[CASL-L] This Week in CT Libraries: 3.31.25

[Ellen Paul]

Good Morning CT Libraries, here is what is going on this week.

CLC HAPPENINGS

Thinking about a strategic plan for your library?  Join our info session about Strategic Planning Cohort 4 on Tuesday<https://www.ctlibrarians.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1945041>.  The cohort is a paid opportunity to go through a strategic planning process with other libraries.  As a reminder, the State Library has strategic planning resources for free<https://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/help/strategicplan>.

Thinking about the programs you need to book for this summer?  Check out our program directory<https://programs.ctlibrarians.org/search_results?sid=1> with over 260 listings for performers, lecturers and more!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

eBooks

  *   No updates on HB 6958<https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB-6958>  or S.B. 1234<https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&which_year=2025&bill_num=1234>.  Both have been voted out of committee.  So, either one of them - or theoretically both of them - could advance to a full vote in either chamber.

Freedom to Read

  *   New language for SB 1271<https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-1271> was posted mid last week.  It stripped out the working group to create model policies for school libraries.  It added a provision for public libraries that, upon an appeal of a book challenge, the local library board or governing body must consult with the State Library, the Cooperating Library Service Unit (CLC), the CT Library Association and the Association of CT Library Boards before issuing their final ruling on whether or not to remove a book.  It also says that both school and public libraries will need to post their collection related policies on their website.
  *   HB 7014<https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07014&which_year=2025> was voted out of committee on two weeks ago.


NEWS OF NOTE

Opinion piece in the:  Instead of bans, read books your kids are reading.<https://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/book-ban-ct-campbell-20237893.php>

Yale Daily News pens a piece about how New Haven libraries would respond to book challenges<https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2025/03/28/how-would-new-haven-libraries-respond-to-book-ban-requests/>.

Suspicious package shuts down Granby Library for a bit<https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/suspicious-package-found-at-granby-municipal-complex-determined-to-not-be-a-threat/ar-AA1BD1VQ>.  All is fine now.  And here<https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/other/granby-police-urge-residents-to-avoid-area-for-ongoing-investigation/ar-AA1BD5o0>.  And here<https://www.middletownpress.com/farmingtonvalley/article/granby-library-municipal-complex-investigation-20239811.php>.

Ansonia Board questions library bookmobile funding request<https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/article/ansonia_tax_board_questions_library_bookmobile_funding_request>.

Hartford Public Library granted $90K from the Hartford for a Boundless Library at West Middle School.<https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/the-hartford-grants-hartford-public-library-90-000-for-new-boundless-library-at-west-middle-school/ar-AA1BEJKB>

Bridgeport seeks public feedback on a strategic planning process. <https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/fairfield-county/bridgeport-public-library-welcomes-community-feedback-during-strategic-planning-process/520-9db19c2b-d025-4a45-97f5-99646088d4f6>

An Avon resident wonders if we shouldn't have ratings on library bills.  <https://www.courant.com/2025/03/27/readers-speak-worried-about-kids-book-in-ct-libraries-why-not-have-a-rating-system/>

Artist cancels exhibit at Suffield Library due to potential LGBTQ+ book restrictions.<https://www.ctinsider.com/journalinquirer/article/ct-suffield-library-lgbtq-book-art-exhibition-20239783.php>

A nice ode to Connecticut, with a mention of the Beinecke Library at Yale, from someone visiting from Ireland. <https://www.msn.com/en-ie/lifestyle/other/forget-new-york-connecticut-unexpectedly-charmed-me-on-my-four-day-trip/ar-AA1BSEqw>

Opinion piece:  Literacy Rates of CT Children are Declining<https://ctmirror.org/2025/03/27/literacy-rates-of-children-in-connecticut-are-declining/>.

Drop me a line if you or your library is in the news and I've missed it!

Have a good week,
Ellen


---
Ellen Paul | Executive Director
Connecticut Library Consortium

860-344-8777 | www.ctlibrarians.org<http://www.ctlibrarians.org/>

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