In the News.

MI Right To Read, an initiative of the Michigan Library Association, will continue to speak up and out against the infringement of First Amendment rights and intellectual freedom.

Articles and stories from Michigan are published below. Some articles are behind paywalls that we have no control over access. If you see or hear a story in your local media, please share the link with us. If you are a reporter, we are also available to do interviews and provide statewide perspective. Please contact us for more information.

  • April 19, 2024

    Manistee News Advocate
    Catholic priest resigns from Michigan church following protests over his criticism of a gay author

  • March 6, 2024

    MLive - Melissa Frick
    8 challenged books will stay in Northview Public School libraries, school board rules

  • February 19, 2024

    CBS News - Amyre Makupson
    Michigan mom writes children's books celebrating differences

  • February 8, 2024

    Huffington Post - Samuel Sims
    Meet The Superhero Librarians Fighting For Their Queer Communities

  • January 25, 2024

    MLive - Jordyn Hermani
    As Michigan eyes school librarian standard updates, some want the focus to be on porn

  • December 22, 2023

    MLive - Melissa Frick
    West Michigan school district decides to keep 8 books on library shelves after review

  • December 11, 2023

    ABC57 - Camille Sarabia
    Brandywine Community School Board votes on $5,000 We Need Diverse Books grant

  • November 15, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Amber Battishill
    Opinion | Let parents choose what library books their own child reads

  • November 9, 2023

    Michigan Radio - George Weykamp
    Voters approve funding for Ottawa County library previously defunded over LGBTQ books

  • November 8, 2023

    MLive - Michael Kransz
    Twice-defunded West Michigan library will stay open thanks to voters

  • November 7, 2023

    ABC13 - Joshua Alburtus
    Millage vote to fund Jamestown Township's Patmos Library approved

  • November 7, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    West Michigan library defunded over LGBTQ books wins tax support on 3rd try

  • November 2, 2023

    Huron Daily Tribune - Shawn Robinson
    Caro Area District Library receives Intellectual Freedom Award

  • October 30, 2023

    WMUK - Michael Symonds
    Southwest Michigan book battle leaves school community divided

  • October 25, 2023

    WOODTV - John Hogan
    Group loses bid to ban ‘pornographic’ books from Rockford Schools

  • October 25, 2023

    MLive - Melissa Frick
    Judge dismisses lawsuit against Michigan school district over ‘explicit’ books in library

  • October 18, 2023

    WITL - Jonathan Ruppel
    Banned! 16 Books Not on the Shelves in Michigan Schools Banned!

  • October 15, 2023

    Traverse City Record Eagle - Jeff Wescott
    Opinion: Who gets to decide what we can and cannot read?

  • October 12, 2023

    LGBTQ Nation - Greg Owen
    Book banning fever breaks in town torn apart by conservative Christians’ opposition to LGBTQ+ books

  • October 10, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    After LGBTQ library fight, a Michigan town tries something new: compromise

  • October 9, 2023

    Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle - Mary Beth Almond
    League of Women Voters invites residents to book ban discussion

  • October 9, 2023

    Oakland Press - Anne Runkle
    Library to host event to draw attention to censorship

  • October 6, 2023

    Lansing City Pulse - Kenzie Terpstra
    Library supports ask public to push back at censorship

  • October 6, 2023

    WILX - Taylor Gattoni
    Mid-Michigan Matters: Libraries promote banned books during Banned Book Week

  • October 6, 2023

    CBS Detroit - Sara Powers
    Annual Banned Books Week comes as schools, libraries face rising censorship challenges

  • October 4, 2023

    Michigan Education Association - Debbie Carew
    Despite book bans and smear campaigns, I count my blessings

  • October 4, 2023

    The Michigan Daily - Maleny Crespo
    Giving banned books a platform: UMich Banned Books Giveaway

  • October 3, 2023

    Midland Daily News - Isabelle Pasciolla
    Grace A. Dow Memorial Library participates in Freedom to Read Week campaign

  • October 3, 2023

    The Gander - Karel Vega
    Banned Books Week: 3 Frequently Asked Questions About Book Bans, Answered

  • October 3, 2023

    The Detroit News - Juliane Morian
    Morian: Protecting the right to read in Michigan’s public libraries

  • October 2, 2023

    Detroit Metro Times - Layla McMurtrie
    For Banned Books Week, Michigan advocates take a stand against censorship

  • September 29, 2023

    One Detroit
    Michigan’s Book Ban Battle: Navigating the Controversy of Literary Censorship in Metro Detroit

  • September 28, 2023

    The University Record - Jessica Jenks
    U-M Library offering free copies of banned books Oct. 3-5

  • September 26, 2023

    MLive - Maddy Warren
    Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosting diversity in reading celebration at Flint library

  • September 26, 2023

    MLive - Melissa Frick
    Possible book ban draws mixed reactions from Northview parents, community members

  • September 25, 2023

    WSBT - Sean English
    Brandywine looks to next chapter of controversial book battle

  • September 21, 2023

    WZZM - Steven Bohner
    Northview Public Schools shares plan for reviewing request to remove 8 books from schools

  • September 20, 2023

    We Need Diverse Books - Caroline Richmond
    Letter to Brandywine Community Schools from WNDB and over 75 Authors Call Upon the Release of 193 Titles Being Investigated by their School Board

  • September 20, 2023

    WZZM - Jeremiah Brown
    ’Everyone has the right to read those books’ | Experts weigh in as Northview Schools review books that may be banned

  • September 19, 2023

    WZZM
    Northview Public Schools to consider removing 8 books from schools

  • September 16, 2023

    WSJM
    Brandywine school leaders studying book donations

  • September 13, 2023

    Huron Daily Tribune - Shawn Robinson
    Caro Library won't relocate select books from children's section

  • September 13, 2023

    WSBT
    Investigation considered after books donated to Brandywine school

  • September 12, 2023

    Huron Daily Tribune - Shawn Robinson
    Caro residents speak up in library meeting about views on ‘inappropriate books’

