Alabama Library Approves Workaround for LGBQTIA+ Book Ban | Alabama Political Reporter
The Autauga-Prattville Public Library board of trustees ended its outright ban on LGBTQIA+ books, but approved internal rules that would support the library director for removing the titles. 

Owner Says Suspect Broke Window, Burned Pride Display at Portland Bookstore | Fox 12 Oregon
A Pride display at a Portland bookstore was vandalized, according to the owner. At about 4:30 a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) responded to a fire at Dark Star Magick. Crews arrived to the scene and saw light smoke coming from a broken storefront window. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to a small pile of books, according to PF&R. The owner of Dark Star Magick says someone smashed a window before dumping fuel on the display and lighting it.

Wisconsin School Board Grapples Over Sexual Content as District’s Library Services Plan Remains Out of State Compliance | Herald Times-Reporter
Without a long-range plan for library services development filed with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Manitowoc School District risks being the subject of a compliance audit or a noncompliance hearing.

A Missouri School Board Could Ban Gender Identity Discussions in Classrooms | NPR
More than 100 students, parents, and teachers protested the proposals for the Francis Howell School District in St. Charles, MO, to ban discussions on gender identity and allow people to request books to be banned. But the school board introduced the measures over their objections, with final votes coming as early as July.

A Small-Town Texas Librarian's Big Stand Against Book Bans | Texas Observer
In Llano County, TX, a local librarian fought back against censorship, prompting a federal court fight and national recognition but losing the job of her dreams. Suzette Baker was celebrated by the Authors Guild in New York City as a “Champion of Writers”—the first-ever recipient of a national award established to honor librarians who fight book bans.

The Truth and Lies Behind One of the Most Banned Books in America | NPR
Code Switch is starting a new monthly series where we deep dive into the many facets of the book bans. It begins the series with Mike Curato, the author of Flamer, one of the most banned books in the country.

South Carolina ACLU Responds to Book Ban Bill | WSAV 3
South Carolina Resolution 43-170 gives the state board of education power to ban books from schools if they meet the state law definition of “sexual conduct.” Parents would get five challenges a month, and if the local school board doesn’t approve their challenge, the decision can be appealed to the state level. If that board agrees, the book would be banned, not just in that county, but in schools across the state. The ACLU of South Carolina says this policy is “censoring” students and could potentially take “classics” off shelves and out of kids’ hands.

LGBTQIA+ Librarians Grapple with Attacks on Books and on Themselves | AP
LGBTQIA+ and gender-nonconforming library workers are dealing with growing calls for book bans across the U.S., with books about gender identity, sexual orientation, and race topping the list of most criticized titles and making the attacks all the more personal.

A Committee's Attempt to Review Books in California School District Stirs Confusion and Controversy | The Stockton Record
The Lodi (CA) Unified School District has added a new feature to it parent portal that allows families to determine whether certain books are appropriate for their children to read. The addition came after parents and teachers voiced concerns about the formation of a book review committee that was not advertised publicly. Earlier this month, there were accusations that the committee voted to ban This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story by Kacen Callender and Tricks by Ellen Hopkins. 

Ohio Lawmaker Waging Nasty War on Educators, Librarians, and Drag Queens Despite Real Problems | Columbus Dispatch
The Dispatch Editorial Board looks at the culture wars overtaking the pressing issues of the state.