Library Workers in Crisis?! What Happens Next Will Shock You!

Libraries across the country are breathing a collective sigh of relief, but the fight is far from over. From coast to coast, these havens of knowledge have been facing unprecedented challenges, mainly from those aiming to restrict access to books and information. But here's the good news: libraries are fighting back, and they're winning some key battles.

Library Workers in Crisis?! What Happens Next Will...

A recent victory in Missouri saw a circuit court strike down a law that attempted to criminalize school employees for simply providing what some deemed "sexually explicit material" to students. Think about that for a second. Criminalizing librarians? While these types of laws haven't gained widespread traction *yet*, the very fact that they're being proposed is a worrying trend that needs to be watched carefully.

The good news is several states are taking proactive measures. As of August 2025, thirteen states have enacted anti-book ban legislation in various forms. Illinois seems to be leading the charge here, which as an Illinois resident, I'm happy to report. Word on the street is that Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania are expected to join them in 2026. For those wanting to dig deeper, Kelly Jensen has a comprehensive guide outlining the details of these bills and offering practical steps you can take to support their passage.

However, let's not get complacent. The censorship battle is a multi-front war. Organizations like Take Back the Classroom (TBtC), a parental-rights website, are gearing up to make their voices heard at upcoming school board meetings. Their core argument? Libraries are supposedly pushing inappropriate materials onto unsuspecting children. Jensen's work also delves into the origins and mission of TBtC, shedding light on their efforts to restrict access to library resources. Knowledge is power, and understanding their tactics is crucial to defending our libraries.

On a lighter note, but still important, for those of us who are always on the lookout for good reading material, especially tailored to our needs, I wanted to share a little tidbit I found. Katie, better known as @kt_librarylady on Twitter (she's a Circulation & Reference Manager in Illinois, just like me!), has authored a guide to reading while neurodivergent. She's got an MLIS from the University of Illinois, and when she's not busy with library duties, she’s apparently indulging her love for the spooky and terrifying, cheering on the Chicago Cubs, and adding to her impressive cardigan collection. Sounds like a librarian after my own heart!