On April 5th, the ALA American Library Association, released a document entitled State of America’s Libraries Special Report: COVID – 19
The following information is taken directly from the ALA website and the official press release.
In 2020, libraries of all types stepped up to meet the needs of their communities as they responded to the impacts of COVID-19, a national financial crisis, and social unrest. They were at the center of some of our nation’s most consequential work, including supporting accurate counts in the US Census, fighting political disinformation, and facilitating free and fair elections.
Libraries also extended necessary lifelines to community members facing job losses, healthcare crises, and remote work and learning during an unprecedented and uncertain time. As we assess the state of America’s libraries, we find 2020 was a year when library professionals answered the call to serve amid multiple emergencies and a year when library workers again proved to be essential “first restorers” or “second responders.”
The report includes trends that occurred during the pandemic and also includes the list of the top ten most challenged books of 2020. Surprisingly, censorship attempts did not subside during the pandemic and 273 books were affected. To read the report in its entirety, go to http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/04/ala-releases-state-america-s-libraries-special-report-covid-19