News

Among the week's headlines: The Supreme Court hears a potential landmark case about books with LGBTQ+ themes; North Dakota governor vetoes the state's book banning bill; and two new library-related documentaries are set to debut.

In a lengthy filing, DOJ lawyers argue that the canceling of grants and the firing of staff at IMLS is not about dismantling the agency, but about realigning it consistent with the current administration’s policy objectives.

Among the week's headlines: while fighting in court to save IMLS, ALA is also rallying library advocates to push Congress for FY 2026 funding; a Michigan court rules against book bans; the library world mourns Cliff Lynch; and the second IndeLib Forum takes place in New York.

The schedule appears to accommodate an ALA request that the court rule by May 4, which ALA lawyers cite as the date a "mass termination" of IMLS staff is reportedly set to take effect.

'At bottom, the situation is simple,' attorneys argued in an April 16 filing. 'The President issued an executive order so illegal that Defendants cannot defend it on the merits.'

In a filing this week, Trump administration lawyers said a coalition of 21 states lacked standing to sue in federal court.