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Words & Money

@wordsandmoney.bsky.social
85 followers 21 following 40 posts

A new media venture from former PW and LJ reporter Andrew Richard Albanese and book biz veteran Erin Cox, featuring in-depth reporting and analysis centering libraries in the 21st Century reading enterprise.

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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
RULING JUST IN…John J. McConnell held that the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle IMLS and several other federal agencies via executive order was both illegal and unconstitutional! Read all about it: www.wordsandmoney.com/in-a-major-v...
wordsandmoney.com
In a Major Victory, Rhode Island Judge Permanently Blocks Trump's Bid to Shutter the IMLS
In a November 21 summary judgment ruling, judge John J. McConnell held that the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the IMLS and several other federal agencies via executive order was both ill...
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Lee Wind @leewind.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
#kidlit peeps - want to help go on the offense against book banning this #bannedbooksweek ? Check out this interview I did with @wordsandmoney.bsky.social www.wordsandmoney.com/in-conversat...
wordsandmoney.com
In Conversation: Author and Freedom to Read Advocate Lee Wind
Ahead of Banned Books Week 2025, we caught up with the award-winning author and co-founder of We Are Stronger Than Censorship to talk about why advocates must continue to find innovative ways to fight...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
A beautiful piece by Sam Sussman about how libraries connect us, even across time and space. Check it out at the link below and check out his book BOY FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, out next week. www.wordsandmoney.com/my-mother-li...
wordsandmoney.com
My Mother, Libraries, and Me: A Love Story
Debut author Sam Sussman reflects on his deep love of libraries.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Earlier this month, we interviewed author @vauhinivara.bsky.social about #AI, #technology, humanness and her new book SEARCHES: Selfhood in the Digital Age. Check out our interview here: www.wordsandmoney.com/in-conversat...
wordsandmoney.com
In Conversation: Journalist and Author Vauhini Vara
In her latest book, 'Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age,' Vara delivers a potent, highly engaging exploration of AI, technology, and humanness.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Library technologist and AI skeptic Jessamyn West takes a deep look at R. David Lanke's new book TRIPTYCH. Read her review: www.wordsandmoney.com/jessamyn-wes...
wordsandmoney.com
Jessamyn West on 'Triptych: Death, AI, and Librarianship' by R. David Lankes
Libraries don't just change lives, they can save them, concludes R. David Lankes in his new book. Can AI play a role in that mission?
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
With the publication of his new book TRIPTYCH, library educator R. David Lankes hopes to accelerate a conversation about how AI might help blunt a host of simmering crises in our communities and save libraries. Read his piece here: nttps://www.wordsandmoney.com/an-urgent-conversation/
wordsandmoney.com
An Urgent Conversation
AI is a polarizing topic. But, in choosing to self-publish his new book, 'Triptych: Death, AI, and Librarianship,' library educator R. David Lankes hopes to accelerate a conversation about how the tec...
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infoDOCKET @infodocket.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
More Than 90 #Authors to Join the 25th Library of Congress National Book Festival newsroom.loc.gov/news/more-th... #books #libraries @librarycongress.bsky.social
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
This just in! Carla Hayden joins the Mellon Foundation to advise Mellon on “opportunities to support and advance libraries, archives, and other organizations in the public knowledge ecosystem.” Read more at the article below. www.wordsandmoney.com/carla-hayden...
wordsandmoney.com
Carla Hayden Join Mellon Foundation as Senior Fellow
Hayden will “pursue scholarship, writing, and research projects” while also advising Mellon on “opportunities to support and advance libraries, archives, and other organizations in the public knowledg...
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infoDOCKET @infodocket.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Ohio #Libraries Celebrate Veto of Budget Measure Censoring Materials (via @ohiocapitaljournal.com ) ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/07/01/o... #censorship #libraries
ohiocapitaljournal.com
Ohio libraries celebrate veto of budget measure censoring materials • Ohio Capital Journal
In a long list of rejections of provisions in the state operating budget, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine included the veto of a measure that would force public libraries to move materials deemed “inappropriate...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
This weekend, we officially launched at #ALAAC25. These are just a few snapshots of our fantastic weekend with old and new friends. Do you have a favorite moment from the weekend?
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Library Futures @libraryfutures.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Andrew Albanese from @wordsandmoney.bsky.social points out that every time you check out a book from the library, you're using a FEATURE of copyright. We say yes, a FEATURE, not a bug.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
After the firing of the Librarian of Congress and Registrar of Copyrights, what is the future of both institutions? And could this situation have been avoided if Congress and the publishing industry had not taken the action they did in 2017? www.wordsandmoney.com/after-trump-...
wordsandmoney.com
After Trump Firings, Who Will Lead the Library of Congress? The Copyright Office? It's Complicated
After the shock firings of Carla Hayden and Shira Perlmutter, the future of the Library of Congress and the Copyright Office remains in flux.
