The latest books, news, and more for children's and school librarians.
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The latest books, news, and more for children's and school librarians.
DK Science Stories
School and Library Spotlight
April 27, 2026
Welcome back to our School & Library Spotlight newsletter. In our latest issue, we bring you the latest developments in the fight for the freedom to read, including an industry-wide coalition opposing federal book bans. Librarians share their experiences working with student volunteers to get kids excited about books. And we take a look at a new imprint for decodable books.

A note: PW is seeking a school librarian or media specialist as a source for a forthcoming article on helping young readers with dyslexia thrive. If you have particular expertise in this area and are interested in participating, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!

We hope you'll spread the word about the School & Library Spotlight e-newsletter throughout your communities. Follow us on Bluesky for more great stories, and join our LinkedIn group to be a part of the conversation.

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Lawmakers Tweak School and Library Policies to Allow for Nuance
In an encouraging turn, right to read advocates have noticed that their legal pushback and public pressure may be influencing legislatures in Alaska, Idaho, and Wisconsin to amend state codes with more precise language. more
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Book Industry Coalition Opposes Federal Book Banning Effort
More than 130 publishers, booksellers, librarians, and literary groups have signed a letter in opposition to HR 7661, a bill that would cut federal funding for K–12 classrooms and school libraries alleged to possess “sexually oriented materials.” more
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ALA, AFSCME Defend IMLS and Reach Settlement with Federal Government
Earlier this month, after the White House dropped its appeal of Rhode Island v. Trump, the ALA and AFSCME reached a settlement with the federal government in ALA v. Sonderling, a case that prevents the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. more
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Appeals Court Rules for Iowa in Book Banning Fight
The ACLU and publishers suffered setbacks in separate lawsuits that challenge the constitutionality of Iowa’s Senate File 496. An appeals court vacated a ruling that prevented the law, which restricts teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ topics with students in kindergarten through the sixth grade and backs book bans in libraries and classrooms, from being enforced. more

DK Science Stories
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SPONSORED
DK Science Stories
DK Science Stories is a brand-new narrative nonfiction chapter book series that highlights the greatest moments in the history of science for young readers ages 8-12. Lively text, atmospheric illustrations throughout, and scientific explanation diagrams bring it all to life. Moon Landing and Project Penicillin are available now! LEARN MORE
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ALA Shares Challenged Books List
In recognition of National Library Week and Right to Read Day on April 20, the American Library Association announced its top 11 most challenged books of 2025 as part of its 2026 State of America’s Libraries Report. more
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LibraryOne Relaunches B&T Assets TitleSource360, Boundless
Digital assets of Baker & Taylor—including TitleSource360, Boundless, ePopUp Library, Content Café, and CollectConnect—have been sustained and are now available from the new digital library services provider LibraryOne. more
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Trustbridge Partners Acquires Literati
The Hong Kong–based equity firm, which also owns the Walker Books Group, has added the Austin-based education technology company to its portfolio. Launched in 2016, Literati initially offered children’s book subscription box service and later expanded into school book fairs. more

DK Science Stories
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Op-Ed: Politicians Should Not Be Choosing What Our Children Read
Author and former bookstore owner Danny Caine writes about the dangers of HR 7661—a bill that would withhold funds from public schools and libraries that have “sexually oriented” material on their shelves—and the impact it could have on children. more

DK Science Stories
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NBF Plans to ‘Lean In’ to Promote Reading
Given the uncertainty surrounding literary funding, the new five-year plan for the National Book Foundation calls for the organization to up its efforts to promote books and literacy, said executive director Ruth Dickey. more
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Helping Hands: Educators Share the Mutual Benefits of Kid Volunteers
PW spoke with librarians and media specialists about the ways young volunteers are assisting them with programming and other projects, resulting in rewards for the entire community. more
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Captain Underpants Book-Sharing Boxes Pop Up Across U.S.
Dav Pilkey is funding the creation of 100 custom-made Captain Underpants book-sharing boxes that are being installed by Little Free Library in partnership with Scholastic in schools and public libraries in underserved communities around the U.S. through July. more

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The Reading League Launches Decodable Books Imprint
The Reading League, a national nonprofit committed to promoting evidence-based instruction, along with its new publishing branch, the Reading League Press, is releasing the Read Then Peek series, a comprehensive guide to early literacy education. more
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Ingram Library in Deal with Bound to Stay Bound Books
As part of its effort to expand its library offerings, Ingram Library Services has partnered with Bound to Stay Bound Books, a provider of prebound children’s books for schools and libraries. more
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Lerner Publisher Services to Distribute Inquisitive Press
Lerner Publisher Services, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, is partnering with Inquisitive Press to be its exclusive distributor in the U.S. and Canada, effective August 2026. Inquisitive Press focuses on publishing children’s nonfiction that aims to educate and inspire early elementary readers. more
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Randi Smith
Kentucky librarian assistant Randi Smith brings the dangers of book banning to the forefront in her YA debut novel Ada Holloway’s Had Enough. Smith discussed what her work within libraries has shown her about modern book bans. more
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Sarah Lamdan
During National Library Week and all year long, the executive director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tackles censorship. more
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School & Library Spotlight
Editor: Emma Kantor
Digital Producer: Michael Seidlinger
Assistant Editor: Iyana Jones

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