Alexa Dumas

Just an FYI for #bannedbooksweek. This fight isn't about books. It's about freedom.

#TLSky #TLSkyChat #Booksky #Edusky #Librarians #Skybrarians

A 5th grader told me his family won't let him get graphic novels. He is supposed to get "real books." 😡 We plan for him to get as many GNs as he wants, but leave them in the classroom. He comes back the next day for more. #WorkArounds

#TLSky
#Skybrarians
#SchoolLibraries

A7: #1 for me is to get out of my office and go build/strengthen relationships with the people I serve. When they know me & I know them, all aspects of the work are easier. They know that I am a competent professional, I have experience, I am reliable, honest, & I do what I say I will do.
#TLSkyChat

My mentor librarian is there for me when it comes to book consultations. I have to be reminded that books I think are good for me (aged 23), may not be good for my students (10-14). Sometimes I am humbled, but mostly I am cheered on. Oh, and shameless plug for @youngteenlit.bsky.social! #TLSkyChat

My middle school adopted a cell phone ban last year and my kids are still loving the library! Not a cell phone in sight = books in hands! #TLSkyChat

a man in a suit and tie says oh in front of a tree Alt: a man in a suit and tie says oh in front of a tree

Completely sidenote: But an unintentionaly result of the Cellphone Ban in NYS has been a huge increase in book circulation in our school libraries. #TLSkyChat

A8: Librarians should always think of their students first and foremost when making collection decisions, regardless of outside pressures. Think of the students you may be disserving if you decide against purchasing a title that may bring controversy amongst adults! #TLSkyChat

A7: Educate and inform the school community on the positives of diverse and inclusive literature through library communications. Ensure that your district has the proper reconsideration policies in place when a challenge does arise. Reading spaces are safe, make sure the all can see that! #TLSkyChat

A6: My district's CD policy is fairly standard (circ. date, MUSTIE, librarian's discretion, etc.) and looks like the removal of titles no longer serving the current user group. I add an equitable lens on my policy, ensuring that positive representation remains regardless of stats. #TLSkyChat

Looking for great middle grade reads on censorship?

“Same Page,” “Ban This Book,” “Attack of the Black Rectangles,” “Not Another Banned Book,” and “Property of the Rebel Librarian” are some great choices!

RU548: Reading List [Summer 2025] I've had the pleasure of teaching a Young Adult Literature course in the MLIS program at Rutgers University for several years now and, it's one of my favorite things. Although I don't get to teach it ...

#TLSkyChat A4. I just learned yesterday that a MS Tchr adapted the reading tracker I created for my #Rutgers Ss to include a column for kids to share whether or not they think the book is a mirror, window or sliding glass door. 🤯 I'm wondering how this idea might translate to an interactive display.

A5: Weeding can lead to misinformation about our collections. Just because librarians are pulling books from the shelves that "look new," doesn't mean that we are "censoring it." Most of the time, we are using our CD policies to withdraw books that no longer fit the needs of our students. #TLSkyChat

A4: I have a poster on my desk that reads: "The freedom to read is your constitutional right," which is displayed all year long. During September and October, especially during Banned Books Week, I actually choose to display books that discuss censorship rather than the "banned books." #TLSkyChat

A3:

My principal and faculty are on my team! Although this is my second year, the importance and power I have placed on the library space and reading has created a culture of allies. If I ever had an issue with censorship, my district would have my back. #TLSkyChat

A2:

My middle school students can't get enough of "The Hunger Games." This book is such a parallel to the anger, angst, and rage that my students feel about the world they live in. Although it may not be a true mirror, it's a book that I can't keep off my shelves. #TLSkyChat

A1: The usual elevator pitch actually is for my students. Most adults I talk to understand the concept, but kids may not get it. My "kid-friendly" pitch is: "Some adults want to control what you can and can't read based on your age. Isn't that crazy? I make sure that doesn't happen here." #TLSkyChat

Hey, everyone! I'm Alexa, a library media specialist from New York State's Adirondack Mountains! I can't wait to talk Banned Books tonight! #TLSkyChat

Go Amy Go! @slupodcast.bsky.social

Excited to share this conversation with @mauramadigan7.bsky.social!

Kate Messner used to work at my school AND her story about my area is the cover of the SLJ Mock Newbery nominations…so proud of her representation of the Adirondacks and North Country!

The only promising #youngteenlit from 3 months of reviews seem to be realistic books.

We have a Goldilocks problem here: it's increasingly difficult to find what's "just right" for our young teens. What are we left to purchase that will entice our 7th and 8th graders? #itstimeforyoungteenlit 4/4

Disappointing to see the sparse options for #youngteens in the Sept issue of @slj.com. There has been a "Middle School" subsection in the YA reviews, but in September, there was NONE. In the Middle Grade reviews, 2 out of the 5 reviews had 8th grade characters, but both were reviewed for gr 5+. 🧵1/4

Started reading THAT LIBRARIAN by Amanda Jones (@librarianjones.com) yesterday in honor of Banned Book Week.

Librarians and library workers have been on the front lines of the modern fight for intellectual freedom for decades. Follow them, read them, listen to what they have to say.

What an amazing surprise to get in my school mailbox on this Monday morning! Amy and I recorded such a fun episode last night, so it is only fitting that my @slupodcast.bsky.social goodies arrived! I can’t wait for everyone to hear the episode! #TLSky #Skybriarians

YouTube video by Kidzuko No Cats In The Library 🐱📚 | Reading Rainbow 📖 🌈 | Full Episode | @Kidzuko​

The first episode of the return of Reading Rainbow! Congratulations, @mychal3ts.bsky.social! www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHAI...

I stand with @npr.org.

Amanda Jones Named to 2025 TIME100 Next List The 2021 School Librarian of the Year was recognized for her library advocacy and fight against censorship and book bans.

Amanda Jones Named to 2025 TIME100 Next List
www.slj.com/story/Amanda...

Amanda Jones Named to 2025 TIME100 Next List The 2021 School Librarian of the Year was recognized for her library advocacy and fight against censorship and book bans.

“The right to read, to learn, and to access information must never be taken for granted,” she said. “I’m grateful for this platform and the chance to amplify this vital work.”
Thank you, @slj.com.
www.slj.com/story/Amanda...

🎶 Take a look, it's in a book 🎶

🥹 After nearly 20 years... Reading Rainbow is returning to motivate, help, and encourage kids to become avid readers with new episodes, new friends, new projects, and of course... new books! Make sure to follow the rainbow 📚🌈

#FollowTheRainbow

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting @mychal3ts.bsky.social twice at library conferences…and you’re telling me he’s the new LeVar Burton?? I can’t wait to see what the new Reading Rainbow program has in store for the best PBS Resident Librarian!!

#TLSky #Skybrarian #ReadingRainbow