Utah’s 'Silent' Book Ban Policy & NC Library Threats

Oct 7

In this episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony exposes a troubling new tactic in school library censorship: Utah’s Davis School District moving book ban appeals onto consent calendars to eliminate public comment and open board discussion prior to book removals. We also examine North Carolina, where state house leaders are threatening legislative retaliation against Wake County Public Schools over a policy protecting library books that aren't used for required classroom instruction.

Shifting to state data and industry shifts, we break down the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse 2026 Report, analyzing a 20% rise in library challenges alongside the reassuring news that 96% of challenged titles remained available. On the business side, we cover Scholastic’s $71 million acquisition of Cottage Door Press to expand its early childhood and interactive board book offerings.

New Releases:

A Forest, a Family, a Harbor, a Home by Nikki McClure (Ages 4-8)
Dasia (Forever) by Nic Stone, with illus. By Simone Douglas (Ages 8-12)
Children of Owl by Darcie Little Badger, illus. by Abigail Rajunov (Ages 12+)
We’re Here, We’re Queer! A History of LGBTQ+ Activism by David Roberts (Ages 12+)
Like Glass by Jen Ferguson (Ages 13+)
Being Amani by Annabelle Steele (Ages 14+)
Radio Free Texas by Libba Bray (Ages 14+)

Takeaways