  • September 12, 2023

    The Ezra Klein Show
    America’s Top Librarian on the Rise of Book Bans

  • September 12, 2023

    Leader Publications - Debra Haight
    Book discussions continue at Brandywine school board meeting

  • September 11, 2023

    Michigan Advance - Jon King
    Meet the parents who say their rights are ignored by the ‘parental rights’ movement

  • August 31, 2023

    WHIO - Kirstin Garriss
    Librarians facing more staffing challenges, threats and even violence amid book bans

  • August 21, 2023

    WBST - Sean English
    Brandywine book ban discussion continues ahead of school starting

  • August 17, 2023

    Left of Lansing
    Episode 50: Mi Right To Read w/ Debbie Mikula of Michigan Libraries Association

  • August 11, 2023

    MLive - Jordyn Hermani
    Is LGBTQ book banning discriminatory? Michigan civil rights panel asking again

  • August 9, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    A compromise offers hope for Michigan library defunded over LGBTQ books

  • August 8, 2023

    MLive - Michael Kransz
    Defunded over book controversy, West Michigan library will try third time for millage

  • August 7, 2023

    Grand Valley Lanthorn - Mallory Burt
    Illinois book ban law opens conversation for Michigan legislation

  • August 6, 2023

    Macomb Daily - Gina Joseph
    Librarians urge public to fight book bans

  • August 6, 2023

    Oakland Press - Gina Joseph
    Michigan Library Association’s new campaign encourages residents to fight book bans

  • August 4, 2023

    CBS Detroit - Elle Meyers
    Michigan Library Association launches campaign against book bans

  • August 3, 2023

    WKAR - Michelle Jokisch Polo
    Michigan librarians launch campaign to combat book bans, censorship

  • August 2, 2023

    WTOL - Joshua Alburtus
    Michigan Library Association starts new campaign to fight book bans

  • August 2, 2023

    WZZM - Joshua Alburtus
    Michigan Library Association starts new campaign to fight book bans

  • August 2, 2023

    Michigan Radio - Sarah Cwiek
    MI Library Association launches campaign to counter book bans

  • August 2, 2023

    MLive - Jordyn Hermani
    Michigan libraries launch citizen initiative to fight book bans

  • August 1, 2023

    MI Right to Read Campaign Launch
    New campaign urges Michiganders to protect their right to read and oppose book banning efforts

  • August 1, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Michigan libraries recruiting citizen army to aid book ban wars

  • July 20, 2023

    Unite Against Book Bans - Chris Finan
    Some Good News For A Change

  • July 12, 2023

    Midland Daily News - Olivia Fellows
    Evart librarians talk 100 years of change, book bans and more

  • July 10, 2023

    Huron Daily Tribune - Shawn Robinson
    Friends of Caro Library raise funds for board members facing recall

  • July 7, 2023

    WVPE - Marek Mazurek
    Debate over book restrictions continue at Brandywine schools as new conservative board members make presence felt

  • July 3, 2023

    Daily Beast - Anthony Swofford
    Culture Warriors Banned My Memoir About Being a Young Marine

  • July 3, 2023

    MLive - Melissa Frick
    ACLU argues West Michigan school district censored LGBTQ books

  • July 3, 2023

    Eagle Herald
    Poll: Most Michiganders are opposed to book banning

  • June 26, 2023

    Macomb Daily - Jameson Cook
    Campaign to ban books in Chippewa Valley continues

  • June 25, 2023

    Leader Publications - Debra Haight
    Book restriction discussions continue at Brandywine

  • June 24, 2023

    Big Rapids News - Shawn Robinson
    July library board meeting moved to a new location

  • June 23, 2023

    WSBT - Asher Bookspan
    Community concerned with Friday night meeting of Brandywine Schools explicit book review committee

  • June 23, 2023

    Fox Detroit - Amber Ainsworth
    Ferndale Library replenishes LGBTQ+ books after 'Hide the Pride' campaign targets collection

  • June 23, 2023

    Mike & Jon Podcast - Leah Craig
    Cromaine Library Board discusses material selection process and policy

  • June 22, 2023

    Detroit News - Len Niehoff
    Niehoff: Book bans are about equality, not just free speech

  • June 21, 2023

    Oakland Press - Mike McConnell
    Ferndale library staff grateful for support in wake of anti-LGBTQ stunt

  • June 17, 2023

    WZZM - Riley Mack
    Lowell teacher honors friend who faces brunt of book banning debate: ‘Really touched’

  • June 14, 2023

    Chalkbeat - Hannah Dellinger
    Michigan board of education votes to push back against book bans

  • June 14, 2023

    The Michigan Daily - Nick Rubeck
    We can’t afford to lose libraries

  • June 13, 2023

    Huron Tribune - Shawn Robinson
    Library board meeting canceled due to being over capacity

  • June 13, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Jonathan Oosting
    Michigan civil rights panel asks: Are LGBTQ library book bans discriminatory?

  • June 13, 2023

    Holland Sentinel - Douglas Brouwer
    Douglas Brouwer: Book banning and religious extremism

  • June 12, 2023

    Detroit News - Craig Mauger
    Michigan commission asks attorney general if book bans violate civil rights law

  • June 10, 2023

    PBS Media Matters
    Battling Book Bans–An Update

  • June 9, 2023

    ABC12 News - Kent Davis
    Debate heats up over sex ed books in Caro's library

  • June 8, 2023

    Michigan Radio - Ronia Cabansag & Cate Weiser
    Stateside Podcast: Libraries weigh book ban demands

  • June 7, 2023

    Oakland County Times
    Ferndale Library Seeking Book Donations After Hide the Pride Effort Targets LGBTQ+ Book Displays

  • June 6, 2023

    MEA - Brenda Ortega
    Lowell art teacher’s paintings honor school librarian’s courage

  • June 6, 2023

    Detroit Free Press - Greta VanZetten
    Opinion: I’m a Michigan-born LGBTQ teen living in NYC. I don’t want to come back

  • June 6, 2023

    Huron Daily Tribune - Shawn Robinson
    Recall petition again filed against library board members regarding 'explicit' books

  • June 5, 2023

    White Lake Beacon - Andy Roberts
    Whitehall parents express concern about availability of mature books in library

  • June 3, 2023

    The Alpena News - John Laycock
    Book bans are anti-American, anti-democratic

  • June 3, 2023

    The Mining Journal - Randy Crouch
    PWPL director looks to future following book controversy

  • May 24, 2023

    The Mining Journal - Randy Crouch
    Book removal request denied by PWPL board

  • May 25, 2023

    City Pulse - Bill Castanier
    What do Michigan residents really think of book banning?

