America’s burgeoning cultural wars have swept into school and community libraries, where works from Huckleberry Finn to Toni Morrison’s Beloved have long faced challenges. Now, a new, politically charged wave of book-banning sentiment takes aim at titles on sexual and racial identity.

Marking this year’s observance of Banned Books Week from September 18-24, a panel of veteran librarians from Kansas City-area library systems examines the issue and walks through a range of books that have been targeted for removal or restriction in public libraries and schools. WATCH RECORDING

Native American Heritage Month is every November, but we should celebrate Indigenous stories and storytellers year-round. This panel discussion, hosted by Penguin Young Readers and Booklist, intends to do just that. With incredible indigenous authors Traci Sorell, David Treuer, and Ria Thundercloud who are intentionally uplifting nonfiction and fiction stories from their communities, this event is not to be missed. WATCH RECORDING

The increase in book challenges at school and public libraries has left many library workers stunned, weary, and worried about what comes next. But our important work must continue! Join our panel of boots-on-the-ground library workers for a frank and inclusive conversation about how we press on to do the best for our patrons and communities, for intellectual freedom, and for ourselves in these difficult circumstances. Hosted by Booklist. WATCH RECORDING

Jay Ashcroft argues his proposed restrictions on "non-age-appropriate materials" in libraries will give parents more power over what their kids consume. Library administrators say the rule would force them to take on a “big brother status,” and threaten equal access to information for all children. Hosted by KCUR. LISTEN HERE

Interested in learning about grant writing and the process for libraries? Join us to hear from grant recipients who will share their experiences about the process of writing and obtaining grants for library projects. Panelists will also share their perspectives about finding grant opportunities and how to handle unsuccessful proposals. Hosted by CALA. WATCH RECORDING

Recent natural and man-made crises around the world have significantly impacted library workers' wellness. Join the ALA Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship for a lively conversation with library leaders sharing recommendations and best practices on how we can foster wellness for ourselves and others. Hosted by COSWL. WATCH RECORDING

ALA President Patty Wong has held a long-standing belief that small, rural, and tribal libraries serve as vital community anchors through their active roles in advocating and in providing equitable resources and connectivity for all. In addition to the many other services they provide, these libraries are hubs of connectivity for these communities that often have no other access. During the pandemic, the disparity between the haves and have-nots in the digital age has been of special concern in small, rural, and tribal communities. WATCH RECORDING

An overview of the American Indian Library Association and current issues in Indian Country as presented for the University of South Carolina Dr. Augusta Baker Diversity Lecture Series. WATCH RECORDING

The Library's Director of Branch Operations Cindy Hohl joined U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo in an online conversation April 27, 2021, as part of PBS Books’ Trailblazing American Women Writers series during National Poetry Month. WATCH RECORDING

Create magical experiences for your patrons of all ages by planning inclusive programs and displays to delight curious minds and encourage creativity while building community. Using planning tools and best practices, we will discuss how easy it is to create memorable experiences that will have a lasting impact for generations to come. We will go beyond traditional library program checklist tools to include community event calendars, grants, templates, and more. There are so many unique ways to provide quality programming at your library, and these tools will help you elevate your plans to include added-value services in the library, through outreach, and online. Hosted by the South Carolina State Library. WATCH RECORDING

Library Workers of Color Pursuing the MBA Degree AKA Master of Business Administration: A Virtual Discussion on the Opportunities and Challenges hosted by the Virginia Library Association. WATCH RECORDING

In an online discussion of his book Red Alert!, Haskell Indian Nations University’s Daniel Wildcat offers an avenue of response: Apply Native American wisdom and nature-centered beliefs to the strategy for rescuing our ecologically distressed planet. Hosted by the Kansas City Public Library and Co-Sponsored by the American Indian Library Association. WATCH RECORDING