kelly jensen
@heykellyjensen.bsky.social
Senior Editor at Book Riot. Editor/Author of BODY TALK, HERE WE ARE, + (DON'T) CALL ME CRAZY. Former librarian. Anti-censorship advocate. Yoga teacher. Your favorite infernal witch. She/her. Library Journal Mover & Shaker in 2024.
Pinned
kelly jensen
@heykellyjensen.bsky.social
· Nov 10
A massive thread of resources, history, information, and material to help you not only fight and understand book censorship but protect the incredible democratic institutions of public libraries and public education.
This is updated regularly!
This is updated regularly!
Reposted by kelly jensen
What they're never gonna get from me is five dollars.
November 10, 2025 at 11:40 PM
What they're never gonna get from me is five dollars.
Reposted by kelly jensen
Bluesky, a reintroduction!
I’m an investigative reporter @chicagotribune.com covering big stories. Now focused on immigration. But I’ll take any tips about people being hurt by government, junk science, healthcare, business or anybody else. Reach out gpratt@chicagotribune.com or Signal grp.27
I’m an investigative reporter @chicagotribune.com covering big stories. Now focused on immigration. But I’ll take any tips about people being hurt by government, junk science, healthcare, business or anybody else. Reach out gpratt@chicagotribune.com or Signal grp.27
November 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Bluesky, a reintroduction!
I’m an investigative reporter @chicagotribune.com covering big stories. Now focused on immigration. But I’ll take any tips about people being hurt by government, junk science, healthcare, business or anybody else. Reach out gpratt@chicagotribune.com or Signal grp.27
I’m an investigative reporter @chicagotribune.com covering big stories. Now focused on immigration. But I’ll take any tips about people being hurt by government, junk science, healthcare, business or anybody else. Reach out gpratt@chicagotribune.com or Signal grp.27
Reposted by kelly jensen
Cherry Hill NJ wants to restrict "sensitive" topics in its school libraries after one parent complained about an LGBTQ+ title. That uninformed over-reaction violates principles of librarianship, the NJ Freedom to Read Act, and students' 1st Amendment Rights. Hat trick! 🙄
Cherry Hill schools may require parental approval for students checking out ‘sensitive’ books
Cherry Hill public schools may begin requiring parental permission for students to check out sensitive books, according to an internal memo obtained by The Inquirer.
www.inquirer.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Cherry Hill NJ wants to restrict "sensitive" topics in its school libraries after one parent complained about an LGBTQ+ title. That uninformed over-reaction violates principles of librarianship, the NJ Freedom to Read Act, and students' 1st Amendment Rights. Hat trick! 🙄
I did this last week after another round of hate because I dared state something going viral was misinformation (and cited my sources, unlike the viral posts).
Since then, this site has gotten SO MUCH BETTER. I co-sign this boundary so hard.
Since then, this site has gotten SO MUCH BETTER. I co-sign this boundary so hard.
BSky is so much more usable now that I’ve set the boundary that for nearly all of my posts you have to follow me in order to be in my replies
November 10, 2025 at 9:35 PM
I did this last week after another round of hate because I dared state something going viral was misinformation (and cited my sources, unlike the viral posts).
Since then, this site has gotten SO MUCH BETTER. I co-sign this boundary so hard.
Since then, this site has gotten SO MUCH BETTER. I co-sign this boundary so hard.
I began this thread in September to try to document all of the library budget/funding cuts I could find throughout the year.
When I say it's been ugly for libraries in 2025, I'm not exaggerating.
Some of these have been resolved with good news. Most have not.
When I say it's been ugly for libraries in 2025, I'm not exaggerating.
Some of these have been resolved with good news. Most have not.
Thompkins County Public Library (Ithaca, New York) might need to lay off 7 librarians because of budget issues: ithacavoice.org/2024/11/coun...
