Steve A
@stegan.bsky.social
Part time school librarian, archivist-for-hire, romance novel historian, freelance writer about romance history. He/Him. Blog: romancehistory.com Podcast: blackromancehistory.com
Reposted by Steve A
At least eight states have deeply concerning anti-library, anti-literature bills on the docket for their legislative sessions so far. Here's what they are and what you can and should do at this point about them–whether or not you live in these states.
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Bad Library Bills, 2026 Edition: State-Level Legislation of Concern
Alabama, Ohio, New Hampshire, and several other states already have bills targeting libraries and books on deck for 2026.
buttondown.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:03 PM
At least eight states have deeply concerning anti-library, anti-literature bills on the docket for their legislative sessions so far. Here's what they are and what you can and should do at this point about them–whether or not you live in these states.
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Had to break up a pile of kids fighting to get to the Pig The Pug books, but how’s your Friday?
January 9, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Had to break up a pile of kids fighting to get to the Pig The Pug books, but how’s your Friday?
I have this theory that you’re either the kid who stopped playing Monopoly because it wasn’t fun anymore or you’re the reason everyone else stopped playing Monopoly.
January 9, 2026 at 2:04 AM
I have this theory that you’re either the kid who stopped playing Monopoly because it wasn’t fun anymore or you’re the reason everyone else stopped playing Monopoly.
They won’t admit it, but elementary school kids love when adults are cringe because it proves that kids are superior. So don’t be afraid to be a cringe adult. Embrace it, revel in it.
January 8, 2026 at 4:36 PM
They won’t admit it, but elementary school kids love when adults are cringe because it proves that kids are superior. So don’t be afraid to be a cringe adult. Embrace it, revel in it.
ATK chef Elle Simone has died. She was one of their most enjoyable on-air talents. www.wbur.org/news/2026/01...
Chef and food stylist Elle Simone Scott dies at 49
Scott was known for her work on "America's Test Kitchen." Her family confirmed that she died on Jan. 5.
www.wbur.org
January 8, 2026 at 1:44 AM
ATK chef Elle Simone has died. She was one of their most enjoyable on-air talents. www.wbur.org/news/2026/01...
Tomorrow I go from “librarian kids see for 20 minutes once a week” to “librarian kids see for 45 minutes every four days” and I don’t know if any of us are ready for that. Particularly not me. But we will persevere!
January 5, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Tomorrow I go from “librarian kids see for 20 minutes once a week” to “librarian kids see for 45 minutes every four days” and I don’t know if any of us are ready for that. Particularly not me. But we will persevere!
Reposted by Steve A
These were the most read and shared book censorship stories from last year. Where do these stories stand now at the beginning of 2026?
I've got the stories and their updates: bookriot.com/most-popular...
I've got the stories and their updates: bookriot.com/most-popular...
Most Popular Literary Activism Stories from 2025: Book Censorship News, January 2, 2026
The most popular book censorship stories from 2025, with updates on what's happening on them now.
bookriot.com
January 3, 2026 at 1:35 PM
These were the most read and shared book censorship stories from last year. Where do these stories stand now at the beginning of 2026?
I've got the stories and their updates: bookriot.com/most-popular...
I've got the stories and their updates: bookriot.com/most-popular...
Library late fines don’t work and library books have a shelf life shorter than “forever”.
January 4, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Library late fines don’t work and library books have a shelf life shorter than “forever”.
Reposted by Steve A
it is your DUTY as a parent to be basic and cringe. if your child says "6-7" and you do not say, loud enough for their friends to hear, "8-9?", causing profound silence and intense discomfort, you are neglecting your responsibilities. being cool is for kids. your days of being laughed WITH are over
January 4, 2026 at 10:42 PM
it is your DUTY as a parent to be basic and cringe. if your child says "6-7" and you do not say, loud enough for their friends to hear, "8-9?", causing profound silence and intense discomfort, you are neglecting your responsibilities. being cool is for kids. your days of being laughed WITH are over
I mean this as an honest question to anyone who’s bought a ticket to a Morrissey show over the past 20 years- Why? www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Morrissey Kicks Off 2026 By Canceling California Concerts
Morrissey kicked off the new year on the same note as he closed out 2025: By canceling concerts at the last minute.
www.rollingstone.com
January 4, 2026 at 6:49 PM
I mean this as an honest question to anyone who’s bought a ticket to a Morrissey show over the past 20 years- Why? www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Reposted by Steve A
This piece, from the great @elevidalbe.bsky.social in 2024, is still and particularly relevant right now: stop telling Venezuelans how to think or feel in this moment globalvoices.org/2024/08/09/d...
January 4, 2026 at 12:39 PM
This piece, from the great @elevidalbe.bsky.social in 2024, is still and particularly relevant right now: stop telling Venezuelans how to think or feel in this moment globalvoices.org/2024/08/09/d...
Weird coincidences, I’m sure! Well at least their investment research trips won’t require extensive travel.
That many billionaires just 500 miles from Caracas? I dunno, that feels weird.
orcas have the chance to do the funniest thing
January 3, 2026 at 8:35 PM
Weird coincidences, I’m sure! Well at least their investment research trips won’t require extensive travel.
This leads nowhere good.
January 3, 2026 at 1:26 PM
This leads nowhere good.
