Gavin Downing

High school librarian in Kent School District, Washington. Teaching since 2006. Recipient of the 2022 Candice Morgan Intellectual Freedom Award. He/Him.

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

@ansonmount I love how they accuse you and librarians like me of being "groomers," while they are utterly silent on the actual sex offenders in the upcoming administration. Every accusation is a confession from these chuckleheads.

[TX Freedom to Read Project @TXFreedomRead]

Take action now to register your opposition to the proposed EFB Local policy revisions that will prohibit school library books that “adopt, support or promote gender fluidity” from @katyisd elementary and junior high, and require parent opt IN for high school.

[Richelle Wilson @richelle_wi]

My latest story is about @TasslynM, who made a spreadsheet tracking #bookbans around the country that went viral in 2021.

Today, she continues to advocate for librarians, authors, and especially students through her work with @EveryLibrary & @PENamerica. https://t.co/SQ0KG2dIX3

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

He's saying the quiet part out loud.

[Acyn @Acyn]

Trump: You have to get out and vote. You won’t have to do it anymore. Four years, it will be fixed, it will be fine. You won’t have to vote anymore.. In four years, you won’t have to vote again.

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

@stephenpaolini Ah, just what Seattle needs: to make it even HARDER for people to make enough money to live there.

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

Follett has responded, saying the article is incorrect. I hope this statement is accurate.

https://t.co/cQunVkMxFh

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

Read the whole thread. This is an issue. @FollettLearning threw librarians under the bus. I am not okay with this.

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

@FollettLearning And our patrons, too, which is even worse.

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

This happened.

[PEN America @PENamerica]

Washington middle-school librarian Gavin Downing was threatened, harassed, and ostracized after standing up for three LGBTQ+ themed books — "Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts)" by @LevACRosen, "If I Was Your Girl" by Meredith Russo and "All Boys Aren't Blue" by @IamGMJohnson.

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

This is not what "Freedom of speech" means. Government doesn't get to censor things and claim it's the speech of the government. No.

[Florida Freedom to Read Project @FLFreedomRead]

"(We) maintain the position that the removal of material from public school libraries is government speech for which it has the complete discretion and freedom to speak through the removal of speech with which it disapproves.” https://t.co/dre3h2cjuL

[Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson @TasslynM]

These authors oh yes 💯 let's go. They have done such good already.

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

@elissamalespina @sassy_librarian @WillieETCarver @technolibrary @jonfreadom @AlisonBechdel Looking forward to getting my copy!!

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

@BrookeByTheBook @abmack33 @mollydett @cathi_fuhrman It was so great to meet you!

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

My story is one of the chapters in this book.

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

@veronikellymars Overdue, honestly. You've been a mover and shaker, making a tremendous difference, for several years now.

[Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson @TasslynM]

Please read this message from author Maulik Pancholy - who speaks with authenticity, love and care for the students in Mountain View MS and across the country. Representation matters. You matter.

[Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson @TasslynM]

I can't say this enough - this is why diligent attendance at local school board meetings is critical. Legislation matters - but so much damage is happening outside of legislation board by board by board. cc @ulleryatintell

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

@veronikellymars A well-deserved break.

[TXFReadomFighters @FReadomFighters]

This study on kids' reading and absorption into story reinforces the need for librarians and library time for elementary students. Reading isn't just about skills - it's about practice, too. https://t.co/cJQSuszQQf

[Gavin Downing @gavin_downing]

And librarians are raising the alarm on this and being loud. Please pay attention.