My latest article for School Library Journal is about book challenges in school libraries across the nation. No, it’s not pleasant. Yes, it’s worth reading. And so are the books being challenged.

Librarians are the keepers of information in our society, and they shouldn’t be harassed and targeted for doing their jobs.

If you’d like to learn more, you can download SLJ’s full Controversial Books Survey. If you want regular updates about book challenges and advice on what to do about them, check SLJ’s coverage or Kelly Jensen’s weekly roundup in Book Riot.

My personal advice? Show up at your town’s school board meetings. You might not have a local newspaper anymore, and you should stay informed about what your school board is doing—and you shouldn’t let them or librarians be bullied into taking actions that would hurt people.

Good luck, and happy Friday.