Why We are Suing the City of Los Angeles to Save Libraries

Jenan Matari and Nora Lester Murad, both award-winning authors who specialize in children's books featuring Palestinian themes, have filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles over the cancellation of an invited author talk at the Los Angeles Public Library. The event was scheduled for December 6, 2025, but was abruptly canceled three days prior.

In an interview, Matari and Murad discussed the feelings of being censored, the prevalence of anti-Palestinian racism, and their decision to sue in order to preserve the integrity of libraries.

The two authors first met through an experience of censorship by anti-Palestinian racism. The Los Angeles Public Library had invited both Matari and Murad to speak during Read Palestine Week, an event aimed at providing a platform for Palestinian stories amid widespread censorship. Matari assumed that the library would support such an initiative, as all libraries generally oppose censorship, book challenges, and racism.

Matari and Murad shared their disappointment at being censored while simultaneously releasing books that tackle censorship. They noted that libraries are not only under attack from external forces but also from internal forces with political agendas. They argue that the lawsuit is not an attack on the library, but rather a defense of its mission and values. By holding libraries accountable, they believe that librarianship can stay relevant and safe for everyone.

The authors emphasized that the lawsuit is not meant to weaken libraries; rather, it aims to defend their mission and values. Matari believes that when institutions like libraries, schools, or city agencies are held accountable, they can remain strong against racist political pressure, both from outside and within. The authors also pointed out that despite the increased visibility of anti-Palestinian censorship, groups opposing book bans have largely excluded Palestinians from their ranks.

Matari and Murad highlighted the disappointment they felt at the lack of support from anti-censorship organizations when they lodged formal complaints against the Los Angeles Public Library. They expressed frustration at the silence of organizations that should be defending against racist censorship. Additionally, Matari found it particularly troubling that the organizations that were supposed to protect them from censorship were engaging in the same practices.

Despite the cancellation of their speaking engagements, Matari and Murad have received support from various groups, including the National Coalition Against Censorship, the ACLU-Southern California, the Authors Guild, and Palestine Legal. Over 100 staff members from the Los Angeles Public Library also signed a solidarity letter opposing the cancellation of the event.

Furthermore, more than 7,000 letters were sent to library officials protesting the censorship, and numerous individuals attended Library Board of Commissioners meetings to call for the reinstatement of the event.