Free Expression

Richard Flanagan wins Man Booker Prize for Fiction; First Amendment groups challenge Idaho school’s parental consent form; Eric Schwartz joins Columbia University Press as editorial director

ABA and the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association are urging New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to veto a bill that discriminates against independent bookstores that mistakenly disclose customer information to the police and other third parties.
 

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression is asking children’s book artists to help raise money to defend the free speech rights of kids by contributing artwork to an online auction by October 31.

Eight organizations have written to Colorado’s Jefferson County School Board to oppose a proposed review of the curriculum for Advanced Placement U.S. History that is aimed at presenting only “positive aspects of the U.S. and its heritage.”

Following complaints from parents about mature content, seven books were removed from the Highland Park Independent School District’s reading list, including The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, who said he was baffled by the school’s decision.

Authors United to ask Justice Department for Amazon inquiry; Women’s National Book Association selects Great Group Reads; NCAC announces winners of Cameron Post Essay Contest; Penguin Random House in partnership with Universal Pictures

With the recent release of the paperback edition of Stephen Jimenez’s controversial The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard, ABFFE President Chris Finan reflects on the failed efforts to force 23 bookstores to cancel their events for the book last year and announces plans for an ABFFE program at Winter Institute.

Banned Books Week is being celebrated in bookstores throughout the country from September 21 – 27 with special events, displays, videos, and more. 

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression and five independent bookstores are among the plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in federal court this week challenging a new Arizona criminal law that bans nude images.

Booksellers are responding enthusiastically to the latest Banned Books Week promotion from Ingram Content Group and the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression.

Randy Smith, co-owner, with Ann Baumgartle, of Indiana’s Destinations Booksellers, explains in a letter to the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression why he thinks it is important to fight censorship and what he’s doing about it.

Booksellers who place orders for 30 or more books from an expanded list of banned or challenged titles before October 3 will receive an additional discount from Ingram, as well as a free “Banned Books Week in a Box” display kit.

Starting August 20, booksellers can view a list of more than 450 banned and challenged titles via Ingram’s ipage®. Orders of 30 or more books per store entitle purchasers to a “Banned Books Week in a Box” display kit and additional discounts on initial and subsequent orders.

West Virginia collects $19 million in sales tax from online retailers; NAIBA seeks Independent Bookstore Day logo; Cape Henlopen school board does away with reading list; Macmillan expands public library e-lending pilot program

Sen. Patrick Leahy has introduced legislation that is a much stronger version of the U.S.A. Freedom Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in May.