In the days leading up to its scheduled Read Palestine Week program, the Los Angeles Public Library opted to cancel it, instead.
The December event, showcasing discussion between Jenan Matari, author of the children’s book Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden, and Nora Lester Murad, author of the young adult book Ida in the Middle, was to feature the authors talking “about their books and the influence of Palestine on their stories.”
Though the library claims that the event was inconsistent with its mission and policies, the National Coalition Against Censorship issued an open letter arguing that the cancellation actually threatens the diversity and excellence of the library’s public programming and undermines its core mission.
Read the full letter here: