Sara Heymann
@go-for-a-walk.bsky.social
Artist, organizer, library worker.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
1. In Tennessee, public libraries have closed for up to a week to facilitate a Trump-inspired book purge.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Tennessee public libraries close for Trump-inspired book purge
One hundred and eighty-one public libraries in Tennessee are reviewing their children’s collections after Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) ordered them to remove books with LGBTQ themes…
popular.info
November 25, 2025 at 3:09 PM
1. In Tennessee, public libraries have closed for up to a week to facilitate a Trump-inspired book purge.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett (R) has ordered most of the state's public librarians to remove children's books with LGBTQ characters or themes.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
@taylorlorenz.bsky.social with a great piece here :
Many people are missing the most dangerous part of Sarah Hurwitz commentary. Her comments reveal exactly what the ruling class in America wants to do to online speech, and why we need to fight back so hard to protect our online freedoms.
Many people are missing the most dangerous part of Sarah Hurwitz commentary. Her comments reveal exactly what the ruling class in America wants to do to online speech, and why we need to fight back so hard to protect our online freedoms.
Obama Aid Goes Mask Off About Online Censorship
YouTube video by Taylor Lorenz
youtu.be
November 21, 2025 at 12:40 PM
@taylorlorenz.bsky.social with a great piece here :
Many people are missing the most dangerous part of Sarah Hurwitz commentary. Her comments reveal exactly what the ruling class in America wants to do to online speech, and why we need to fight back so hard to protect our online freedoms.
Many people are missing the most dangerous part of Sarah Hurwitz commentary. Her comments reveal exactly what the ruling class in America wants to do to online speech, and why we need to fight back so hard to protect our online freedoms.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
"The program has the support of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling."
Outrageous.
All three of them.
Outrageous.
All three of them.
BREAKING: Chicago police officers will be allowed to file felony gun charges without first getting approval from a prosecutor throughout the city, Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke announced Friday. @wttw.bsky.social
Program Allowing CPD Officers to Directly File Felony Gun Charges to Expand Citywide, Top Prosecutor Announces
The Felony Review Bypass Pilot Program was “an unqualified success,” Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke said.
news.wttw.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:47 PM
"The program has the support of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling."
Outrageous.
All three of them.
Outrageous.
All three of them.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
As budget talks stall out, I keep coming back to this one.
From a budget perspective, CPD operations are almost entirely discretional. (Mind you, pensions and lawsuits are another matter.)
It is an active choice to prioritize this spending above all other spending, year after year.
From a budget perspective, CPD operations are almost entirely discretional. (Mind you, pensions and lawsuits are another matter.)
It is an active choice to prioritize this spending above all other spending, year after year.
I'll close with a reminder I give every year: unlike our other billion-dollar-plus departments, CPD is almost entirely paid for with the general-purpose corporate fund.
Out of every dollar spent on the police budget, roughly 94 cents could be spent on any other city department, if Council wanted.
Out of every dollar spent on the police budget, roughly 94 cents could be spent on any other city department, if Council wanted.
November 18, 2025 at 12:59 AM
As budget talks stall out, I keep coming back to this one.
From a budget perspective, CPD operations are almost entirely discretional. (Mind you, pensions and lawsuits are another matter.)
It is an active choice to prioritize this spending above all other spending, year after year.
From a budget perspective, CPD operations are almost entirely discretional. (Mind you, pensions and lawsuits are another matter.)
It is an active choice to prioritize this spending above all other spending, year after year.
I support the head tax. You should too. The mayor should also support libraries. He was able to come up w/ 32 *new* positions for CPD and just found $18 million more for business grants with the head tax money.
He can find $4.5 million to cover library staffing.
He can find $4.5 million to cover library staffing.
November 18, 2025 at 7:39 PM
I support the head tax. You should too. The mayor should also support libraries. He was able to come up w/ 32 *new* positions for CPD and just found $18 million more for business grants with the head tax money.
He can find $4.5 million to cover library staffing.
He can find $4.5 million to cover library staffing.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
Specializations are the key to library operations. The sheer breadth of titles available in each area makes it imperative!
Imagine going in and trying to talk to someone about children's books and all they know are the ones they read as a child.
And it's not just readers. People doing research etc.
Imagine going in and trying to talk to someone about children's books and all they know are the ones they read as a child.
And it's not just readers. People doing research etc.
And they’re planning to defund us for the long term. To response to low staffing, they’re proposing getting rid of specializations (children, teen, adult), and streamlining “sister branches”, where library workers work at multiple branches depending on low staffing.
November 16, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Specializations are the key to library operations. The sheer breadth of titles available in each area makes it imperative!
Imagine going in and trying to talk to someone about children's books and all they know are the ones they read as a child.
And it's not just readers. People doing research etc.
Imagine going in and trying to talk to someone about children's books and all they know are the ones they read as a child.