  • May 23, 2023

    WNEM5 - La'Nita Brooks and Hannah Mose
    Sexually explicit books spark controversy at Caro library

  • May 23, 2023

    Upper Michigan’s Source - Caden Meines
    Marquette’s Peter White Public Library votes to keep LGBTQ+ book

  • May 23, 2023

    WSJM - Ryan Yuenger
    Brandywine school board shows ‘Porn Pandemic’ film, debates banning books

  • May 22, 2023

    WZZM13
    Bestselling military memoir banned from Hudsonville Public Schools

  • May 19, 2023

    ACLU Michigan
    ACLU sends clear message to Lapeer County prosecutor: don’t threaten librarian for supporting LGBTQ+ book

  • May 19, 2023

    The Holland Sentinel - Sarah Leach
    'Compelled by force': County leader signals disdain for marginalized community programs

  • May 19, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Lapeer library keeps LGBTQ-themed books, but more battles loom

  • May 18, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Isabel Lohman
    Book bans move from sex to war, as west Michigan school removes ‘Jarhead’

  • May 18, 2023

    MLive - Jordyn Hermani
    ‘Outright war’: ‘Gender Queer’ and the attack on Michigan libraries

  • May 17, 2023

    The Holland Sentinel - Mitchell Boatman
    'All books are worth reading': Ottawa County continues to grapple with banned books

  • May 15, 2023

    MLive - Audra Gamble
    Zeeland parents sound off on school library books some deem explicit

  • May 13, 2023

    Alpena News - Justin A. Hinkley
    Library divide not as wide as you think

  • May 12, 2023

    Hour Detroit - Arianna Heyman
    Michigan High School Students Win Prizes in C-SPAN Documentary Competition

  • May 5, 2023

    Publisher’s Weekly - Andrew Albanese
    The Week in Libraries: May 5, 2023

  • May 4, 2023

    WWMT - Courtney Bennett
    POLL: Majority of Michigan voters surveyed do not support banning books

  • May 4, 2023

    Michigan Advance - Jon King
    Poll finds majority of voters oppose efforts to ban books and attack libraries

  • May 2, 2023

    Port Huron Times Herald - McKenna Golat
    Deckerville Library blocks attempted book ban

  • May 2, 2023

    WLNS - Tim Skubick
    POLL: Michiganders overwhelmingly oppose book bans

  • May 2, 2023

    WSJM
    Poll: Most Michiganders oppose book bans

  • May 2, 2023

    CBS Detroit
    Book bans: What do Michigan residents really think?

  • May 2, 2023

    Detroit Free Press
    Poll shows Michigan voters' strong stance on book bans

  • April 29, 2023

    Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Karly Graham
    Cheboygan school board approves curriculum options, mapping

  • April 21, 2023

    WSJM
    Proposal to arrest librarians who distribute ‘explicit’ books causes backlash in Cass Co.

  • April 19, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Michigan county eyed criminal ordinance for books. Librarians fought back

  • April 19, 2023

    The Daily News - Cory Smith
    Belding School Board ‘flags’ book in high school library

  • April 18, 2023

    MLive - Ryan Boldrey
    ‘Gender Queer’ graphic novel may be removed from Southwest Michigan school library

  • April 11, 2023

    Michigan Chronicle - Andrea Plaid
    Local Librarian Gives Her Views on ‘CRT’ and Other Controversies

  • April 4, 2023

    The Daily News - Cory Smith
    Parents voice concerns, but no books are being banned at Belding Area Schools

  • March 30, 2023

    Fox 17 - Karie Herringa
    Amid book controversy, Forest Hills superintendent announces plan to retire

  • March 29, 2023

    The Holland Sentinel - Mitchell Boatman
    OI-Backed Allendale School Board Members Concerned About Library Link on District Website

  • March 28, 2023

    Petoskey News-Review - Linda Adams
    Library Lines: The purpose of your local library

  • March 27, 2023

    WMUK - Leona Larson
    A West Michigan school librarian says the district pulled a book against its own rules

  • March 24, 2023

    Michigan Advance - Jon King
    Lapeer District Library Latest Target for Campaign Against LGBTQ+ Book

  • March 22, 2023

    Copper Beacon - Jennifer Donovan
    Librarians Protect Our Right to Choose What We Read

  • March 22, 2023

    ABC 57 - Tiffany Salameh
    ”The Battle Over Books:” Nationwide trend of book censorship reaches Michiana

  • March 20, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Janelle D. James
    The fate of ‘Gender Queer’ now in the hands of Lapeer librarian

  • March 20, 2023

    Len Niehoff
    Banning Books and Ideas: An Old Problem Brings Fresh Evils

  • March 17, 2023

    Click on Detroit - Jacqueline Francis
    ‘Gender Queer’ Book Concerns Discussed at Lapeer County Public Library Board Meeting

  • March 17, 2023

    FOX66 - Courtney Bennett
    Community Divided on Book in the Lapeer District Library

  • March 16, 2023

    WOODTV - Susan Samples
    ‘I Am Sorry’: Superintendent Admits to Pulling Some LGBTQ Books

  • March 16, 2023

    Yahoo News - Christopher Wiggins
    Prosecutor to Librarian: Get Rid of LGBTQ+ Book or Face Felony Charges

  • March 16, 2023

    The New Republic - Melissa Gira Grant
    Conservatives Are Trying to Ban Books in Your Town. Librarians Are Fighting Back.

