Three people sit with a sign at a Campbell County, Wyo., Library Board meeting, July 23, 2023, in Gillette, Wyo. (Ed Glazar / Gillette News Record via AP)
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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.

Heather Hutto, executive director of Bristow Public Library, center, along with former President of United for Libraries Skip Dye, left, and Executive Director of the Digital Public Library of America John Bracken, right, speaks during a panel discussion about understanding and combating book bans at the American Library Association's annual conference and exhibition on Friday, June 23, 2023, at McCormick Place in Chicago. (AP Photo / Erin Hooley)

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, appeared on “Black Voices” on April 22, 2023. (WTTW News)

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.

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U of C, UIC Deliver Final Pitches Tomorrow

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.

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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.

As President Barack Obama gears up to select the location for his Presidential Library, the bids to host the prestigious institution are flooding in. With Chicago being the president's adopted home town, does it have the inside track? View a map of all 15 presidential library locations.   

It's not often you can see a letter written by George Washington, a limited edition Barbie doll and Groucho Marx's autograph -- all in one place. Eddie Arruza visits a new exhibit at the Northwestern University library.

Library Hours

We asked what you thought about Chicago Public libraries being closed on Mondays. We read what some of you had to say in Viewer Mail.