And it's not just readers. People doing research etc.
I see people claiming the head tax is going to public libraries, but as far as we’ve been told- it isnt. The good news is, our lackluster book budget may be restored. The bad news? We’re still facing 89 positions cut. After 52 positions were cut last year. That’s 11% of our workforce!
November 16, 2025 at 12:32 AM
I see people claiming the head tax is going to public libraries, but as far as we’ve been told- it isnt. The good news is, our lackluster book budget may be restored. The bad news? We’re still facing 89 positions cut. After 52 positions were cut last year. That’s 11% of our workforce!
Reposted by Sara Heymann
In other news, here’s a clip from Telemundo of Little Village Ald. Mike Rodriguez getting hit with a flash bang. www.instagram.com/reel/DQ0DnIv...
Instagram
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www.instagram.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:03 AM
In other news, here’s a clip from Telemundo of Little Village Ald. Mike Rodriguez getting hit with a flash bang. www.instagram.com/reel/DQ0DnIv...
Reposted by Sara Heymann
I do not think that Mayor Brandon Johnson was elected by people who wanted to defund their library and give that money to CPD.
Following the link in thread to write a budget letter is a good thing to do.
Following the link in thread to write a budget letter is a good thing to do.
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
The People Want To Read: On Massive Budget Cuts Proposed in Chicago
If passed, Chicago Public Library will lose half their budget for acquiring new books and materials.
buttondown.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I do not think that Mayor Brandon Johnson was elected by people who wanted to defund their library and give that money to CPD.
Following the link in thread to write a budget letter is a good thing to do.
Following the link in thread to write a budget letter is a good thing to do.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
A reminder: the library IS ALREADY underfunded
The CPL foundation privately raises millions of additional $$ that it spends on programming, outreach, and also some collections.
Also, where are the vacant positions? That matters a lot in terms of the City's commitment to serving the public.
The CPL foundation privately raises millions of additional $$ that it spends on programming, outreach, and also some collections.
Also, where are the vacant positions? That matters a lot in terms of the City's commitment to serving the public.
Librarians and aldermen are pushing back against proposed library cuts. blockclubchi.co/47wlf48
November 5, 2025 at 7:50 PM
A reminder: the library IS ALREADY underfunded
The CPL foundation privately raises millions of additional $$ that it spends on programming, outreach, and also some collections.
Also, where are the vacant positions? That matters a lot in terms of the City's commitment to serving the public.
The CPL foundation privately raises millions of additional $$ that it spends on programming, outreach, and also some collections.
Also, where are the vacant positions? That matters a lot in terms of the City's commitment to serving the public.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
Librarians and aldermen are pushing back against proposed library cuts. blockclubchi.co/47wlf48
November 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Librarians and aldermen are pushing back against proposed library cuts. blockclubchi.co/47wlf48
Reposted by Sara Heymann
Commentary: Halving the library’s collections budget will have immediate, real-world impacts. That means longer wait times for new books, fewer digital resources and a reduced ability to serve residents who depend on CPL for everything from résumé writing to after-school programs.
Ald. Samantha Nugent: Libraries in Chicago are essential. Why is the mayor cutting CPL’s budget?
Halving the Chicago library’s collections budget will mean longer wait times for new books and a reduced ability to serve residents.
trib.al
November 8, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Commentary: Halving the library’s collections budget will have immediate, real-world impacts. That means longer wait times for new books, fewer digital resources and a reduced ability to serve residents who depend on CPL for everything from résumé writing to after-school programs.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
The People Want To Read: On Massive Budget Cuts Proposed in Chicago
If passed, Chicago Public Library will lose half their budget for acquiring new books and materials.
buttondown.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:03 PM
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
During COVID, Chicago started opening the library on Sundays with the promise, in writing, that we would get more staff for the extra hours. Instead, our staff has been cut year after year.
If you love the Chicago Public Library, write electeds at bit.ly/LetterFundCPL and call your alder.
If you love the Chicago Public Library, write electeds at bit.ly/LetterFundCPL and call your alder.
November 8, 2025 at 12:55 PM
During COVID, Chicago started opening the library on Sundays with the promise, in writing, that we would get more staff for the extra hours. Instead, our staff has been cut year after year.
If you love the Chicago Public Library, write electeds at bit.ly/LetterFundCPL and call your alder.
If you love the Chicago Public Library, write electeds at bit.ly/LetterFundCPL and call your alder.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
We’re having a halloween lunch time power hour to call your alder and let them know they need to fully fund the library by taxing the rich! Go to bit.ly/callmyward to find your alder and their number.
October 31, 2025 at 1:57 PM
We’re having a halloween lunch time power hour to call your alder and let them know they need to fully fund the library by taxing the rich! Go to bit.ly/callmyward to find your alder and their number.
