Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 4d

New York State public school administrators undermine the importance of a school librarian in their districts and under serve students. If you want your students to perform well in reading, academics, and in life, you MUST have a CERTIFIED school librarian in an OPEN library media center. #TLSky

Times Union @timesunion.com · 7d

For more than a decade, districts have cut back on librarians and quietly closed school libraries as well.

Instead of librarians, schools staff libraries with teachers, aides— or close them

For more than a decade, districts have cut back on librarians and quietly closed school libraries as well.

bit.ly

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

Library Girl @jenniferlagarde.bsky.social · 5d

Just an FYI for #bannedbooksweek. This fight isn't about books. It's about freedom.

#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

Wendy Garland @wendygarland.bsky.social · 5d

A 5th grader told me his family won't let him get graphic novels. He is supposed to get "real books." 😡 We plan for him to get as many GNs as he wants, but leave them in the classroom. He comes back the next day for more. #WorkArounds

#TLSky
#Skybrarians
#SchoolLibraries

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

Len Bryan @lenbryan25.bsky.social · 6d

A7: #1 for me is to get out of my office and go build/strengthen relationships with the people I serve. When they know me & I know them, all aspects of the work are easier. They know that I am a competent professional, I have experience, I am reliable, honest, & I do what I say I will do.
#TLSkyChat

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

My mentor librarian is there for me when it comes to book consultations. I have to be reminded that books I think are good for me (aged 23), may not be good for my students (10-14). Sometimes I am humbled, but mostly I am cheered on. Oh, and shameless plug for @youngteenlit.bsky.social! #TLSkyChat

🐝aREADER @reyeh.bsky.social · 6d

A8 #TLSkyChat I have a group of librarians that are a great resource when I’m questioning a book. I’ve relied on them many times when purchasing & weeding books. They are a great reality check.

Heather Turner @techielibgrl.com · 6d

💛📚 Q8: What steps can we take as librarians to recognize and avoid self-censorship when selecting or recommending materials? Share A8 with #TLSkyChat. tlskychat.com

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

My middle school adopted a cell phone ban last year and my kids are still loving the library! Not a cell phone in sight = books in hands! #TLSkyChat

Heather Turner @techielibgrl.com · 6d

Completely sidenote: But an unintentionaly result of the Cellphone Ban in NYS has been a huge increase in book circulation in our school libraries. #TLSkyChat

a man in a suit and tie says oh in front of a tree

Alt: a man in a suit and tie says oh in front of a tree

media.tenor.com

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

Heather Turner @techielibgrl.com · 6d

Completely sidenote: But an unintentionaly result of the Cellphone Ban in NYS has been a huge increase in book circulation in our school libraries. #TLSkyChat

a man in a suit and tie says oh in front of a tree

Alt: a man in a suit and tie says oh in front of a tree

media.tenor.com

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

A8: Librarians should always think of their students first and foremost when making collection decisions, regardless of outside pressures. Think of the students you may be disserving if you decide against purchasing a title that may bring controversy amongst adults! #TLSkyChat

Heather Turner @techielibgrl.com · 6d

💛📚 Q8: What steps can we take as librarians to recognize and avoid self-censorship when selecting or recommending materials? Share A8 with #TLSkyChat. tlskychat.com

Q8:
Image of a blue book wrapped in metal chains with a padlock. Text reads: “Q8: What steps can we take as librarians to recognize and avoid self-censorship when selecting or recommending materials?”

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

A7: Educate and inform the school community on the positives of diverse and inclusive literature through library communications. Ensure that your district has the proper reconsideration policies in place when a challenge does arise. Reading spaces are safe, make sure the all can see that! #TLSkyChat

Library Girl @jenniferlagarde.bsky.social · 6d

Q7 for tonight’s #TLSkyChat!

💬 What are some proactive approaches to book challenges that we can implement beforeand after Banned Books Week to help strengthen our community’s commitment to equitable access to all library resources?

For more info visit: tlskychat.com

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

A6: My district's CD policy is fairly standard (circ. date, MUSTIE, librarian's discretion, etc.) and looks like the removal of titles no longer serving the current user group. I add an equitable lens on my policy, ensuring that positive representation remains regardless of stats. #TLSkyChat

Heather Turner @techielibgrl.com · 6d

💛📚 Q6: What do your collection development procedures and policies look like in practice? How do they support intellectual freedom and equitable access? Share A6 with #TLSkyChat. tlskychat.com

Q6:
Illustration of a woman holding a clipboard beside a large paper labeled “Policy.” Text reads: “Q6: What do your library’s collection development procedures and policies look like in practice? How does it support intellectual freedom and equitable access?”

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

Looking for great middle grade reads on censorship?

“Same Page,” “Ban This Book,” “Attack of the Black Rectangles,” “Not Another Banned Book,” and “Property of the Rebel Librarian” are some great choices!

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

Library Girl @jenniferlagarde.bsky.social · 6d

#TLSkyChat A4. I just learned yesterday that a MS Tchr adapted the reading tracker I created for my #Rutgers Ss to include a column for kids to share whether or not they think the book is a mirror, window or sliding glass door. 🤯 I'm wondering how this idea might translate to an interactive display.

