My year in libraries

Happy National Library Week!

In the past year, I've gotten to see and hang out in some pretty fantastic libraries.

Trinity College's Long Room
the most breathtaking

The British Library
the best old stuff, best books to buy

The Boston Public Library
the easiest to get lost in

The West Des Moines Public Library
the best place to read outside

The Des Moines Public Library

the most contemporary

Plus, special shout out to those not pictured, the library aboard the Norwegian Star and Drake University's Cowles Library.

Most Challenged Books of 2013

Last week, as part of National Library Week, the ALA released the 2013 list of the 10 most challenged books.

In order of most challenged...


#1 Captain Underpants series (published 1997-present)
#2 Bluest Eye (1970)
#3 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007)
#4 Fifty Shades of Grey (2011)
#5 The Hunger Games (2008)
#6 A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl (2006)
#7 Looking for Alaska (2005)
#8 The Perks of Being a Wallflower (1999)
#9 Bless Me Ultima (1972)
#10 Bone comic book series (1991-2004)

See other years' top-10 lists or read a little more about this year's list.

If you didn't get a chance to fully appreciate National Library Week by visiting a local library last week, take an opportunity sometime in the future to check out one or more of these books as a sign of support for your library's decision to carry them. We can support the freedom to read every day, and every week, not just BBW and NLW!