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

In December 2025, award-winning authors Jenan Matari and Nora Lester Murad were invited to speak at Los Angeles Public Library as part of Read Palestine Week, a program aimed at sharing Palestinian stories. Three days before their scheduled event on December 6, 2025, the library canceled the talk without explanation. Matari and Lester Murad, both Palestinian authors, had planned to discuss their books: Matari’s picture book Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden and Lester Murad’s young adult novel Ida in the Middle. The cancellation occurred despite the library’s stated commitment to inclusion and open access to information. The authors later learned that an internal email circulated within the library accused them of having 'strong terrorist ties' and 'virulently antisemitic views,' though no evidence was provided. The lawsuit they filed against the City of Los Angeles argues that the cancellation was an act of censorship rooted in anti-Palestinian racism.

The cancellation of Matari and Lester Murad’s event highlights broader issues of censorship in public libraries, which are often seen as neutral spaces for free expression. Libraries, however, are increasingly targeted by both external political pressures and internal biases. Lester Murad notes that libraries are 'sites of censorship and also sites of resistance to censorship.' The lawsuit argues that the Los Angeles Public Library’s decision undermines its mission to provide inclusive and safe spaces for all patrons. Over 7,000 letters were sent to library officials protesting the cancellation, and more than 100 library staff signed a solidarity letter supporting the librarians who invited the authors. Despite this outcry, the library administration did not respond to requests for a conflict resolution meeting, as outlined in their speaker contracts. The lawsuit seeks to hold the library accountable for violating its own policies and to prevent future censorship.

The authors describe their cancellation as a form of anti-Palestinian racism, a systemic prejudice that marginalizes Palestinians and their narratives. They argue that Palestinians are often excluded from conversations about censorship, even when they are directly affected. Lester Murad mentions that while anti-Palestinian censorship is increasingly visible, organizations dedicated to fighting book bans have largely ignored Palestinian voices. Matari points out that Palestinians are frequently accused of antisemitism when advocating for their rights, despite their lived experiences. The internal email accusing the authors of 'terrorist ties' reflects a pattern of dehumanization and erasure that Palestinians face in public institutions. The lawsuit aims to challenge this racism and ensure that Palestinian stories are treated equally in libraries.

The cancellation of the event sent a harmful message to Palestinian children, suggesting that their stories and identities are not welcome in public spaces. Lester Murad explains that the library’s decision implies, 'You can come to the library to learn about kids from all over the world except for Palestine.' This exclusion reinforces the idea that Palestinian children must suppress parts of their identity to be accepted. Matari adds that Palestinians are often forced to censor themselves to fit into mainstream spaces, a dynamic that perpetuates racism. The authors argue that libraries should be safe spaces where all children can see themselves reflected in books and stories. The lawsuit seeks to challenge this exclusion and affirm the right of Palestinian children to have their narratives represented.

The cancellation of the event revealed divisions within the Los Angeles Public Library. While some librarians supported the authors and opposed the censorship, others used racist language to discredit them and undermine their work. Matari notes that the administration failed to investigate the claims of 'terrorist ties' or allow the authors to defend themselves. The lawsuit argues that the library should have listened to librarians who oppose censorship rather than those promoting racism. The authors also highlight that the library’s public statement about maintaining a 'safe, welcoming environment' contradicted its decision to cancel the event, which created an unsafe space for Palestinian patrons. The lawsuit seeks to address these internal biases and hold the library accountable for its actions.

Matari and Lester Murad filed the lawsuit to defend the integrity of public libraries and ensure they remain inclusive spaces for all patrons. They argue that the cancellation was not about the content of their talks but about their identities as Palestinians. The lawsuit seeks consequences for those responsible, including the librarians who made false accusations and the administration that canceled the event without justification. Lester Murad states that the goal is to make it 'impossible for other libraries to censor Palestinians' by setting a precedent. The authors hope the lawsuit will lead to policy changes within the library system, ensuring that future events are not canceled based on political or racial biases. They also aim to hold the library accountable for the harm caused to their careers and reputations.