Gonzalez, and I am a library patron fundraising on beha… Jacque Gonzalez needs your support for Rally for Rhea Young's Library Legacy
0157
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Martha Hickson @sassylibrarian.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/ja...
theguardian.com
‘Civil rights fight of our time’: new film explores the battle over US libraries
A Sarah Jessica Parker-produced documentary on the brave librarians fighting a wave of rightwing book bans has sparked conversation at Sundance
143
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
www.ala.org/news/2025/01...
ala.org
ALA to U. S. Department of Education: Book bans are real
The American Library Association responds to the Department of Education's dismissal of complaints about censorship and discrimination: the "effort to terminate protections... advances the demonstrabl...
020
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
So this is some bullshit. azmirror.com/2025/01/24/r...
azmirror.com
Reports of Navajo people being detained in immigration sweeps sparks concern from tribal leaders
The DOJ argued in court that Indigenous people don't have birthright citizenship, even though they have for 100 years
010
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Martha Hickson @sassylibrarian.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
“The Librarians doesn’t aim to be a page-turner, just that we still have pages to turn. Reminding us that the freedom to read, learn, and think critically is not a guarantee. It must be fought for.” inbetweendrafts.com/the-libraria...
inbetweendrafts.com
‘The Librarians’ Review — Sundance 2025 - InBetweenDrafts
Directed by Kim A. Snyder, The Librarians uncovers the next chapter of book bans and is an education on how to fight against them.
13511
Reposted by Gavin Downing
kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Lots of bad takes on the "book ban hoax" article from folks who haven't done a lot over the last four years related to book banning. The release is purposeful disinformation, with the intent to make folks on the left hate the DOE and agree it should be shut down. Call it what it is.
36413
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Book banning is real, and it is terrorizing teachers, librarians, and students. You do NOT get to gaslight us and claim it was a hoax, you rancid mango.
A press release from the U.S. Department of Education, saying "U.S. Department of Education Ends Biden's Book Ban Hoax."  Dated January 24, 20205, it goes on to say, "The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today announced that it had dismissed 11 complaints related to so-called 'book bans.' The complaints alleged that local school districts' removal of age-inappropriate, sexually explicit, or obscene materials from their school libraries created a hostile environment"
The image is cut off there.
0121
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
On my way to Phoenix for American Library Association's LibLearnX! Hope to see some of you there!
Photo of Gavin wearing a mask at the airport.
070
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
You gotta kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight. This track's been on heavy play the last week. youtu.be/7IX4gWkFqvU?...
youtu.be
Bruce Cockburn - Lovers In A Dangerous Time
YouTube video by BruceCockburnVEVO
073
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Fair winds to a man who did his part to make the world a better place.
021
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Mychal Threets @mychal3ts.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
Do me a kindness! Share this if you love and support your local library & librarians (and remember: that includes your school library & school librarian) 😊📚 Thank you libraries & library workers… for everything ✨💚
247130305902
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
To paraphrase Bette Davis, "They say we shouldn't speak ill of the dead, only good. She's dead. Good."
Headline from the Hollywood Reporter: Anita Bryant, Singer and Crusader Against Gay Rights, Dies at 84.  She has hits with songs like "Paper Roses" and served as a spokesperson for Florida orange juice before her career came crashing down. By Chris Koseluk, January 9, 2025 2:26 PM
020
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Chise @sailorrooscout.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
THIS IS HUGE! Researchers at Stanford Medicine have devised an influenza vaccine that prompts immunity to ALL four major flu subtypes AND shows potential against bird flu, indicating a significant advancement in flu prevention and a potential increase in vaccine efficacy. Let’s talk about that! 🧪🧵⬇️
684256716444
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Matterist Books @matteristbooks.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
56 Small Tasks to Be Proactive Against Book Censorship in 2025 and Beyond: Book Censorship News, January 3, 2025 bookriot.com/56-small-tas...
bookriot.com
56 Small Tasks to Be Proactive Against Book Censorship in 2025 and Beyond: Book Censorship News, January 3, 2025
Choose one task each week of 2025 for a year full of anti-book censorship activism and advocacy.
075
Reposted by Gavin Downing
That Librarian: Amanda Jones @librarianjones.com · 03/01/2025
“This case is about the fact that words mean things and actions have consequences. Jones explains: We teach our children to report and speak out against bullying, and that is what I am doing.” bookriot.com/louisiana-li...
bookriot.com
A Legal Victory for the Freedom to Read
Louisiana librarian gets the go-ahead for defamation suit against men who accused her of grooming children. Plus: 2025 adaptations, and more.
011528
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Steve "It's TAY-tro" Tetreault @drtlovesbooks.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
This is what the incoming admin wants in a nation-wide basis: Remove oversight & monitoring of edu, provide vouchers, and set up for-profit schools to drain public funds into private pockets while simultaneously making the electorate less informed, which perpetuates the cycle of gift & graft.
0105
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 28/12/2024
Absolutely great news!!
031
Reposted by Gavin Downing
kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
Let's help save a queer nonprofit bookstore stay afloat in Provo, Utah. They've been subject to three bomb threats since opening a little over a year ago. Buy some books or audiobooks, go in person if local, and *spread the word* bookriot.com/save-mosaics...
bookriot.com
Let's Help a Queer Bookstore in Utah Survive
Throw some money at Mosaics's IndieGoGo, purchase books or audiobooks through them, and spread the word to save this Utah LGBTQ+ bookstore.
