Tennesseans sought to remove hundreds of books from library shelves in 2023, many of them containing LGTBQ+ characters or themes.
Book bans are expanding from schools into public libraries in Sumner County. The group behind the shift is contributing to a culture of fear.
Library board members appointed by Sumner County Constitutional Republicans have deeply influenced local libraries, including passing a policy that critics say would censor collections across the county.
Rutherford County’s library system bans four books with LGBTQ+ themes after a Murfreesboro ‘decency’ ordinance
Rutherford County’s Library System board voted to remove a total of four books from its shelves during a meeting Monday evening. All of them were young adult books that included LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
How a Tennessee law could limit students from classroom books as teachers scramble to catalog each one
A new state law requires all public schools in Tennessee to post a list of materials available in their libraries. But not all districts realized the rule also applies to classroom libraries.
He championed all books and created a ‘sanctuary’ for patrons. Now, Nashville Public Library’s director is headed for his next chapter: retirement.
Nashville Public Library Director Kent Oliver is retiring on July 22 from his post after a decade. Under his leadership, the library has taken a stance as a beacon for intellectual freedom by challenging state and nationwide efforts to ban books.
Librarians and school boards could face criminal penalties if ‘obscene’ books wind up in schools
One of the latest proposals in a slew of bills limiting what can be taught, read and discussed in public schools would slap librarians and school boards with criminal penalties.
At the statehouse: Republican lawmakers move to erase LGBTQ issues from schools, slap librarians with misdemeanors and threaten felonies for abortion pill providers
The General Assembly has kicked into high gear as we cross the halfway mark of session. This week featured hours-long debates, increasingly punitive bills and protests outside the capitol.
Republicans, Moms for Liberty push to give parents more power over what books their kids can read
Groups that call themselves advocates for parental rights are attempting to have several novels they deem unfit banned from school curriculums and libraries in Tennessee.
Nashville Library Director Says Tax Rollback Could Close Most City Libraries
The majority of Nashville’s libraries would have to close if a special referendum succeeds in rolling back Metro’s recent 34% property tax increase. That’s the fear being shared by Nashville Public Library Director Kent Oliver. Just two or three of Nashville’s 21 libraries would be able to stay open — likely the main downtown library and two large regional branches.
At 100, A Nashville Library Stands As Symbol Of Rebirth And Endurance
Listen Nashville celebrated the centennial of its historic East Branch Library on Wednesday, commemorating one of two remaining Carnegie public libraries in the city.
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