Chicago already spends a less per capita on our book budget compared to other large cities. If the mayor’s budget passes, we’ll be spending only $1.83 per capita. Yipes. That does NOT sound like something the greatest freakin city in the world would do. Email electeds: bit.ly/LetterFundCPL
October 30, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Chicago already spends a less per capita on our book budget compared to other large cities. If the mayor’s budget passes, we’ll be spending only $1.83 per capita. Yipes. That does NOT sound like something the greatest freakin city in the world would do. Email electeds: bit.ly/LetterFundCPL
Do you love the Chicago Public Library? Do you not want to wait weeks for books? Do you still want to be able to go to programs? Send a letter to electeds !
In the budget, Brandon Johnson is proposing 89 cuts to positions, and cutting our book budget in half. actionnetwork.org/letters/no-l...
In the budget, Brandon Johnson is proposing 89 cuts to positions, and cutting our book budget in half. actionnetwork.org/letters/no-l...
October 27, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Do you love the Chicago Public Library? Do you not want to wait weeks for books? Do you still want to be able to go to programs? Send a letter to electeds !
In the budget, Brandon Johnson is proposing 89 cuts to positions, and cutting our book budget in half. actionnetwork.org/letters/no-l...
In the budget, Brandon Johnson is proposing 89 cuts to positions, and cutting our book budget in half. actionnetwork.org/letters/no-l...
Reposted by Sara Heymann
EXCLUSIVE: Embattled Trump nominee Paul Ingrassia told Republicans that the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday should be “tossed into the seventh circle of hell” and that he has “a Nazi streak,” according to a group chat viewed by POLITICO.
Trump nominee says he has a ‘Nazi streak,’ bashes MLK Jr. Day, according to texts
Paul Ingrassia’s bid to lead a whistleblower agency is set for a Senate confirmation hearing Thursday.
www.politico.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:32 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Embattled Trump nominee Paul Ingrassia told Republicans that the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday should be “tossed into the seventh circle of hell” and that he has “a Nazi streak,” according to a group chat viewed by POLITICO.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
Based on all the social media reports, today may have been the busiest Friday for ICE activity that we’ve seen since this surge started.
With hundreds of police now protecting ICE’s facility for them, presumably ICE is able to deploy more agents to snatch people.
With hundreds of police now protecting ICE’s facility for them, presumably ICE is able to deploy more agents to snatch people.
October 10, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Based on all the social media reports, today may have been the busiest Friday for ICE activity that we’ve seen since this surge started.
With hundreds of police now protecting ICE’s facility for them, presumably ICE is able to deploy more agents to snatch people.
With hundreds of police now protecting ICE’s facility for them, presumably ICE is able to deploy more agents to snatch people.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
NOTE: Brendan Reilly is running for Cook County Board President, meaning that he wants a lot of authority over the budget for the sheriff and the jail and the state's attorney and the public defender
But he won't even sign a statement in support of due process when his own colleague was attacked.
But he won't even sign a statement in support of due process when his own colleague was attacked.
Statement on Abuse of Power of ICE and Other Federal Agents in Chicago
October 5, 2025 at 3:25 PM
NOTE: Brendan Reilly is running for Cook County Board President, meaning that he wants a lot of authority over the budget for the sheriff and the jail and the state's attorney and the public defender
But he won't even sign a statement in support of due process when his own colleague was attacked.
But he won't even sign a statement in support of due process when his own colleague was attacked.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
Pro-tip: if you have video of you or others directly intervening to obstruct ICE or de-arrest someone, for god’s sake don’t post it on social media. Or at a minimum blur faces first. You’re just begging for federal charges.
October 5, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Pro-tip: if you have video of you or others directly intervening to obstruct ICE or de-arrest someone, for god’s sake don’t post it on social media. Or at a minimum blur faces first. You’re just begging for federal charges.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
In the past 4 weeks in Chicago, ICE/CBP have snatched hundreds of people off the streets & homes, shot & killed a single-father in his car, smashed & abandoned countless cars, and deployed chemical munitions at protesters, journalists, & now on public streets. Today they cuffed an alderperson.
October 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM
In the past 4 weeks in Chicago, ICE/CBP have snatched hundreds of people off the streets & homes, shot & killed a single-father in his car, smashed & abandoned countless cars, and deployed chemical munitions at protesters, journalists, & now on public streets. Today they cuffed an alderperson.
Reposted by Sara Heymann
I lived a short walk from here for seven of the ten years I lived in Logan
Logan Square neighborhood, Chicago. Man wearing a balaclava in a white, unmarked vehicle, pulls the pin on a tear gas canister and tosses it in the road.
"Just trying to grab some lunch and these fucking losers showed up. FUCK ICE!"
source: www.reddit.com/r/LoganSquar...
"Just trying to grab some lunch and these fucking losers showed up. FUCK ICE!"
source: www.reddit.com/r/LoganSquar...
October 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
I lived a short walk from here for seven of the ten years I lived in Logan