We Need Diverse Book aims to fight book banning and better literacy with a new initiative; Library of Congress is accepting applications for Literacy Awards; NCTE to host African American Read-in with Mychal Threets; and more.

WNDB launches new classroom initiative

We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) has launched the Unbanned Book Network program, a new literacy and diverse books initiative for K–12 schools.

According to WNDB, “The Network will address three key issues in U.S. education today:

• Combatting book bans by supporting affected authors through book donations and virtual school visits
• Addressing the ongoing literacy crisis by building diverse classroom libraries stocked with titles that get students excited about reading
• Connecting participating teachers through a series of webinar trainings to help them create inclusive classroom libraries and improve lagging reading levels”

Classroom teachers at K–12 public schools in the United States and territories can apply. WNDB will select 20 public school classrooms in states heavily impacted by book bans. Selected teachers must answer three surveys throughout the year and provide photos of the books/library.

Each participating classroom will receive: 

• approximately 100 diverse books by authors who have had their work challenged or banned in the United States
• a piece of classroom library furniture (shelf, cart, etc.)
• a virtual visit with a diverse author whose work has been challenged or banned in the United States
• three virtual seminars with provided reading

WNDB will begin sending materials to the selected educators in the spring, but the program is scheduled to officially launch for the 2026–27 school year.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, February 13.

Library of Congress accepting Literacy Awards applications

The Library of Congress (LOC) is accepting applications for the LOC Literacy Awards. The prizes are open to schools, libraries, nonprofits, and government and tribal organizations that have literacy initiatives.

The deadline to apply is February 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Several prizes are awarded, including:

The David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000) is awarded for an outstanding and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels to an organization, based either inside or outside the United States, which has demonstrated exceptional and sustained depth in its commitment to the advancement of literacy.

The Kislak Family Foundation Prize ($100,000) is awarded to an organization based either inside or outside of the United States with an outsized impact on literacy relative to its size and/or years of operation.

The American Prize ($50,000) is awarded to an organization based in the United States for making a significant and measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels in the U.S. or the national awareness of the importance of literacy.

Successful Practices Honorees ($10,000) are recognized for their successful implementation of a specific literacy promotion practice. Up to 15 organizations that apply in the major prize categories will receive $10,000.

Emerging Strategies Honorees ($5,000) are recognized for a literacy initiative in its early stages of development (five years or fewer) that demonstrate significant creativity and promise in its approach to literacy. Up to five organizations will receive $5,000.

NCTE to host African American Read-In

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) will host its National African American Read-In with Reading Rainbow host and former librarian Mychal Threets on February 12 at 1 p.m. ET.

Educators, students, and preservice teachers can join a 45-minute conversation with Threets that will include: A reading of his new book, I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy; a mental health exercise led by Threets; and a Q&A session with preselected questions that teachers can submit by February 4.

NCTE members will have the opportunity to receive a free copy of the book.

The event is open to members and non-members. Registration is required.

Threets is ALA’s Honorary Chair of National Library Week

Threets will be this year’s American Library Association (ALA) Honorary Chair of National Library Week from April 19–25.

The selection of Threets, known for sharing social media videos to spread “library joy,” works perfectly with the week’s theme: “Find Your Joy.”

“Celebrating libraries, thanking library workers, visiting libraries is how I find my joy,” Threets said in a statement. “There are so many library kids and library grown-ups who have yet to fully embrace their library joy, and I am so excited for them! When they enter the world of libraries and stories, I am confident they will find not only their library joy but their courage to believe in their own story and maybe even share it with others.”

Said ALA president Sam Helmick, “Mychal represents the best of us, and his mission to spread library joy resonates deeply at a pivotal time for our nation’s libraries and their communities. As ALA celebrates its 150th anniversary, we can think of no better ambassador to inspire people everywhere to visit and support their libraries.”

The National Library Week celebration will include Right to Read Day on April 20, National Library Workers Day on April 21, National Library Outreach Day on April 22, and Take Action for Libraries Day on April 23.