Libraries

A debate over books in Texas' public school libraries picked up new attention last week, when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick threatened legislative action unless Texas school districts pull books from the shelves that he and certain activists believe are "harmful" to students and families and violate Texas' Senate Bill 13. In a meeting of Lubbock ISD's board of trustees, the district stood by the parent-led library council and book review system established under state law.

The City of Lubbock Public Libraries are accepting school supply donations ahead of the annual Back-2-School Bash through July 23. Our Samantha Larned reports on how folks can contribute. You can find the online registry and a list of drop-off locations here. Intense flash flooding over the weekend, killed one person in San Antonio. Texas Public Radio's Brian Kirkpatrick reports more flooding is expected this week for a large portion of the state.

Lubbock ISD’s school library advisory council first met in November to review books flagged as potentially inappropriate to be on the shelves, in compliance with state law. Lubbock-area state senator Charles Perry helped author the bill which established these councils, but at a recent board of trustees meeting, he joined a group of community members saying the district's process is flawed.

Texas Tech University quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA and subsequent temporary injunction allowing him to play in the 2026 season has drawn plenty of attention. Our Samantha Larned reports that includes the Office of Texas Attorney General, which sent a letter to the Big 12 on Thursday, warning the Conference against potential sanctions placed on Texas Tech. Lubbock’s Public Libraries are once again partnering with Reliant Energy to operate as ‘cooling centers’ for residents over the summer. KTTZ reporter Riley Wilson has more. You can find cooling center hours here.

Lubbock Public Libraries’ annual summer reading program begins Monday. Our Samantha Larned reports there are challenges and events for children and adults alike. The Patterson Branch is also hosting a ‘Summer Reading Kick-Off Party’ tomorrow at 1836 Parkway Drive from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

From Smithville to Taylor to Martindale, libraries are offering mental health resources in areas where health infrastructure is scarce.

The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling Monday that allows for the removal of books from a Llano public library. The removal of the books was ruled constitutional earlier this year and this week, the Supreme Court denied the request for a rehearing, effectively ending the years-long legal battle. The Trump Administration will be sending $12 billion to farmers to help them stay in business and compensate for their trade war losses, but Harvest Public Media's Frank Morris reports farmers worry most of the bailout money will go straight to banks and suppliers.

Seven residents launched a challenge in 2022 to the removal of 17 books, which included topics on race and gender. They won a reinstatement of the titles, but lost on appeal.

Bookmarked, based in North Texas, advertises itself as “antivirus for libraries.”

Early this week, Texas Tech’s athletics department announced it would no longer encourage or permit the throwing of tortillas during kickoffs at home football games. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more ahead of another home game this weekend. A 2023 Texas law demanding publishers rate their own books based on sexually explicit content has been declared unconstitutional.