AP: Nonprofit libraries ordered by State Department to stop processing passport applications
Politics Feb 13, 2026 7:51 PM EST

NORWICH, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. State Department has ordered certain public libraries nationwide to cease processing passport applications, disrupting a long-standing service that librarians say their communities have come to rely on and that has run smoothly for years....

pbs.org/newshour/politics/nonp…

#passports #libraries

Nonprofit libraries ordered by State Department to stop processing passport applications

The agency, which regulates U.S. passports, began issuing cease and desist orders to not-for-profit libraries in late fall, informing them they were no longer authorized to participate in the Passport Acceptance Facility program as of Friday.

^{PBS News}

Hopewell Public Library, public library in Hopewell, New Jersey.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopewell…

#libraries #books #map

Alright #Libraries and #Archives peeps:

I bought a book recently, new, that has a really strong smell. Like, a mix of ink and exhaust fumes or something. I didn't realize until I got it home.

It is surprisingly strong and even gets on to my hands. And it hasn't really dissipated at all, even though I've been actively reading it and flipping through its pages regularly.

What's the easiest way to try and de-smell this book? It's a paperback, but pretty thick and heavy.

Sensitive content Reveal/hide

Along similar lines, the Trump administration failed to dismantle the the Institute of Museum and Library Services last year, so this year they're co-opting it to discourage grant applications for work that deal truthfully with the disparities and injustices of U.S. history. propublica.org/article/institu…
#politics #libraries #USPol

Grant Guidelines for Libraries and Museums Take “Chilling” Political Turn Under Trump

Former Institute of Museum and Library Services leaders from both political parties expressed concern that the new funding guidelines could encourage a more constrained or distorted view of American history.

^{Alex.Bandoni@propublica.org (ProPublica)}