26139
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Heather Perkinson @hkperkinson.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Analysis shows what we have long suspected: #bookbans target our #students’ and #authors’ identities #TLSky #BannedBooks #YouthLibs #EduSky #Skybrarians More #censorship news here: hkperkinson.blogspot.com
theconversation.com
Most US book bans target children’s literature featuring diverse characters and authors of color
The number of book bans in the US has soared in recent years. A new study shines light on which types of books and authors are the main targets.
13719
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
Kelly Jensen is my hero. "That current trend is obnoxious and ignorant at best and about making yourself a hero, rather than working to shore up institutions that already exist to support everyone within a community. It plays entirely into the ethos of the far right, rather than resists it."
120
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
A good reminder. And, of course, if you want to follow the wave of book bans and know how to fight them, make sure to follow Kelly.
020
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
An essential reminder.
042
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
A librarian fired for doing a presentation about banned books. Help if you can, and share widely. www.gofundme.com/f/librarian-...
gofundme.com
Donate to Librarian who lost job after banned books presentation, organized by Kaylie Longley
Help our friend and fellow Library and Information Science gradu… Kaylie Longley needs your support for Librarian who lost job after banned books presentation
098
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Kim Cassetto @kimcassetto.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Let me get this straight. I was accused for more than a year of grooming students in the library w/ books. Now, actual groomers with witnesses & court convictions of SA are being given the highest leadership positions in our country, and these same people are silent. thehill.com/homenews/499...
thehill.com
Trump nominates Linda McMahon to lead Education Department
President-elect Trump announced on Tuesday that he will nominate Linda McMahon to serve as secretary of the Education Department on Tuesday.  McMahon is co-leading Trump’s transition team…
311229327
Reposted by Gavin Downing
kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
For some reason, my last RT didn't go. First: How to explain book bans to the average person who wants to know -- bookriot.com/how-to-expla... Second: You're wrong about these common book banning myths -- bookriot.com/common-myths...
bookriot.com
How To Explain Book Bans to Those Who Want To Understand: Book Censorship News, August
Use these talking points to help explain book bans to people who haven't kept up but want to understand.
05124
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
This guy believes libraries are made "safe" by banning books, especially those with LGBTQ content. Listen to the wisdom of Martha Hickson and just block.
140
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
This is an absolutely invaluable set of resources. Profound thanks to Kelly Jensen for putting it together and maintaining it.
000
Reposted by Gavin Downing
kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
This has been the most helpful thing for me: pick one thing. You cannot do it all. That is okay. You need a life too or else life is not worth fighting for. One thing. Go deep. Do it daily. It matters and does good. Add more only if you have capacity.
1616
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Regarding the continuing increase of book bans and challenges across the US: They claim it's about "protecting children." It's not. That can be proven. It's about determining who has the right to be heard, and who they want silenced. Always.
240
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
I haven't done much with this account yet, but as more and more people flee the hellscape that is That Other Site (which I also pretty much stopped using), I suspect I'll probably start using it more. Welcome, feed-folks!
090
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 24/01/2024
Just finished testifying in favor of SB 6208, an anti-book ban bill. And let me tell you, the volume of people making statements in opposition far, far outstrippee the people in favor. Yes, even here in bright blue Washington.
470
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 18/01/2024
Some good news: thehill.com/homenews/sta...
000
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 17/01/2024
Book banning efforts are NOT a "Texas and Florida" or even "Red state" issue. It's having an effect EVERYWHERE. Please don't be passive. Do you think your area is safe from book banners? It isn't. I promise you.
250
Reposted by Gavin Downing
TX FReadom Fighters @freadomfighters.bsky.social · 15/12/2023
We are passing along School Library Journal's most viewed coverage of book banning and censorship, which remained front and center in 2023. ow.ly/eayz50QiBWB
ow.ly
Top Censorship Stories of 2023
SLJ's most viewed coverage of book banning and censorship, which remained front and center in 2023.
0119
Reposted by Gavin Downing
Maggie Tokuda-Hall @maggietokudahall.bsky.social · 20/10/2023
Authors, if you think Scholastic's "separate but equal" book fair plan is, perhaps, a BAD idea, please consider signing this open letter to them about it: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com
Statement from Authors and Illustrators on Scholastic Book Fairs' Policy of Separating and Excluding...
8739522
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 19/10/2023
My friend Shawn Harris is brilliant. And she has put together something that may be of interest to many folks here, intersecting as it does between roleplaying games and Jewish identity. Check this out! www.judaismunbound.com/fall-2023-mi...
010
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 18/10/2023
I've also just learned that my opponent attempted to ban "The Hate U Give" from the district a couple years ago. This is who's trying to take the school board here, just outside Seattle, Washington. And she might win if we don't get out the vote.
020
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 17/10/2023
7/7 We can beat them. We WILL beat them if we stand together, and we work together, and we refuse to be silent. We can keep them from silencing marginalized voices and we can protect intellectual freedom. But it will take all of us.
010
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 17/10/2023
6/7 Step up. Help out. Spread the word when you see it happening (again, thanks, Neil). Run for school board (that's what I'm up to these days, while still running my school library). Run for public library board. Show up to board meetings. Be heard.
010
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 17/10/2023
5/7 And recognize that the ultimate goal of these hate groups like Moms For Liberty isn't to protect children, but to silence the voices of marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community, and/or the BIPOC community.
010
Gavin Downing @gavindowning.bsky.social · 17/10/2023
4/7 Be aware they're trying to change the dialogue. They don't like calling what they're doing "bans." They'll try to call it other things. Don't let them. It's still banning.
010