  • March 16, 2023

    Detroit Free Press - Neal Rubin
    Lapeer Librarian Amy Churchill Faces Possible Felony Charges from Prosecutor Over Gender Queer Book

  • March 15, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Experts Cast Doubt That Lapeer Librarian Can Be Charged Over LGBTQ Book

  • March 14, 2023

    CBS Detroit - Raymond Strickland
    Lapeer County Public Library Receives Criticism Over “Inappropriate” Book

  • March 13, 2023

    WOODTV - Susan Samples
    School district’s quiet removal of controversial books reversed

  • March 13, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Michigan Prosecutor Mulls Charging Lapeer Library Over LGBTQ Book

  • March 11, 2023

    Hillsdale Daily News - Corey Murray
    Petition circulates calling for the removal of councilman from library board

  • March 9, 2023

    Livingston Daily - Patricia Alvord
    Fowlerville looks to Dearborn for guidance over controversial library books

  • March 9, 2023

    Petoskey News-Review - Annie Doyle
    Bill would place certain books in restricted areas

  • March 7, 2023

    MLive - Jordyn Hermani
    Michigan libraries don’t stock ‘obscene’ books GOP rep’s bill would age-restrict, group says

  • March 6, 2023

    MLive - Michael Kransz
    Defunded over book controversy, West Michigan library eyes changing how it selects new titles

  • March 1, 2023

    Macomb Daily - Mitch Hotts
    Parent brings debate over school library materials to Clinton Twp. board

  • February 26, 2023

    Crain’s Gand Rapids Business - Andy Balaskovitz
    GRCC librarian takes on statewide role with mission to ‘stand firm’ against book banning

  • February 24, 2023

    MLive - Dylan Goetz
    Lapeer District Library reschedules overflowed board meeting

  • February 24, 2023

    WMKT
    Neil Friske on His Library Bill: HB 4136

  • February 23, 2023

    WCMU - Ben Jodway
    Lansing bill would close a library indefinitely for offering explicit books

  • February 17, 2023

    National Coalition Against Censorship
    NCAC Identifies Books Secretly Banned by Michigan School District

  • February 16, 2023

    Macomb Daily - Mitch Hotts
    Group of Chippewa Valley Schools parents call for banning certain books

  • February 16, 2023

    MLive - Michael Kransz
    Defunded over book controversy, West Michigan library may try third time for millage

  • February 14, 2023

    WSBT
    Brandywine School Board votes to halt new inventory of books

  • February 14, 2023

    MLive - Marie Weidmayer
    After book banned, Portage school librarians discuss selection process

  • February 13, 2023

    Pride Source - Ellen Shanna Knoppow
    Michigan’s Queer Librarians Speak Out on Book Bans, the Catholic-Led ‘Hide the Pride’ Campaign and Providing Comfort to LGBTQ+ Youth

  • February 8, 2023

    National Coalition Against Censorship
    NCAC Demands Investigation of Secret Order to Ban Books

  • February 7, 2023

    MLive - Jordyn Hermani
    A Michigan school group’s push to label LGBTQ discussion as ‘rogue sex-ed’

  • January 31, 2023

    The Nation - Katrina vanden Heuvel
    Bullying Librarians Is for Know-Nothings

  • January 24, 2023

    WSJM - Ryan Yuenger
    ’Heartsick’: Teachers, alumni speak out against We The Parents led school board – with videos

  • January 23, 2023

    Bridge Michigan - Becky Olson
    Michigan school culture warriors lost, but they remain a threat

  • January 20, 2023

    MLive - Martin Slagter
    Parents claim sexually explicit books in Milan school library are no better than Penthouse

  • January 19, 2023

    Michigan Advance - Jon King
    Violent threats directed at Milan school board, right-wing activist reads porn during meeting

  • January 18, 2023

    MLive - Aya Miller
    Book removed from Portage Public Schools after citizen complaint

  • January 17, 2023

    Vice - Claire Woodcock
    Michigan is Banning Inmates From Reading Totally Normal Books

  • January 13, 2023

    Huffington Post - Nathalie Baptiste
    Outrage Over A Single Book Is Shutting Down This Town’s Library

  • January 12, 2023

    ABC57 - Annie Kate
    Parents call young adult novel gifted to students ‘pornographic’

  • January 4, 2023

    The Daily Beast - Jonathan Friedman
    Here Are 5 Book Ban Trends to Watch in 2023

  • January 3, 2023

    American Libraries - Lara Ewen
    Under Pressure: Why three library directors resigned following community challenges

  • December 23, 2022

    Insider - Jake Epstein
    A fed-up Michigan librarian called out conservatives who have ‘threatened’ and ‘cursed’ her over LGBTQ books: ‘How dare you people?’

  • December 21, 2022

    Michigan Advance - Clay Wirestone
    Libraries serve communities, not aggrieved parents

  • December 21, 2022

    Michigan Radio - Susan Kuklin
    Author Susan Kuklin: These teens wanted to let other kids know ‘they are not alone’

  • December 19, 2022

    FOX17 - Marisa Oberle
    Residents discuss concerns after early closure at Patmos Library

  • December 16, 2022

    Publishers Weekly - Andrew Richard Albanese
    PW’s 2022 People of the Year: The Defenders

  • December 14, 2022

    Michigan Radio - Pilar Galvan, Reena Advani, Rob Schmitz
    Banned Books: Author Ashley Hope Pérez on finding humanity in the ‘darkness’

  • December 13, 2022

    MLive - Michael Kransz
    ‘Staff safety concerns’ force embattled West Michigan library to close early

  • December 9, 2022

    Detroit Metro Times - Steve Neavling
    Workers move to unionize at Ferndale Area District Library as censorship grows nationwide

  • December 8, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Michigan GOP official: Shut down ‘by force’ public library with LGBTQ books

  • December 1, 2022

    MLive - Michael Kransz
    $100K donation to West Michigan library beset by book challenges pushes back tentative closing date

  • December 1, 2022

    Hometown Life - Susan Bromley
    No book bans here. Salem-South Lyon Library Board votes to keep 16 challenged books.