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infoDOCKET @infodocket.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Report: “In a Major Win for #Libraries, Federal Judge Orders #IMLS to Be Restored” www.infodocket.com/2025/05/13/r... @wordsandmoney.bsky.social
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Over the weekend, Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyright is ousted as well. Read more here and stay tuned to W&M for what all of this means for libraries, publishers, ideas and information. www.wordsandmoney.com/trump-abrupt...
wordsandmoney.com
Trump Abruptly Fires Top Copyright Officer
The move comes after the Copyright Office released the third and final part of a wide-ranging review critical of the tech industry's approach to AI, but the firing may have more to do with raw politic...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden’s dismissal called a “disgrace” by @hakeem-jeffries.bsky.social The firing was done without cause and seen as the next in the Trump administration’s MAGA playbook. Read more of the story here: www.wordsandmoney.com/trump-fires-...
wordsandmoney.com
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.”
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
THE QUEUE, May 2nd: The IMLS gets a stay of execution; Macmillan CEO John Yaged talks book bans; BISG hosted a strong annual conference program in New York; and author @bartography.bsky.social shares a no-nonsense op-ed against a Texas book banning bill. www.wordsandmoney.com/the-queue-li...
wordsandmoney.com
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending May 2, 2025
Among the week's headlines: The IMLS gets a stay of execution; Macmillan CEO John Yaged talks book bans; the Book Industry Study Group hosted a strong annual conference program in New York; and author...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
GOOD NEWS: It only took conservative Judge Richard Leon 24 hours after hearing oral arguments to issue a Temporary Restraining Order blocking the Trump administration from further dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Read the update here www.wordsandmoney.com/court-tempor...
wordsandmoney.com
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 Associ...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
THIS JUST IN: Judge orders a Temporary Restraining Order on the Trump Administration from further dismantling #IMLS. Read all about it here: www.wordsandmoney.com/court-tempor...
wordsandmoney.com
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 Associ...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
THE QUEUE: The Supreme Court hears a potential landmark case about books with LGBTQ+ themes; North Dakota governor vetoes the state's book banning bill; and two new library-related documentaries are set to debut. Read all this week’s library news here: www.wordsandmoney.com/the-queue-li...
wordsandmoney.com
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending April 25
Among the week's headlines: The Supreme Court hears a potential landmark case about books with LGBTQ+ themes; North Dakota governor vetoes the state's book banning bill; and two new library-related do...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
In a lengthy filing, DOJ claims this administration was NOT trying to shutter #IMLS with the March 14th Executive Order and punts to lower courts. Read more about this and see the full DOJ opposition brief here: www.wordsandmoney.com/trump-admini...
wordsandmoney.com
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 administrat...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
As we head into the weekend, catch up on all of this week's library news with "The Queue!" This week, we have @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social rallying library advocates, an update from this week's #IndieLibForum, and book banning news around the country. www.wordsandmoney.com/the-queue-li...
wordsandmoney.com
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending April 18
Among the week's headlines: while fighting in court to save IMLS, ALA is also rallying library advocates to push Congress for FY 2026 funding; a Michigan court rules against book bans; the library wor...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
The Trump administration fights back against the motion filed by 21 state attorneys around the shuttering of IMLS. We report on and share that response here: www.wordsandmoney.com/trump-admini...
wordsandmoney.com
Trump Administration Responds to IMLS Lawsuit
In a filing this week, Trump administration lawyers said a coalition of 21 states lacked standing to sue in federal court.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Check out our round-up of this week's library news, featuring updates on recent legal/political action around the country, a blog post by @archive.org, the election of Maria McCauley at @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social, library grants, popular comics, and more! www.wordsandmoney.com/the-queue-li...
wordsandmoney.com
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending April 11, 2025
Among the week's headlines: library advocates are rallying in Ohio; the Maine State Library lays off staff after its IMLS funds go MIA; Brewster Kahle weighs in on the threat facing libraries in the d...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
And in more legal news: @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social filed a motion for preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from destroying IMLS - they asked for a ruling by May 4th to avoid mass termination of IMLS staff. More on that here: www.wordsandmoney.com/citing-immin...
wordsandmoney.com
Citing Imminent ‘Mass Termination,’ ALA Asks Court to Rule on Motion to Save IMLS by May 4
"The services that IMLS’s staff provides and the grants it issues are the lifeblood of the American library system,” the ALA’s April 10 filing stresses.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
THIS JUST IN: Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. set Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m. ET to hear arguments on the lawsuit brought by 21 state attorneys to block this administration's shuttering of IMLS. For more on that, read this: www.wordsandmoney.com/hearing-set-...