County budget cuts could lead to layoffs at library - The Ithaca Voice
TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. — The Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL) could lay off up to seven of its full time library workers next year. Library leadership said the layoffs, if […]
ithacavoice.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:41 PM
I began this thread in September to try to document all of the library budget/funding cuts I could find throughout the year.
When I say it's been ugly for libraries in 2025, I'm not exaggerating.
Some of these have been resolved with good news. Most have not.
When I say it's been ugly for libraries in 2025, I'm not exaggerating.
Some of these have been resolved with good news. Most have not.
Educators have been reaching out to DonorsChoose in droves asking for help in feeding their students. You can donate to the fund that DC is using to distribute to educators to meet those needs. They're aiming for $100,000 in donations–& they're almost there.
secure.donorschoose.org/donors/fund/...
secure.donorschoose.org/donors/fund/...
Support Teachers Fighting Food Insecurity
Students can’t learn on empty stomachs. You can help teachers stepping up at this critical moment.
secure.donorschoose.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Educators have been reaching out to DonorsChoose in droves asking for help in feeding their students. You can donate to the fund that DC is using to distribute to educators to meet those needs. They're aiming for $100,000 in donations–& they're almost there.
secure.donorschoose.org/donors/fund/...
secure.donorschoose.org/donors/fund/...
SCOTUS doing one thing right: www.cnn.com/2025/11/10/p...
Supreme Court declines to revisit landmark same-sex marriage precedent | CNN Politics
The Supreme Court on Monday declined an opportunity to overturn its landmark precedent recognizing a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, tossing aside an appeal that had roiled LGBTQ advocates ...
www.cnn.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:41 PM
SCOTUS doing one thing right: www.cnn.com/2025/11/10/p...
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
These are *easy* and *vital* things. Let's save CPL's budget.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
These are *easy* and *vital* things. Let's save CPL's budget.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
The People Want To Read: On Massive Budget Cuts Proposed in Chicago
If passed, Chicago Public Library will lose half their budget for acquiring new books and materials.
buttondown.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
These are *easy* and *vital* things. Let's save CPL's budget.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
These are *easy* and *vital* things. Let's save CPL's budget.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Last month, eight books were removed from Georgia's statewide reading book for students. It was teenagers who brought this censorship to the spotlight–even though it's not their job to clean up grown-up messes.
Get to know 3 of those teens here.
bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Get to know 3 of those teens here.
bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Meet the High Schoolers Who Overturned a State Reading Bowl Book Ban: Book Censorship News, November 7, 2025
A Georgia statewide reading bowl banned eight books. These students led the charge to get the bans overturned and succeeded.
bookriot.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Last month, eight books were removed from Georgia's statewide reading book for students. It was teenagers who brought this censorship to the spotlight–even though it's not their job to clean up grown-up messes.
Get to know 3 of those teens here.
bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Get to know 3 of those teens here.
bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Rutherford County Library System (TN) shut down 2 libraries to ban books from the collections. This decision came as the Secretary of State sent them a letter demanding they "follow the law" and "follow Executive Orders" related to collections.
The board *likes* this.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
The board *likes* this.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
Rutherford County Library System (TN) Temporarily Shuts Down to Ban Books
Rutherford County Library System announced on social media a surprise shutdown of two libraries. Why? "Reviewing inventory."
bookriot.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Rutherford County Library System (TN) shut down 2 libraries to ban books from the collections. This decision came as the Secretary of State sent them a letter demanding they "follow the law" and "follow Executive Orders" related to collections.
The board *likes* this.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
The board *likes* this.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
The giant roundup of YA news from October. It's appearing we might be seeing a rise in YA adaptations, both in terms of on-screen and in-print, on the way.
bookriot.com/ya-book-news...
bookriot.com/ya-book-news...
Will We Be Seeing a Wave of New YA Book Adaptations Soon?