  • November 30, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    After LGBT book spat, Michigan family gives $100K to library they haven’t seen

  • November 30, 2022

    MIX 95.7 - Lisha B
    This West Michigan Businessman Made a $100,000 Donation to the Jamestown Library

  • November 27, 2022

    Traverse City Record-Eagle - Grace George
    When Bans are Sought: What rules do local schools apply when books are challenged

  • November 27, 2022

    Traverse City Record-Eagle - Michigan Library Association
    Opinion: We are Michigan librarians and we'll stand up against book bans

  • November 23, 2022

    WDET - John Filbrandt
    MichMash: Dearborn school board bans two books

  • November 22, 2022

    Newsy - Meg Hilling
    Michigan Town's Only Library May Close After Battle Over LGBTQ+ Books

  • November 15, 2022

    Publishers Weekly - Andrew Albanese
    Michigan Library Association Defends Library Defunded Over LGBTQ Books

  • November 15, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Isabel Lohman
    Dearborn Removes Two Books From School Library After Parent Pressure

  • November 14, 2022

    Detroit Free Press - Niraj Warikoo
    Hamtramck schools to create new review process after complaints about LGBTQ books

  • November 11, 2022

    The Hill - Brooke Migdon
    Michigan Residents Vote to Defund Public Library Again Over LGBTQ Books

  • Exterior signage at Patmos Library on stone base with green grass and brown sidewalk

    November 9, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Michigan Town Library Defunded Over LGBTQ Books Loses Vote Again, May Close

  • November 9, 2022

    Holland Sentinel - Cassandra Lybrink
    Patmos Library Millage Fails Again in Jamestown Township

  • November 9, 2022

    MLive - Michael Kransz
    Patmos Library Millage Fails Again Following Controversy Over LGBTQ Books

  • November 9, 2022

    Detroit Free Press - Emma Stein
    Millage Fails for Michigan Library Defunded Over LGBTQ Books

  • November 4, 2022

    WOODTV - Meghan Bunchman
    Jamestown Library Millage, Board Seats Up For a Vote Tuesday

  • November 4, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Why LGBTQ Books May Imperil West Michigan Library: ‘This Isn’t New York’

  • November 2, 2022

    Detroit Free Press - Emma Stein
    'It Must Be Stopped': ACLU Issues Warning on Book Bans in Michigan Schools

  • November 1, 2022

    ACLU of Michigan - Loren Khogali
    ACLU Letter to Michigan’s Public School Districts: Support LGBTQ+ Students and the First Amendment, Not Censorship and Book-Banning

  • Photo by Bridge Michigan

    October 26, 2022

    Idaho Mountain News - Editorial
    Freedom of Thought is on the November Ballot

  • October 26, 2022

    Hometown Life - Susan Bromley
    Parents Seek Removal of 'Sexually Explicit' Books at Salem-South Lyon District Library

  • October 19, 2022

    The New Republic - David Masciotra
    The Growing Religious Alliance to Ban LGBTQ Books

  • October 18, 2022

    Daily Beast - Booke Leigh Howard
    Book Ban Vote Unleashes Mayhem at Spring Lake Michigan School Board Meeting

  • October 18, 2022

    MLIVE - Melissa Frick
    ‘Gender Queer’ – The Most Banned Book in America – Removed from Library by West Michigan School Board

  • October 14, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Scott Duimstra, Dillon Geshel and Deborah E. Mikula
    Book Bans are Hurting Michigan and Must be Stopped (Opinion)

  • October 13, 2022

    Detroit News - Mark Hicks
    Dearborn Board Returns to Book Policy After Meeting Halted Monday

  • October 12, 2022

    WZZM13 - Veronica Ortega
    'Standing Up Against Censorship': West Michigan Libraries Push Back Against Book Bans

  • October 12, 2022

    WZZM - Veronica Ortega
    'Standing Up Against Censorship': West Michigan Libraries Push Back Against Book Bans

  • October 12, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Tracie Mauriello & Kobie Levin
    As Mask Battles Fade, Michigan School Boards Face New Culture War Debates

  • October 11, 2022

    Detroit Free Press - Emma Stein
    Book Bans Spreading Across Michigan: What's Driving Them

  • October 11, 2022

    Michigan Radio - Tracy Samilton
    Angry Crowd Derails Dearborn Public Schools Board Meeting Over Book Policy

  • Howell Carnegie District Library exterior photo.  Brown brick building with steps up to the front double glass doors, blue sky above, green grass at bottom.

    October 11, 2022

    Livingston Post - Maria Stuart
    School Board Candidate, Local Repubilcans Take Aim at Howell Library (Opinion)

  • October 11, 2022

    Detroit Free Press - Narij Warikoo
    Protesters Shut Down Dearborn School Board Meeting Over LGBTQ Books

  • October 10, 2022

    Press & Guide - Dave Herndon
    Group of Residents to Speak on Behalf of ‘Vulnerable Students,’ Against Banning Books at School Board Meeting

  • October 8, 2022

    Los Angeles Blade - James Finn
    My Michigan Neighbors Call ‘Heartstopper’ Porn, Demand Ban (Commentary)

  • October 5, 2022

    Arab American News - Hassan Abbas
    Dearborn School District Releases Guidelines on how it Selects Books, Evaluates Challenges

  • October 4, 2022

    MLive - Michael Kransz
    Book Challenges Surge as Public Libraries Become Latest Political Battleground

  • Photo by Washington Post Joshua Lott

    September 30, 2022

    Washington Post - Deborah E. Mikula and Loren Khogali
    Have We Forgotten What a Public Library is For? (Opinion)

