Welcome to Check Your Shelf. I’m writing this newsletter on the eve of our second vacation to Colorado this year, and the weather forecast looks absolutely divine! I’m talking abundant sunshine, temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and, hopefully, lots of fall colors! As usual, when I’m on vacation, I’ll be taking a break from the super-intensive book banning news, but I will still link to Kelly Jensen’s weekly roundups so that everyone can stay informed.
Don’t forget, during the month of September, all new free subscribers to The Deep Dive will be entered to win Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler plus five mystery books from The Deep Dive. To enter, simply start a free subscription to The Deep Dive!
Libraries & Librarians
Cool Library Updates
Spartanburg County Public Libraries (SC) have started a “Bags of Hope” initiative to connect people to food and other essential items.
A digital librarian goes viral for documenting (and testing!) recipes etched on gravestones.
Worth Reading
How to curate a democratic school library.
Tips for being a guest reader in your child’s classroom.
Book Adaptations in the News
Why Martin Scorsese rewrote his initial script for Killers of the Flower Moon.
A comparison of the TV and book versions of The Other Black Girl. (Spoilers!)
Trailers for Fall of the House of Usher, Lessons in Chemistry, The Balland of Songbirds and Snakes, and Dark Harvest.
38 literary movies and TV shows to watch this year.
Censorship News
ALA announces that book challenges have risen 20% compared to last year and are on pace to set a record high for the third straight year in a row.
Book fairs will see an increase in censorship attempts this year.
Library workers and advocates are turning to new policies, lawsuits, and legislation to stem the tide of book bans.
LeVar Burton leads dozens of celebrities in an open letter against book bans.
An editorial cartoon criticizing Moms for Liberty has been manipulated by the group for political and social gain.
The Washington Post talks about the wave of red states that are cutting ties with ALA.
Librarians didn’t sign up to be queer activists, but this year, they are.
What the Jewish author behind one of America’s most banned books has to say about censorship today.
The audiobook no one asked for: Senator John Kennedy reading from All Boys Aren’t Blue during Congress’ recent hearing on book bans and censorship will haunt you forever.
In a blistering opinion, federal judge Alan D. Albright officially blocks HB 900, Texas’ book rating law.
Middle schoolers at Dripping Springs ISD (TX) will need their parents to opt-in for them to access any YA materials, which includes classics such as Fahrenheit 451, Oliver Twist, and Watership Down.
Harris County (TX) libraries are now official book sanctuaries amidst the statewide push to ban books.
A Texas teacher has been fired for assigning the graphic novel adaptation of Anne Frank’s diary to their 8th-grade class.
Citrus County (FL) has cut the library’s ALA annual membership fee and has refused to let residents donate the cost of the fee.
The Carroll County (MD) school board is stepping in to review a list of over 50 books that Moms for Liberty wants removed from school libraries.
The Alabama Public Library Service voted to post a list of books considered inappropriate for children on their website at Wednesday’s meeting.
All branches of the Chicago Public Library were closed last Thursday in response to yet another unfounded bomb threat. And librarians in northeastern Illinois say that these bomb threats are representative of a deeper political and cultural divide. Meanwhile, Governor JB Pritzker says that authorities are working to combat the “abhorrent” threats against library employees.
Books & Authors in the News
Oprah selected Wellness by Nathan Hill as her 102nd book club pick.
Bluebird Publishing has said they will pause all future publishing with Russell Brand in light of the recent sexual assault allegations lodged against him.
Amanda Gorman has been named the 2023-2024 Indie Bookstore Ambassador.
Honoring Stephen King’s Christine on its 40th anniversary.
Numbers & Trends
The highest-rated books from every country.
Do Goodreads and Storygraph users rate books differently?
The best-selling books of the week.
Book Riot has podcasts to keep your ears listening for days! Check them out and subscribe.
Award News
The Pulitzer Prizes have officially expanded eligibility to authors, playwrights, and composers who are not U.S. citizens.
The 2023 National Book Awards longlists have been announced.
The Publishing Triangle has introduced the Jacqueline Woodson Award for LGBTQ+ Children’s/YA Literature, “which will honor outstanding works of literature geared toward children and young adults that explore themes related to LGBTQ+ experiences, identities, and issues.”
The Whippoorwill Award aims to elevate rural representation in middle grade and YA books.
Bookish Curiosities & Miscellaneous
Jenna Bush Hager is launching an author interview podcast under the name “Read With Jenna,” to tie in with her book club of the same name.
Author Katherine May talks about losing the ability to read during the pandemic.
Agatha Christie is getting a statue in Wallingford, where she lived for over 40 years.
On the Riot
10 awesome (and awful) librarians in literature.
12 of the most unexpected book-to-stage adaptations.
The bookish life of Daniel Dae Kim.
How to find first edition books.
10 of the best bookish coasters. (This link goes out in honor of my mother-in-law, whose insistence upon coasters has become part of Horner family lore!)
Gilbert says, “I’m not sure what you were thinking of doing, but you’re staying right here.”
All right friends, I’ll check in again on Tuesday!
—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.