The latest in YA book news, including a wealth of upcoming book-to-film adaptations, freshly awarded books, and more.
bookriot.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:03 PM
The giant roundup of YA news from October. It's appearing we might be seeing a rise in YA adaptations, both in terms of on-screen and in-print, on the way.
bookriot.com/ya-book-news...
bookriot.com/ya-book-news...
Last week's new YA book releases: bookriot.com/new-ya-book-...
New YA Book Releases for November 5, 2025
Two of this week's new releases featuring compact mirrors on the cover, foreshadowing something a little bit sinister.
bookriot.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Last week's new YA book releases: bookriot.com/new-ya-book-...
Going to do a big link dump from my work the last week. Starting with YA stuff, then onto censorship and library stuff.
November 10, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Going to do a big link dump from my work the last week. Starting with YA stuff, then onto censorship and library stuff.
"An Elmhurst man who made a scene objecting to a Pride flag at Elmhurst Public Library (IL) was later charged, police said."
Disorderly conduct was the charge, but it sure is nice to see librarians being SEEN and HEARD about this stuff.
patch.com/illinois/elm...
Disorderly conduct was the charge, but it sure is nice to see librarians being SEEN and HEARD about this stuff.
patch.com/illinois/elm...
Elmhurst Man Upset Over Pride Flag At Library Charged
The man, who spoke about Jesus and vowed to stand his ground, was charged with disorderly conduct, police said.
patch.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:51 PM
"An Elmhurst man who made a scene objecting to a Pride flag at Elmhurst Public Library (IL) was later charged, police said."
Disorderly conduct was the charge, but it sure is nice to see librarians being SEEN and HEARD about this stuff.
patch.com/illinois/elm...
Disorderly conduct was the charge, but it sure is nice to see librarians being SEEN and HEARD about this stuff.
patch.com/illinois/elm...
"States rights" everybody's ass.
USDA orders states to stop paying full SNAP benefits and "immediately undo" steps taken to issue them for November. Follow live updates.
https://cnn.it/47LOq3z
https://cnn.it/47LOq3z
November 9, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"States rights" everybody's ass.
On the topic of Chicago Public Library, here's a reddit user who is visiting all of the library's branches and eating at a restaurant in that neighborhood. Some are local, some are less-so, but the project is a fun one to read. What makes the libraries & food special?
www.reddit.com/r/chicagofoo...
www.reddit.com/r/chicagofoo...
From the chicagofood community on Reddit: Libraries and Lunches in Chicago: Part 1
Explore this post and more from the chicagofood community
www.reddit.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
On the topic of Chicago Public Library, here's a reddit user who is visiting all of the library's branches and eating at a restaurant in that neighborhood. Some are local, some are less-so, but the project is a fun one to read. What makes the libraries & food special?
www.reddit.com/r/chicagofoo...
www.reddit.com/r/chicagofoo...
I *really* appreciate how @tomesandtextiles.bsky.social responded when she learned the viral "Moms for Liberty won none of their (contested) elections!" was misinformation. This was classy and helpful for those who also spread that without any verification.
www.instagram.com/p/DQxSrAhkXEw/
www.instagram.com/p/DQxSrAhkXEw/
Login • Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
www.instagram.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:57 PM
I *really* appreciate how @tomesandtextiles.bsky.social responded when she learned the viral "Moms for Liberty won none of their (contested) elections!" was misinformation. This was classy and helpful for those who also spread that without any verification.
www.instagram.com/p/DQxSrAhkXEw/
www.instagram.com/p/DQxSrAhkXEw/
Reposted by kelly jensen
Leftists really have to prioritize public libraries in budget fights.
November 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Leftists really have to prioritize public libraries in budget fights.
Meet three of the high schoolers who saw their state reading bowl banned eight books in Georgia...and did something about it.
