In Dayton, Wash., they tried to shut down the library altogether. Illustration by Ross MacDonald. EDITOR’S NOTE: Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the Dayton ...

Having a private library meant that a family was part of the intellectual elite. The first public library in Michigan was opened in 1817 in Detroit. You had to purchase a membership ...

Throughout the stand-off, book banners claimed, “It’s not a ban. The books are still available at the public library or Amazon.” But the kid with questions about gender or sexuality may not ...