Authors Sue LA Library Over Cancelled Palestine Event 2026

In a case that authors are calling a 'dangerous precedent,' two writers have sued the city of Los Angeles over the Los Angeles Public Library's cancellation of a Read Palestine Week event. The lawsuit, filed in state court, alleges free speech violations, discrimination, and breach of contract after the library abruptly cancelled a virtual talk featuring Palestinian-American author Jenan Matari and Jewish-American writer Nora Lester Murad.

Background of the Cancelled Palestine Event

The event was scheduled for December 6, 2025, as part of the LAPL's Teen'Scape program, which works with youth. Matari was to discuss her debut children's book, Everything Grows in Jiddo's Garden, about a young Palestinian girl and her grandfather, while Murad was set to talk about Ida in the Middle, her young adult novel about a 13-year-old Palestinian-American girl. The talk was promoted as part of Read Palestine Week, an international event promoting Palestinian writers. Members of the library's teen council, a youth volunteer group, had advocated for the event.

Three days before the discussion, the authors were told that LAPL administrators had cancelled the event without explanation, according to their complaint filed on Monday. The authors said their requests for a follow-up meeting were ignored.

Legal Claims and Allegations

The lawsuit, filed in state court in LA, alleges free speech violations, discrimination, and breach of contract. The authors argue that the cancellation was politically motivated and violated their First Amendment rights. They are seeking damages and an injunction to prevent similar cancellations in the future.

This case raises important questions about censorship in public institutions and the rights of authors to share diverse perspectives. The plaintiffs hope their lawsuit will set a precedent that protects free expression in libraries and other public forums.

Comparison of Similar Cases

To understand the significance of this lawsuit, it's helpful to compare it with other recent cases involving cancelled events at public institutions.

Key Takeaways

• Two authors are suing the city of Los Angeles over the cancellation of a Read Palestine Week event at the LAPL.
• The lawsuit alleges free speech violations, discrimination, and breach of contract.
• The event was cancelled three days before it was scheduled to take place, with no explanation given.
• The authors are seeking damages and an injunction to prevent future cancellations.
• The case highlights ongoing debates about censorship and free expression in public institutions.

FAQ

The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how public libraries and other institutions handle controversial topics and diverse voices. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by free speech advocates and authors alike.

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