Kids should never have to do this kind of work, but they are absolutely worth celebrating when they do: bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Kids should never have to do this kind of work, but they are absolutely worth celebrating when they do: bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Meet the High Schoolers Who Overturned a State Reading Bowl Book Ban: Book Censorship News, November 7, 2025
A Georgia statewide reading bowl banned eight books. These students led the charge to get the bans overturned and succeeded.
bookriot.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Meet three of the high schoolers who saw their state reading bowl banned eight books in Georgia...and did something about it.
Kids should never have to do this kind of work, but they are absolutely worth celebrating when they do: bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Kids should never have to do this kind of work, but they are absolutely worth celebrating when they do: bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Reposted by kelly jensen
"What drives people to Chicago public libraries are the materials they want to check out. Circulation rates since 2022 have increased by 17.5%.
Among the nine largest library systems serving populations of over 2M residents, CPL ranks second lowest in terms of spending per resident."
Among the nine largest library systems serving populations of over 2M residents, CPL ranks second lowest in terms of spending per resident."
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
The People Want To Read: On Massive Budget Cuts Proposed in Chicago
If passed, Chicago Public Library will lose half their budget for acquiring new books and materials.
buttondown.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:19 AM
"What drives people to Chicago public libraries are the materials they want to check out. Circulation rates since 2022 have increased by 17.5%.
Among the nine largest library systems serving populations of over 2M residents, CPL ranks second lowest in terms of spending per resident."
Among the nine largest library systems serving populations of over 2M residents, CPL ranks second lowest in terms of spending per resident."
Annual tradition of wondering where the hell my snow brush is after the first snow has fallen.
November 9, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Annual tradition of wondering where the hell my snow brush is after the first snow has fallen.
I'm so obsessed with Picnic Basket that I'm sharing her again. If you're anywhere near her and can adopt her, please please please, bring Picnic Basket home.
1. that's a tortie look if i've ever seen one
2. that's a tortie personality if i've ever read one
HER NAME IS PICNIC BASKET.
2. that's a tortie personality if i've ever read one
HER NAME IS PICNIC BASKET.
This pretty lady is Picnic Basket. She is a very friendly girl who loves people. She will take all the pets she can get and she also loves to play. Some other cats are okay with her, but she would also be content to be your one and only.
November 9, 2025 at 12:46 AM
I'm so obsessed with Picnic Basket that I'm sharing her again. If you're anywhere near her and can adopt her, please please please, bring Picnic Basket home.
Chicago Public Library's budget cuts would mean losing HALF of the materials budget. It would mean losing 90 staff members.
Cop budget's fine, though.
Cop budget's fine, though.
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
The People Want To Read: On Massive Budget Cuts Proposed in Chicago
If passed, Chicago Public Library will lose half their budget for acquiring new books and materials.
buttondown.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Chicago Public Library's budget cuts would mean losing HALF of the materials budget. It would mean losing 90 staff members.
Cop budget's fine, though.
Cop budget's fine, though.
1. that's a tortie look if i've ever seen one
2. that's a tortie personality if i've ever read one
HER NAME IS PICNIC BASKET.
2. that's a tortie personality if i've ever read one
HER NAME IS PICNIC BASKET.
This pretty lady is Picnic Basket. She is a very friendly girl who loves people. She will take all the pets she can get and she also loves to play. Some other cats are okay with her, but she would also be content to be your one and only.
November 8, 2025 at 7:52 PM
1. that's a tortie look if i've ever seen one
2. that's a tortie personality if i've ever read one
HER NAME IS PICNIC BASKET.
2. that's a tortie personality if i've ever read one
HER NAME IS PICNIC BASKET.
It's a good day to use my birthday gift card to the local bookstore and grab candy from the local candy store. It's gray and cold, and I was supposed to be doing an event out of state, but we rescheduled due to [waves hands]. It's a wholly calm weekend.
November 8, 2025 at 6:29 PM
It's a good day to use my birthday gift card to the local bookstore and grab candy from the local candy store. It's gray and cold, and I was supposed to be doing an event out of state, but we rescheduled due to [waves hands]. It's a wholly calm weekend.