LA Public Library Cancels 'Read Palestine' Week, Uninvites Authors

Organizers protest decision, say it violates library's duty to remain nonpartisan

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Public Library invited authors Janan Matari and Nora Lester Murad to participate in an event as part of its 2025 Read Palestine Week, but days before the event, the library canceled it, citing concerns over social media posts by Matari that allegedly violated the library's responsibility to remain nonpartisan and apolitical.

Why it matters

The cancellation of this event is seen as a violation of the library's obligation to respect the authors' freedom of speech and the right of library patrons to hear them, as well as the library's duty to protect the realm of uncensored political debate. The decision to cancel this specific event, but not others featuring political speech, is also viewed as a breach of the library's commitment to nonpartisanship.

The details

In October 2025, the Los Angeles Public Library invited Matari and Murad to participate in an event featuring their books as part of Read Palestine Week. Days before the event was scheduled, it was canceled. The library's city librarian, John Szabo, stated the reason was Matari's social media posts from October 2023, which he claimed violated the library's responsibility to remain nonpartisan and apolitical.

  • In October 2025, the Los Angeles Public Library invited the authors to participate in an event as part of Read Palestine Week.
  • Days before the event was scheduled to occur in late November/early December 2025, it was canceled.

The players

Janan Matari

An author whose children's book "Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden" was to be featured in the canceled event.

Nora Lester Murad

An author whose young adult book "Ida in the Middle" was to be featured in the canceled event.

John Szabo

The City Librarian of Los Angeles who canceled the event citing concerns over social media posts by one of the invited authors.

Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA)

The preeminent organization in the field of Middle East studies, which is expressing dismay over the library's decision and calling for it to be reversed.

Committee on Academic Freedom

A committee within MESA that is protesting the library's decision to cancel the event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The cancellation of this event constitutes a violation of the library's obligation to remain nonpartisan and betrays the library's responsibility to uphold the First Amendment of the US Constitution.”

— Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) (juancole.com)

“The library's decision to rescind its invitations to Matari and Murad represents a clear violation of its obligation to respect these authors' freedom of speech and the right of library patrons to hear them, and to protect the vibrant realm of uncensored political debate that free speech rights support.”

— Committee on Academic Freedom (juancole.com)

What’s next

The organizers are calling on the Los Angeles Public Library to immediately reschedule the event featuring Jenan Matari and Nora Lester Murad and to refrain from any further action that threatens or violates the library's responsibilities as a nonpartisan public institution.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance public institutions like libraries must strike between remaining nonpartisan and upholding principles of free speech and academic freedom, especially when dealing with politically charged topics.