In Dearborn, community members have been at odds with the school board over the availability of books centered on LGBTQ-positive stories in school libraries. In Jamestown, residents harassed librarians at the city’s only public library over young adult books containing LGBTQ-positive themes, accusing them of pedophilia and grooming. Incidents like this have become increasingly common over the past two years.

According to the American Library Association, which has been tracking book challenges for the past 20 years, there were a record-breaking 729 book challenges in 2021. This year, the ALA has already recorded 681 book challenges between January and August.

Debbie Mikula is the Executive Director of the Michigan Library Association, and she has an op-ed in the Washington Post about why the uptick has been cause for concern among librarians. She joined the Stateside podcast to explain some of the trends she’s seen, and what happens when a book is challenged.

GUEST:

• Debbie Mikula, executive director, Michigan Library Association

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