Dulcey Hunter serves as the University of Chicago’s inaugural banned books postdoctoral scholar, a role that aims to highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and bring awareness to the rise in efforts to challenge or ban books in the U.S. and abroad.

Illinois libraries are funded by a mix of property taxes and state and federal grants. Librarians have said it’s often difficult to decide what to prioritize when budgets get tight, and many Illinois libraries have reported they don’t offer online database subscriptions.

“Are You a Librarian? The Untold Story of Librarians” connects the history of public libraries, civil rights and literacy to the current political attacks on the public library system.

“Libraries are so much more than books,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. “They offer things like job searching and training courses, literacy support, de facto child care for working parents, language instruction, and most of all, welcoming and inclusive public spaces for the community.”

The bill would allow trained library workers to administer opioid antagonists to potential overdose victims on library grounds, in the immediate vicinity of libraries and at library events.

According to the American Library Association, more than 77% of rural public libraries are the only source of free public access to computers and the internet in their communities.

He checked out the book in 1974 at the age of 13 because of his love of baseball. After discovering he still had the book a few years ago, Chuck Hildebrandt decided to hang onto it until the 50th anniversary of the due date to visit Warren, Michigan, and return it in person.

This summer, the state libraries in Montana, Missouri and Texas and the local library in Midland, Texas, announced they’re leaving the ALA, with possibly more to come. Right-wing lawmakers in at least nine other states demand similar action.

Book bans and how to fight them is a major focus of this year’s American Library Association conference. Librarians may attend sessions aimed at helping them confidently counter book challenges, fight legislative censorship and ensure the freedom to read.

Tracie Hall, the first Black woman to lead the Chicago-based American Library Association, has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023.

City Council takes the first step paving the way for an Obama Presidential Library on public parkland. But does it assuage the concerns of park preservationists?

In time for Valentine's Day, The Newberry Library in Chicago has searched through its extensive archives for artifacts of love. Taking suggestions from its staff across many areas of expertise, the library has created an exhibition of works on paper that express love in all its forms over the last eight centuries. We get a preview.

Chicago residents got another chance today to sound off on whether or not they support an Obama Presidential Library on protected parkland. Vote in our poll.

City officials face the public on whether an Obama Presidential Library should locate in a south side park. Vote in our poll.

The University of Chicago and UIC are going head to head in the race to land the Obama Presidential Library. Final submissions are due to the Obama Foundation Thursday.  

The University of Chicago and the University of Illinois-Chicago are going head to head on their plans to lure the Obama Presidential Library and Museum to Chicago.