Klobuchar Criticizes New USPS Sacking Policy For Publishers (mediapost.com)

Publishers’ revenues (sales to bookstores, wholesalers, direct to consumer, online retailers, etc.) were $5.72 billion - up by $195.9 million (3.5%) for the first half of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Tracked categories include: Trade - fiction/non-fiction/religious, PreK-12 Instructional Materials, Higher Education Course Materials, Professional Publishing, and University Presses. Revenue for Trade Books grew by 3.0%, with revenue increases in both Adult Books and Childrens/YA books over 2016. “What a testament to the importance of the publishing industry,” said Maria A. Pallante, President and CEO, Association of American Publishers. “Whatever the category, format or distribution platform, books remain a constant in the marketplace and in our lives.” Click Read More below for additional information.

With its trade segment posting a strong first half of the year and its education group turning in a solid second half, Scholastic reported a 4% increase in revenue in the fiscal year ended May 31, over fiscal 2016. Operating income, excluding one-time items, rose 17%. Revenue in the year was $1.74 billion, while operating income rose to $109.1 million, up from $93.4 million in fiscal 2016. Net income increased 29.1% to $52.3 million.

Freedom to read advocates are applauding a final report and resolution agreement from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights that could help blunt the surge of book bans in schools. In a May 19 letter and resolution agreement, DOE officials concluded that the Forsyth County (Georgia) School district’s removal of books largely featuring Black and LGBTQ characters created a potentially “hostile environment” for students, in violation of their civil rights. And in a potentially landmark resolution agreement, the district agreed to work with the DOE to address student discrimination issues arising from the book bans.