wordsandmoney.com
Hearing Set in Lawsuit to Block Trump’s Destruction of IMLS
DOJ Lawyers will argue their case to shutter the IMLS before a judge that has already once blocked a sweeping attempt by the Trump administration to gut federal funding.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Another lawsuit over the March 14th executive order that looks to shutter IMLS, this time from @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social. What's notable about the ALA suit - it adds a First Amendment claim to the mix. Read more about that here: www.wordsandmoney.com/time-is-of-t...
wordsandmoney.com
‘Time is of the Essence’: ALA Sues Trump Administration to Save IMLS
The American Library Association on April 7 filed suit in federal court in Washington D.C. to block the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The suit, wh...
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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Today is National Library Workers Day—a day to celebrate the hardworking professionals who keep our libraries thriving. Library workers are facing tough times, and it’s more important than ever to show our support. Show some love to the library worker in your life today! ala-apa.org/nlwd/ #NLWD25
National Library Workers Day. Libraries Work Because We Do. 4.8.25, #NLWD25, ALA-APA
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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
NEW: ALA is going to court to stop the President’s attempts to illegally dismantle the Institute of Museum & Library Services. The President does not have the authority to destroy a federal agency. That's why we're taking action with our co-plaintiff @afscme.bsky.social. #ForOurLibraries (1/3)
We're suing Trump to save library funding. Show up for our libraries, American Library Association.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
And the Top 10 most challenged books for 2024 are.... (courtesy of @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social) #RighttoRead www.wordsandmoney.com/ala-releases...
wordsandmoney.com
ALA Releases Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024
George M. Johnson’s 'All Boys Aren’t Blue' and Maia Kobabe’s 'Gender Queer' took the top two spots on a list once again dominated by stories by and about LGBTQ+ persons and people of color.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Today, @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social published the 2025 State of America’s Libraries Report, Though # of banned books are down, they are still at record levels. Read more and see the report here: www.wordsandmoney.com/a-difficult-...
wordsandmoney.com
‘A Difficult Time for Libraries’: ALA’s 2025 State of America’s Libraries Report Details Ongoing Censorship Threat
Released annually, the ALA's State of America's Libraries Report documents the achievements of America’s libraries and library workers, and outlines the challenges they face.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Hey all, today is Right to Read Day! Tell us about your favorite book that has been banned/challenged - see full list at the link below! #RighttoReadDay www.ala.org/events/right...
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Right to Read Day
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
On Friday, 21 state attorneys filed an emergency action to block the Trump administration's bid to shutter IMLS. Read more about that and follow the ongoing story here: www.wordsandmoney.com/states-sue-t...
wordsandmoney.com
States Sue to Block Trump's Destruction of IMLS
The emergency action seeks to block the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle IMLS and several other agencies, and comes amid reports that the White House has fired members of the IMLS advisory ...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Today kicks off National Library Week! Here’s a reminder of why libraries are important.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Missed out on this week’s library news? Catch up with our recap: www.wordsandmoney.com/the-queue-li...
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The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending April 4, 2025
Among the week's headlines: National Library Week kicks off on April 6; State legislators propose massive cuts to Ohio libraries; and Arkansas moves a step closer to dissolving its state library.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
4 of the Big Five publishers and Sourcebooks signed a letter to US Congress w/deep concern over the 3/14 Executive Order. "Shuttering IMLS would be an act of monumental neglect, violating the very foundation of America and what it stands for as a country." www.wordsandmoney.com/four-of-the-...
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Four of the Big Five Publishers Sign Letter Urging Congress to Restore IMLS
Shuttering IMLS would be "an act of monumental neglect, violating the very foundation of America and what it stands for as a country," the publishers assert.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Today, IMLS’s advisory body said the lack of communication has created "an information vacuum in which speculation and uncertainty replace transparency and confidence." Read more here: www.wordsandmoney.com/letter-imls-...
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Letter: IMLS Advisory Board Was Not Consulted on Employee Leave, Wants Clarity
In an April 3 letter, the IMLS's advisory body said the lack of communication has created "an information vacuum in which speculation and uncertainty replace transparency and confidence."
