After a successful launch last year, the online-only U.S. Book Show returns May 24-26. Publishers Weekly developed the virtual trade book show after BookExpo closed in December 2020.
In a two-part program within the program on the show’s first day, Libraries Are Essential will “look at the state of libraries as vital institutions in our communities, in our democracy, and of course in the reading enterprise,” says Andrew Albanese, PW senior writer and show co-host.
The program will conclude with a keynote U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, (D-MD), author of Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy.
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“In the morning, we will consider the rise of book bans and other legislation targeting the freedom to read,” Albanese tells me.
“In the afternoon, we will focus on issues affecting libraries—including how libraries are handling digital content and the state of the library e-book market; the safety and state of library workers; and finally a terrific discussion about leadership in libraries in a post-COVID world.”