An Alabama librarian who stood up to segregationists and censors in 1959 is featured in a new stage play based on the battle over Garth Williams’ picture book The Rabbits’ Wedding. Some Alabamans, most notably State Senator E.O. Eddins, wanted…
Author: Maren Williams
In Midst of Sedition Trial, Zunar Launches Outdoor Exhibition
In anticipation of the next step in his sedition trial, Malaysian political cartoonist Zunar has launched a daring open-air exhibition of his works in a busy urban area near Kuala Lumpur. Although he risks being censored or even arrested again,…
Oklahoma Man Claims Library Promo Image Violates Religious Freedom
An Oklahoma man has publicly objected to a promotional photo from his local library system that shows a Muslim woman wearing hijab and reading a book. Norman resident Chad Grensky alleges that the photo is an unconstitutional endorsement of one religion…
Egyptian Court Denies Naji’s Second Request for Release Pending Appeal
Egyptian author Ahmed Naji’s second request to be released from prison pending an appeal in his obscenity case was denied last week, meaning he will continue to serve his two-year sentence for “violating public modesty” until a higher court decides…
CBLDF and Partners Defend Myracle Books in Nassau County
After two parents in Nassau County, Florida, launched a media crusade against a popular series of books by YA author Lauren Myracle, CBLDF and other partners in the Kids’ Right to Read Project last week sent a letter to the principal…
CRNI Courage Award Goes to Refugee Cartoonist in Australian Detention Center
The 2016 Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award from Cartoonists Rights Network International will go to an Iranian refugee cartoonist who goes by the name Eaten Fish, the advocacy group announced on Friday. Eaten Fish is currently held in a refugee…
Pediatric Association Issues Unrealistic Guidelines on “Virtual Violence”
The American Academy of Pediatrics last month issued a new policy statement on “virtual violence” in TV, movies, and video games. Despite the absence of any clear link between violent media and real-world aggressive behavior in young people, the professional…
Gene Luen Yang: Diverse Books Break Down Barriers
In his current term as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, American Born Chinese and Boxers/Saints creator Gene Luen Yang has chosen a theme of “Reading Without Walls.” During his two-year ambassadorship, Yang is encouraging readers at the schools and…
New Zealand Newspaper Shocked to Find Adult Comic in Adult Section of Library
A New Zealand newspaper seems to be looking for controversy where there is none, suggesting in a recent article that Brandon Graham’s erotic comic Perverts of the Unknown may be inappropriate for local library collections even though it’s correctly shelved…
ACLU Settles Lawsuit for TN Student Barred from Wearing “Gay” Shirt
With help from the state chapter of the ACLU, students in Giles County, Tennessee have won the right to wear clothing with pro-LGBT images or symbols in public schools. Rebecca Young, a 2016 graduate of Richland High School, had filed…