  • September 30, 2022

    Michigan Advance - Jon King
    Dearborn Mayor: Rally Opposing Library Books was an Effort by ‘Bad-Faith Actors’

  • September 28, 2022

    NPR’s 1A - Host: Jenn White
    The Strain of Censorship on Public Libraries

  • September 27, 2022

    The Michigan Daily - Chen Lyu
    UMich Faculty and Students Talk Banned Books

  • September 25, 2022

    Detroit News - Myesha Johnson and Hannah Mackay
    Dearborn Book Bans Draw Supporters and Foes

  • September 24, 2022

    Arab American News - News Staff
    Dearborn Public Schools Temporarily Restricts Access to Seven Books and Sets up a Book Review Committee

  • September 24, 2022

    The Daily News - Nicole Lintemuth
    No Harm Ever Came from Reading a Book (Opinion)

  • Two women at an outdoor protest with a white sign that reads Protect Kids Not Peds!

    September 23, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Isabel Lohman
    Parental Rights Loom Large in Michigan Election, From Governor Race to Schools

  • September 22, 2022

    Metro Weekly - John Riley
    Mother Files Police Report Over “Gay” Book in High School Library

  • September 21, 2022

    Click on Detroit - Mara MacDonald
    Royal Oak Library Fights Back Against Calls for Banning Books with Riff on Rock and Roll Concert Shirt

  • September 21, 2022

    WXYZ Detroit - Max White
    Michigan Among Top States in the U.S. with Most Book Bans in Schools, Report Finds

  • Tudor Dixon photo

    September 21, 2022

    Michigan Advance - Allison R. Donohue
    During Banned Books Week, Dixon Supports a Ban on ‘Pornographic’ Books in Schools

  • September 17, 2022

    Petoskey News-Review - Karly Graham
    Annual Banned Books Week Draws Attention to Censorship, Book Challenges

  • September 16, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Tracie Mauriello
    Prayer and Readings on Oral Sex: Welcome to Michigan Ed Board Meetings

  • September 15, 2022

    Michigan Radio - Briana Rice
    Dearborn Public Schools Creating Committee to Review Library Books That Get Complaints

  • September 15, 2022

    CapCon - James David Dickson
    Dearborn Schools Show How to Handle a Library Controversy

  • September 13, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Yue Stella Yu
    Michigan Republicans Escalate LGBTQ Attacks. Will Voters Embrace Them?

  • Dearborn School logo

    September 12, 2022

    WXYZ - Alex Bozarjian and David Kalman
    7 Books Pulled from Dearborn Public Schools After Parents Express Concerns

  • Photo of Larry Walton, blue shirt, grey hair and black glasses on a white man, green bush in background

    September 11, 2022

    Newsweek - Larry Walton (opinion)
    Conservatives Want to Close Our Library, It’s Dividing Our Community

  • September 9, 2022

    CADLCast - Trent Smiley
    Patmos Library Board President Discusses Challenges Over LGBTQ Titles

  • September 9, 2022

    Detroit Free Press - Emma Stein
    Michigan Library, Defunded Over LGBTQ Books, Gets $50K Donation From Author Nora Roberts

  • Exterior of Patmos Library in Jamestown, Michigan

    September 8, 2022

    City Pulse - Bill Castanier
    Librarians Fight Censorship as Attacks Grow Around State

  • Young girl with white sweatshirt kneeling at a book shelf looking for a book

    September 6, 2022

    Time - Madeleine Carlisle
    Public Libraries Face Threats to Funding and Collections as Book Bans Surge

  • August 31, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Isabel Lohman
    Critical Race Theory Flap Makes Teachers Tiptoe on Slavery, Racism Topics

  • August 30, 2022

    WOODTV - Whitney Burney
    Controversy Inspires Banned Books Challenge at Grand Haven Library

  • Nora Roberts photo - woman with short red hair, white blouse sitting outside in front of white flowers

    August 29, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Romance Author Nora Roberts Helps Save MI Library Defunded Over LGBTQ Books

  • 18 Book Covers from Nora Roberts Books

    August 29, 2022

    WOOD TV - Rachel Van Gilder
    Nora Roberts Donates $50K to Embattled Jamestown Township Library

  • Parents and other community members gathering for the Aug. 22 meeting. Photo by Juxta Sprague

    August 26, 2022

    Copper Beacon - Juxta Sprague
    Millages, Critical Thinking, and Rainbow Flags

  • Wooden brown table in foreground with books on sea life on display.

    August 24, 2022

    Washington Post - Danielle Paquette
    A Mich. Library Refused to Remove an LGBTQ Book. The Town Defunded it

  • Group of people sitting in chairs at the Hancock Board Meeting

    August 22, 2022

    TV6, WLUC - Colin Jackson
    Hancock Public Schools Discusses Removal of Pride Month Book Display, Other Topics at Meeting

  • Grey concrete sign "Cromaine Library AD 1980" on a brick wall with a green plant below

    August 19, 2022

    Mike & Jon Got it Going On - Leah Craig
    Hartland Community Shows Support for Local Library, Literacy, and Inclusion

  • Image of the front entry to the Petoskey Library by Jillian Fellows

    August 19, 2022

    Petoskey News-Review - Tess Ware
    Bear Creek Residents Voice Concerns Over LGBTQ+ Content in Petoskey Library

  • Interior of the children's area of the Patmos Library

    August 19, 2022

    CapCon - James David Dickson (opinion)
    The Public will be Heard: A Lesson from Patmos Library

  • August 16, 2022

    Library Journal - Lisa Peet
    Millage Defeat by Conservative Group Campaign Could Defund Patmos Library; Will Return to Voters in November

  • Plymouth District Library exterior - steps leading up to a round entry with white pillars

    August 16, 2022

    Plymouth Voice - Ron Picard (Editorial)
    Should we Protect our Children from our Local Libraries?