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
First reported by @marisakabas.bsky.social a few hours ago (see below), Institute of Museum and Library Services employees have been put on administrative leave today. See more about what that means for libraries at our story below: www.wordsandmoney.com/trump-admini...
wordsandmoney.com
Trump Administration Puts IMLS Employees on Leave
Without staff to administer its programs, "it is likely that most grants will be terminated," noted library political action committee EveryLibrary, in a statement.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
In response to the 3/27 exec. order, Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian, wrote in a memo to staff, “We remain steadfast in our mission…We will continue to showcase world-class exhibits, collections, and objects, rooted in expertise and accuracy.” www.wordsandmoney.com/smithsonian-...
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Smithsonian Secretary Calmly Addresses Trump Effort to Remake the Institution
In a memo to staff, Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III said the Smithsonian will "remain committed to telling the multi-faceted stories of this country’s extraordinary heritage."
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
In case you missed the March 27th executive order, the first step has been made to make libraries and museums in the MAGA image, starting with the #Smithsonian. Read more here: www.wordsandmoney.com/in-new-execu...
wordsandmoney.com
In New Executive Order, Trump Seeks to Remake the Smithsonian in his MAGA Image
In a chilling order, the administration accuses past administrations of pushing "a distorted narrative driven by ideology" and seeks to bar "exhibits or programs" deemed "inconsistent with Federal law...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Missed some #librarynews this week? Don’t worry, our editor Andrew Albanese rounds up the top stories: www.wordsandmoney.com/the-queue-li...
wordsandmoney.com
The Queue: Library News for the Week Ending March 28
Among the week’s headlines: a bipartisan group of senators stands up for the IMLS; Iowa libraries look to get banned books back on the shelves after a major court victory; EveryLibrary helps a defunde...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
A coalition of library patrons in Greenville, SC, supported by @aclu.org, have filed suit against local officials from removing literature by and about LGBTQ people. Read more here: www.wordsandmoney.com/south-caroli...
wordsandmoney.com
South Carolina Library Patrons Sue Over LGBTQ Book Bans
The suit seeks to have the library's new collection policies declared unconstitutional.
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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
MORE: Senators Jack Reed, Lisa Murkowski, Kirsten Gillibrand, & Susan Collins all joined the letter to the interim director of IMLS. Library advocates are making their voices heard. Congress is listening. ALA applauds this bipartisan action. Read our full statement: www.ala.org/news/2025/03...
Bipartisan group of senators tells IMLS interim director to follow the law, continue funding and programs. #ForOurLibraries. ALA American Library Association. Show Up for Our Libraries.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
The @aclu.org and Education Minnesota are fighting #bookbans - their fight targets a new policy at the St. Francis Area School district requiring book selections align w/reviews hosted by a shuttered conservative book rating site - BookLooks. Read more here: www.wordsandmoney.com/two-lawsuits...
wordsandmoney.com
Two Lawsuits Challenge Book Bans in Minnesota School District
The suits accuse the St. Francis School Board of “abandoning its duty to oversee the education of young people in service of a partisan, political orthodoxy.”
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Major victory for #freedomtoread! A federal judge has once again temporarily blocked the book banning provisions of Iowa law SF 496. Read more about it here: www.wordsandmoney.com/court-blocks...
wordsandmoney.com
Court Blocks Iowa Book Banning Law—Again
In a major win for freedom to read advocates, a federal judge has once again temporarily blocked the book banning provisions of Iowa law SF 496.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
This morning, the Institute of Museum and Library Services Advisory Board sent a letter to newly sworn in Acting Director Keith Sonderling saying its core activities cannot be slashed by Executive Action- Read more (including the letter) here: www.wordsandmoney.com/in-letter-im...
wordsandmoney.com
In Letter, IMLS Advisory Board Says Its Core Activities Cannot be Slashed by Executive Action
In a letter to the agency's new acting director, the National Museum and Library Services board said it stands ready to help "support and strengthen" the agency's mission as mandated by law.
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Trump's March 14 Executive Order targets 7 more federal agencies for permanent closure, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Read more about that at the link below and sign a petition @everylibrary.bsky.social has created to fight against it. www.wordsandmoney.com/trump-execut...
wordsandmoney.com
Trump Executive Order Targets IMLS for Closure
In a March 14 Executive Order, President Donald Trump has targeted seven more federal agencies for permanent closure, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The order states that the...
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Words & Money @wordsandmoney.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Dear Librarians, Publishers, Writers, and Readers, we are pleased to share with you Words & Money. Our new media site focused on bringing libraries into the center of the publishing conversation. We hope you subscribe and enjoy! Read more about us here: www.wordsandmoney.com/coming-soon/
wordsandmoney.com
Publishers. Libraries. Readers. Writers.
Welcome to Words & Money, a new digital media venture from publishing industry veterans Andrew Richard Albanese and Erin L. Cox. Read about our plans, and subscribe here.
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