Among the week's headlines: a new report reinforces the value of school libraries; PEN America finds school book bans still surging; and an epic battle over the public library in Superman's hometown of Metropolis (...Illinois).

This year’s winner was nominated for the award an impressive eight times and praised for her encyclopedic knowledge, intelligence, curiosity, and diligence.

This year’s top honor goes to a 128-year-old store that is beloved by its community, plays host to vibrant literary events for authors large and small, and serves as an anchor business for the Village of La Jolla, Calif.