  • wood bookshelves with colorful books with center aisle

    August 12, 2022

    Advocate - Christopher Wiggins
    LGBTQ+ Books at the Center of Library Controversies in Michigan & Iowa

  • Davison Community Schools sign with a large black D with a Cardinal image in the center

    August 11, 2022

    Davison Index - Gary Gould
    Board Votes to Remove Books From Media Centers

  • Empty wooden book shelves

    August 9, 2022

    Americans United - Kristin Tolentino
    Less Than 1% Of The Books in a Mich. Town’s Library Deal With LGBTQ Themes. Religious Conservatives Have Voted to Close it

  • August 9, 2022

    13 On Your Side - Nate Belt
    Millage Vote for Ottawa County Library to Return Amid Debate About LGBTQ+ Books

  • August 9, 2022

    MLive - Bradley Massman
    Book Banning or Protecting Children? LGBTQ Books at West Michigan Library Draw Differing Views

  • August 8, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Defunded Over LGBTQ Books, Michigan Library Will Try Tax Again in November

  • August 8, 2022

    Holland Sentinel -Audra Gamble
    After Uproar Over LGBTQ Books, Jamestown Twp. Library Board to Try Millage Again in November

  • Blurred image of a library book shelf

    August 6, 2022

    Michigan Advance - Jon King
    A West Michigan Library Faces Closure After Voters Defund it Over LGBTQ+ Books

  • Elephant illustration with books on a red background by Jianan

    August 6, 2022

    HuffPost - Nathalie Baptiste
    The Right-Wing Plot To Destroy Public Libraries

  • August 5, 2022

    Michigan Library Association - Ryan Wieber, Dillon Geshel, Debbie Mikula
    Patmos Library Millage Statement

  • August 5, 2022

    The Guardian - Matthew Cantor
    US Library Defunded After Refusing to Censor LGBTQ Authors: ‘We Will Not Ban the Books’

  • Rainbow sign on library table "Libraries are for Everyone"

    August 4, 2022

    WZZM 13 - 13 On Your Side Sfaff
    Group Succeeds in Defunding Jamestown Township Library Because of LGBTQ+ Books

  • August 4, 2022

    WOODTV - Meghan Bunchman
    Jamestown Township Library Millage Fails Over LGBTQ Books

  • August 4, 2022

    US News - Associated Press
    Michigan Library’s Future Uncertain Over LGBTQ Material Flap

  • School library shelves full of books

    August 4, 2022

    Book Riot - Kelly Jensen
    A Michigan Public Library May Close Due to Conservative Propaganda

  • Sign on green grass which reads "50% Millage Increase to GROOM our kids? Vote NO on library!"

    August 3. 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Upset Over LGBTQ Books, a Michigan Town Defunds its Library in Tax Vote

  • Banned Books on display on a library cart with caution tape and fire flames as bookmarks in each book

    July 17, 2022

    Alpena News - Jada Penn (Capital News Service)
    Libraries See Rise in Book Challenges, Fueled by Social Controversies

  • Crumpled up pages of a book

    July 15, 2022

    Book Riot - Kelly Jensen
    How to Address Misinformation and Book Challenges

  • Graphic Novel image of library tags on side of books on library shelf

    July 13, 2022

    TV6 Fox News UP - Clint McCloud
    Dickinson County Library’s Book Collection Questioned During Board Meeting

  • Library Bookshelves depicting 2 new sections for Teen and Tween Fiction.

    July 12, 2022

    TV6 Fox News UP - Clint McCloud
    LGBTQ+ Books Questions at Dickinson County Library

  • hand holding a burning book

    June 29, 2022

    Downtown Newsmagazine Birmingham/Bloomfield - Lisa Brody
    Book Bans: Fighting for the Minds of the Children

  • "Patience & Esther" Book Cover

    June 20, 2022

    Iron Mountain Daily News - Editorial
    The Freedom to Read

  • Getty Image...shadow of child on playground swing.

    June 17, 2022

    Michigan Advance - Allison R. Donohue
    House Dems Have a Bill to Make Grooming a Crime, But Republicans Aren’t Signing on.

  • Photo of Jemar Tisby- author, historian and speaker

    June 13, 2022

    Bridge Magazine - Jemar Tisby
    Those in Hillsdale Trying to Ban My Book Aren’t Intellectually Serious (Opinion)

  • Hillsdale Community Library exterior

    June 7, 2022

    WKAR Public Media - Sophia Saliby
    Hillsdale Community Sees Mounting Tension Over Potential Library Book Bans

  • Hillsdale Library Board Member Joshua Paladino at table with computer open and talking into microphone

    June 7, 2022

    Fox 47 - Joe Gebhardt
    Some Seek Removal of Hillsdale Library Board Member Who Proposed Political Restrictions on Materials

  • June 1, 2022

    Michigan Education Association - Brenda Ortega
    Part 5: Freedom to Read Advocates, Please Stand Up: ‘We Need Positive Voices in the Conversation’

  • Book cover - "How to Fight Racism" by Jemar Tisby

    May 31, 2022

    Footnotes - Jemar Tisby
    How an Attempt to Ban Books in Hillsdale, Michigan Exposed Ties to the Anti-CRT Industrial Complex

  • May 30, 2022

    Fox47 Jackson - Joe Gebhardt
    Hillsdale Library Director Resigns in Emergency Board Session

  • May 27, 2022

    Michigan Education Association - Brenda Ortega
    Part 4: Reading, Writing, Literacy Leaders Raise Alarm Over Book Bans

  • May 27, 2022

    Bridge MI - Isabel Lohman
    At Hillsdale Library, Resignations and Alarms About Politics, Pedophiia

  • May 26, 2022

    Hillsdale Daily News - Corey Murray
    Hillsdale Librarian Resigns in Wake of Failed LGBTQIA+ Children's Book Ban Proposal

  • Angela Hall of Iron Mountain was shocked when she saw what she considered to be sexually explicit drawings in a graphic novel available in the Dickenson County Library. She wants the library to make such content inaccessible to children. (Courtesy ph