I’ve always seen my place in romance communities as conditional, what with my cishetness, so it’s always a little anxiousmaking to see people in the community vehemently argue against things I agree with. It’s a good test for my healing from people pleasing, I think!
January 3, 2026 at 2:36 AM
I’ve always seen my place in romance communities as conditional, what with my cishetness, so it’s always a little anxiousmaking to see people in the community vehemently argue against things I agree with. It’s a good test for my healing from people pleasing, I think!
Muskox are weird lookin.
January 3, 2026 at 1:40 AM
Muskox are weird lookin.
This is a really thoughtful critique that extends to readers as much as viewers, but so many who need to hear it won’t listen. Fandom as it is practiced now from music to reading to politics is toxic, full stop.
The female fans who led the charge in making the gay hockey romance a hit are also the ones policing its subjects.
Do women love "Heated Rivalry" too much?
The female fans who led the charge in making the gay hockey romance a hit are also the ones policing its subjects.
www.salon.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:12 PM
This is a really thoughtful critique that extends to readers as much as viewers, but so many who need to hear it won’t listen. Fandom as it is practiced now from music to reading to politics is toxic, full stop.
I resolve that from now on, instead of getting mad at shitty takes I will reply with some variation of “6 7” since that seems to make so many old people really mad.
January 2, 2026 at 6:09 PM
I resolve that from now on, instead of getting mad at shitty takes I will reply with some variation of “6 7” since that seems to make so many old people really mad.
This and the replies under it are an amazing example of how badly Americans hate both children and educators. You want children to take standardized tests every month and be able to fight off an armed school mate, but also be able to do everything their great grandparents did. Adults are exhausting.
It's 2026.
Things many American school kids probably don't know how to do:
* Dial a rotary telephone
* Tell time from an analog clock
* Read or write cursive
* Decipher Roman numerals
* Navigate with a paper map or use a compass
* Balance a checkbook
(Please add more below)
Things many American school kids probably don't know how to do:
* Dial a rotary telephone
* Tell time from an analog clock
* Read or write cursive
* Decipher Roman numerals
* Navigate with a paper map or use a compass
* Balance a checkbook
(Please add more below)
January 2, 2026 at 5:25 PM
This and the replies under it are an amazing example of how badly Americans hate both children and educators. You want children to take standardized tests every month and be able to fight off an armed school mate, but also be able to do everything their great grandparents did. Adults are exhausting.
This new year, always remember kids:
Pillage before you burn.
I know it seems like common sense, but you get all excited and the torches are right there and it’s so tempting. But remember why you’re out there. Booty.
Pillage before you burn.
I know it seems like common sense, but you get all excited and the torches are right there and it’s so tempting. But remember why you’re out there. Booty.
January 1, 2026 at 2:37 PM
This new year, always remember kids:
Pillage before you burn.
I know it seems like common sense, but you get all excited and the torches are right there and it’s so tempting. But remember why you’re out there. Booty.
Pillage before you burn.
I know it seems like common sense, but you get all excited and the torches are right there and it’s so tempting. But remember why you’re out there. Booty.
Sloan headlining a Canadian countdown show? Yes please! www.youtube.com/live/uV2RR_Y...
F-it! we'll do it live, we're doing it live! Countdown to 2026..
YouTube video by The Strombo Show / House of Strombo
www.youtube.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:52 AM
Sloan headlining a Canadian countdown show? Yes please! www.youtube.com/live/uV2RR_Y...
Reposted by Steve A
snakes leave behind whole skins. all manner of flying creatures, not just butterflies, do them one better, whole new selves from wriggling worms. rocks into gems. mystics die to the flesh to be reborn in the spirit. rebirth is the rule, not the stray exception, if we can grasp it
December 31, 2025 at 11:21 PM
snakes leave behind whole skins. all manner of flying creatures, not just butterflies, do them one better, whole new selves from wriggling worms. rocks into gems. mystics die to the flesh to be reborn in the spirit. rebirth is the rule, not the stray exception, if we can grasp it
The great thing is you can play this both before and after midnight. youtu.be/H7fBFtif9H4?...
the Mountain Goats - This Year (Official Video)
YouTube video by the Mountain Goats
youtu.be
December 31, 2025 at 10:14 PM
The great thing is you can play this both before and after midnight. youtu.be/H7fBFtif9H4?...
The fact that everyone can find their favorite music video on YouTube maybe says something about why mtv has faded to black.
December 31, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The fact that everyone can find their favorite music video on YouTube maybe says something about why mtv has faded to black.
I managed 18 books this year (not counting several dozen storytime read alouds!) which is more than usual for me, but the bulk of it was this project, which was interesting!
Okay, here’s my plan. I’ve not read a lot of La Nora, so I’m going to try and score as many squares as possible on the @smartbitches.bsky.social bingo card with Nora Roberts books. As many old categories as possible, too. This feels really doable.
Me: maybe I’ll do one of the romance reading bingos this year!
Also me: Here are ten parameters I can set myself to make it far too complicated to even start!
Also me: Here are ten parameters I can set myself to make it far too complicated to even start!
December 31, 2025 at 6:42 PM
I managed 18 books this year (not counting several dozen storytime read alouds!) which is more than usual for me, but the bulk of it was this project, which was interesting!
That many billionaires just 500 miles from Caracas? I dunno, that feels weird.
December 31, 2025 at 6:17 PM
That many billionaires just 500 miles from Caracas? I dunno, that feels weird.