RU548: Reading List [Summer 2025]

I've had the pleasure of teaching a Young Adult Literature course in the MLIS program at Rutgers University for several years now and, it's one of my favorite things. Although I don't get to teach it ...

www.librarygirl.net

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

A5: Weeding can lead to misinformation about our collections. Just because librarians are pulling books from the shelves that "look new," doesn't mean that we are "censoring it." Most of the time, we are using our CD policies to withdraw books that no longer fit the needs of our students. #TLSkyChat

Library Girl @jenniferlagarde.bsky.social · 6d

Q5 for tonight’s #TLSkyChat!

💬 Intellectual freedom and information literacy are inextricably linked. Let’s share ways we can inoculate our communities against the kind of mis-, dis- and mal- information that fuels book challenges?

For more info visit: tlskychat.com

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

A4: I have a poster on my desk that reads: "The freedom to read is your constitutional right," which is displayed all year long. During September and October, especially during Banned Books Week, I actually choose to display books that discuss censorship rather than the "banned books." #TLSkyChat

Heather Turner @techielibgrl.com · 6d

💛📚 Q4: How do you actively promote the freedom to read in your spaces and programs? What messages or displays make that visible? Share A4 with #TLSkyChat. tlskychat.com

Q4:
Illustration with the phrase “Let Freedom Read” in bold black text with colorful streaks behind it. Text reads: “Q4: How do you actively promote the freedom to read in your library spaces and programs? What messages or displays help make that visible?”

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

A3:

My principal and faculty are on my team! Although this is my second year, the importance and power I have placed on the library space and reading has created a culture of allies. If I ever had an issue with censorship, my district would have my back. #TLSkyChat

Library Girl @jenniferlagarde.bsky.social · 6d

Q3 for tonight’s #TLSkyChat!

💬 Protecting intellectual freedom requires team work! Who’s on your team? How do you create allies in protecting our kids’ right to read?

For more information visit: tlskychat.com

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

A2:

My middle school students can't get enough of "The Hunger Games." This book is such a parallel to the anger, angst, and rage that my students feel about the world they live in. Although it may not be a true mirror, it's a book that I can't keep off my shelves. #TLSkyChat

Heather Turner @techielibgrl.com · 6d

💛📚 Q2: Share a book that has been challenged but continues to make an impact in your library. Why is it worth protecting? Drop A2 with #TLSkyChat. More info: tlskychat.com

Q2:
Shield graphic with a checkmark. Text reads: “Q2: Share a book that has been challenged but continues to make an impact in your library. Why is it worth protecting?”

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

A1: The usual elevator pitch actually is for my students. Most adults I talk to understand the concept, but kids may not get it. My "kid-friendly" pitch is: "Some adults want to control what you can and can't read based on your age. Isn't that crazy? I make sure that doesn't happen here." #TLSkyChat

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

Hey, everyone! I'm Alexa, a library media specialist from New York State's Adirondack Mountains! I can't wait to talk Banned Books tonight! #TLSkyChat

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 6d

Go Amy Go! @slupodcast.bsky.social

ACLU @aclu.org · 7d

We were at the American Library Association Conference this summer talking with librarians about the importance of everyone having access to books that represent all kinds of different backgrounds and experiences.

Thank you to every librarian working to defend our right to read.

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

Amy Hermon @slupodcast.bsky.social · 6d

Excited to share this conversation with @mauramadigan7.bsky.social!

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 7d

Kate Messner used to work at my school AND her story about my area is the cover of the SLJ Mock Newbery nominations…so proud of her representation of the Adirondacks and North Country!

School Library Journal @slj.com · 7d

October Mock Newbery Nomination Results: 38 titles and a tie at the top
heavymedal.slj.com/2025/10/06/o...

October Nomination Results: 38 titles and a tie at the top

Our October Mock Newbery nomination list included 38 different titles. Two books lead the pack with 15 nominations: THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES by Kate Messner and THE UNDEAD FOX OF DEADWOOD FOREST by Aub...

heavymedal.slj.com

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

It's Time for Young Teen Lit @youngteenlit.bsky.social · 8d

The only promising #youngteenlit from 3 months of reviews seem to be realistic books.

We have a Goldilocks problem here: it's increasingly difficult to find what's "just right" for our young teens. What are we left to purchase that will entice our 7th and 8th graders? #itstimeforyoungteenlit 4/4

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

It's Time for Young Teen Lit @youngteenlit.bsky.social · 8d

Disappointing to see the sparse options for #youngteens in the Sept issue of @slj.com. There has been a "Middle School" subsection in the YA reviews, but in September, there was NONE. In the Middle Grade reviews, 2 out of the 5 reviews had 8th grade characters, but both were reviewed for gr 5+. 🧵1/4

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Reposted by Alexa Dumas

Kelly Lynn Thomas @kellylynnthomas.bsky.social · 8d

Started reading THAT LIBRARIAN by Amanda Jones (@librarianjones.com) yesterday in honor of Banned Book Week.

Librarians and library workers have been on the front lines of the modern fight for intellectual freedom for decades. Follow them, read them, listen to what they have to say.

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Alexa Dumas @alexadoom.bsky.social · 8d

What an amazing surprise to get in my school mailbox on this Monday morning! Amy and I recorded such a fun episode last night, so it is only fitting that my @slupodcast.bsky.social goodies arrived! I can’t wait for everyone to hear the episode! #TLSky #Skybriarians

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