How To Build a Voters Guide for Public Library Board Elections: Book Censorship News, May 30, 2025

Kelly Jensen, a former librarian and well-established blogger at STACKED, is the editor/author of (DON’T) CALL ME CRAZY: 33 VOICES START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH and HERE WE ARE: FEMINISM FOR THE REAL WORLD. Her upcoming book, BODY TALK, is set to be published in Fall 2020. Follow Kelly on Instagram at @heykellyensen.

In the second part of a series about creating voter guides for local elections, a focus is put on constructing a guide for local public library board elections. Notably, terms such as “board of directors” and “board of trustees” are used interchangeably in reference to the governing bodies overseeing libraries. Building on efforts from the initial part of the series, the guide specifically targets contested public library board elections for the April 1, 2025, Illinois Consolidated Elections. The project aimed to provide accurate information for voters, acknowledging the challenge of obtaining data for all libraries in the state. The guide concentrated on contested elections where there were more candidates than available positions.

The process of developing the voters’ guide involved meticulous planning and research. Initial steps included determining the election date and establishing a timeline for guide preparation. Information was gathered on all public libraries in Illinois, focusing on whether board members were elected or appointed. Efforts were made to compile data on candidates running for library board positions, including verifying open board seats and terms. The guide was structured to highlight contested elections and provide relevant information, such as candidate backgrounds and links to additional resources.

Throughout the project, emphasis was placed on gathering publicly available information and organizing it effectively for voters’ access. The guide’s format prioritized contested elections, offering insights into candidate profiles and election details. Noting the importance of feedback, the guide aimed to provide valuable information to voters while remaining open to suggestions and input from users. The completion of the guide involved reviewing election results and summarizing outcomes for interested parties.

The editorial section included updates on book censorship news, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by libraries and schools regarding the banning of certain books. Recent developments in various states, such as legislation addressing book banning and censorship, were outlined. The section also featured positive news stories, including the reopening of libraries and successful legal actions against book banning efforts. Additionally, information was shared on upcoming book releases and cover designs for short story collections, acknowledging the creativity and innovation in the book cover design process.