    May 25, 2022

    Bridge Michigan - Ron French
    Hillsdale to Consider Banning Harry Potter as Library Wars Hit Michigan

  • May 23, 2022

    Michigan Education Association - Brenda Ortega
    Part 3: Book Challenges Show Need for Policies to ‘Uphold a Constitutional Promise’

  • May 21, 2022

    Hillsdale Daily News - Corey Murray
    Book Ban Proposal Sparks Controversy at Hillsdale Library

  • May 20, 2022

    WILX - Cody Butler
    Protest Held Over Proposal to Ban Books from Hillsdale Community Library

  • May 20, 2022

    Michigan Education Association - Brenda Ortega
    Part 2: Turmoil Over Book Bans Affects Educators

  • May 18, 2022

    Michigan Education Association - Brenda Ortega
    Part 1: Educators and Parents Battle Book Bans

  • May 16, 2022

    Alpena News - Ryan Wieber, Dillon Geshel, Debbie Mikula
    Libraries Defend Your Right To Read

  • Green kook cover of "Fun Home"

    May 14, 2022

    Livingston Post - MIRS News
    Books Being Called Off High School Library Shelves: War on Culture or Explicitness?

  • May 12, 2022

    Lansing State Journal - Scott Duimstra
    We Shouldn’t Restrict What Other People Read, Local Librarians Help Protect That Right

  • May 11, 2022

    Bridge MI - Ryan Wieber, Dillon Geshel, Debbie Mikula
    We are Michigan Librarians, and We’ll Stand Up Against Book Bans (Opinion)

  • May 9, 2022

    MIRSnews.com - John Reurink
    Books Being Called Off High School Library Shelves: War On Culture Or Explicitness?

  • May 7, 2022

    Alpena News - Justin Hinkley
    Book-Banning Wrong, But That’s Democracy (Editorial)

  • Michigan State Senate Chambers, Lansing

    April 14, 2022

    Michigan Advance - Laina G. Stebbens
    Sen. Theis’ Invocation Claiming Kids are ‘Under Attack’ from ‘Forces’ Prompts Walkouts

  • Getty Image

    March 21, 2022

    Michigan Advance - Allison R. Donohue
    Book Challenges Led by Far-Right Groups are Surging in Michigan Schools

  • The Giver

    March 8, 2022

    The Meemic Foundation - Leah Porter
    Lesson from ‘The Giver’: Fight to Keep Books in Hand

  • March 7, 2022

    The Oakland Press - Mark Cavitt
    School Book Banning Efforts Have Reached Levels Not Seen in Decades

  • March 7, 2022

    MLIVE - Martin Slagter
    “Maus” Kicks Off Ann Arbor Bookstores Banned Book Club Discussion Series

  • Person reading Bluest Eye

    March 4, 2022

    The Gander - Keya Vakil
    78% of Michiganders Believe It’s Un-American for Politicians to Ban Books in Schools.

  • Kent District Library

    March 1, 2022

    Michigan Advance - Allison R. Donohue
    Local libraries are being targeted by ‘1st amendment auditors’, book challenges

  • Dr. Michael Rice

    February 28, 2002

    Bridge Michigan - Dr. Michael Rice
    Forgetting Black History and Banning Books are Horrible Ideas (Opinion)

  • Books surrounded by lock and chain

    February 24, 2022

    The State News - Miranda Dunlap
    The Fight Against Book Banning at MSU

  • Back of woman reading an open book at a table at a  meeting

    February 18, 2022

    Detroit Free Press - Lily Altavena
    Demand is High from Michigan Teachers for More Window, Mirror Books: What They Are

  • Half of a Yellow Sun book cover

    February 14, 2022

    FOX17 West Michigan - Michael Martin
    'I Want These Books Out': Hudsonville Parents Get Book Off Reading List Due to Content

  • February 10. 2022

    Alpena News - Jada Penn
    Libraries See Rise in Book Challenges, Fueled by Social Controversies

  • February 6, 2022

    FOXUP TV6 - Vinny LaVia
    Marquette County Public Libraries Voice Concerns Over Increasing Book Bans in Schools

  • February 2, 2022

    Chalkbeat Detroit - Ron French & Tracie Mauriello
    Michigan GOP Bill: Schools Must Post Curriculum, Books, Assignments

  • Greenville Public Schools Board of Education meeting

    January 12, 2022

    The Daily News - Cory Smith
    Concerned Parents, Citizens Speak Out on Greenville Book-Ban Request

  • December 30, 2021

    The Daily News - Cory Smith
    Greenville Parent Brings Forward Book Concern

  • Bluest Eye Book Cover by Toni Morrison

    December 17, 2021

    Michigan Advance - Max McCoy
    One Weird Trick for Backsliding Democracy:
    Read Banned Books

  • George book cover "Read Proud" sign

    December 10, 2021

    WOODTV
    Parents Push Schools to Pull Books with Transgender, Same Sex Content

  • School Bus stop

    November 28, 2021

    MLIVE - Alyssa Burr
    Michigan Civil Rights Commission Says Critical Race Theory Ban Would Censor Teachers

  • November 22, 2021

    Michigan Civil Rights Commission - Vicki Levengood
    Michigan Civil Rights Commission Passes Resolution in Support of Academic Freedom and Opposition to Censorship

  • October 27, 2021

    Click on Detroit - Jason Colthrop & Kayla Clarke
    Committee to Review Graphic Novel in Troy-Athens High School Library After Parent Complains

  • Check Please book cover

    October 22, 2021

    WOODTV
    ’Trash’ Book Should Not be on Library Shelves, Says Byron Twp. Trustee

  • Cover of book - "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

    August 24, 2021

    MLive - Martin Slagter
    Chelsea School Board Votes to Keep Toni Morrison Book in Library Despite Uproar

  • June 26, 2021

    Public School Review - Grace Chen
    Banned Books Create Outcry in Arizona and Detroit