Alongside calls to stop the immeasurable human suffering in Gaza, global initiatives hope to shine a spotlight on Palestinian literature, identity, and culture.
Library Purchases Boost the Italian Book Market to Start 2026
“In a difficult year that raises concerns for the future, the library purchase bonus has allowed the book market to grow in the first four months,” said AIE President Innocenzo Cipolletta, in a statement.
Around the Book World: Monday, May 18, 2026
Publishing analyst Carlo Carrenho kicks off the week with a review of the headlines from across the international publishing world.
National Library Report Finds Book Readership to Be ‘Stable’ in Poland
The report, which comes as Polish lawmakers consider enacting a fixed price system to buttress the book market, finds that book readership levels were the same as in last year’s survey.
PEN America Honors Tennessee Library Advocates for Defending the Freedom to Read
“The Rutherford County Library Alliance is an important reminder that power lives in our communities, with the courage of individuals who refuse to be silenced,” said Summer Lopez PEN America co-CEO.” Also this week, PEN International released its 2026 International Case List, highlighting writers around the world targeted for their work.
American Library Association Shares Book Ban Data, List of ‘Most Challenged’ Titles of 2025
U.S. librarians tracked 4,235 unique book challenges in 2025, nearly matching the record of 4,240 recorded in 2023, and almost double last year’s count.
U.S. Appeals Court Deals a Blow to the Freedom to Read
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled that school officials and politicians have broad discretion to order the removal of books from school libraries as long as the removals are “reasonably” related to “legitimate pedagogical concerns.”
With New Competition, IFLA Is Looking For the Next Masters of Library Science…Fiction
With its 100-year anniversary on the horizon, IFLA (The International Federation of Library Associations) is asking librarians to use their imaginations when contemplating the future of librarianship…literally.
After Baker & Taylor Collapse, Australian Library Supplier James Bennett to Sponsor IFLA Public Library Award
IFLA reps said James Bennett’s sponsorship will ensure the “ongoing celebration of excellence in library design and function.”
U.S. Congress Members Reintroduce Federal ‘Right to Read’ Act
U.S. lawmakers reintroduce legislation that would support “evidence-based reading instruction, well stocked and staffed school libraries, family literacy programs, a wide range of reading materials, and the freedom to choose what to read.”