Join us this weekend to take action against book bans on the Freedom to Read Community Day of Action.
It's more important than ever to show support for local libraries and the freedom to read: Book bans and challenges in the U.S. reached an all-time high in 2023 and continue at an alarming rate. On Saturday, October 19, libraries, bookstores, readers, and partners across the U.S. will be hosting rallies and events to unite against book bans and demonstrate a shared commitment to this fundamental freedom.
Get involved
Attend an event near you: Communities and readers across the country are coming together in-person October 19 to unite against book bans! Here are the participating organizations we know about, organized by state. Don't see yours? Let us know about it! And make sure to check with your local library to see if there is an event near you.
Pledge your support: The freedom to read is an American value that must be protected. Show your support and take the pledge to unite against book bans.
Share online: Spread the word about the #FreedomToRead Community Day of Action by sharing graphics like the one pictured here on your social media. You can find a variety of them for free download at the Day of Action's official page. And be sure to tag Unite Against Book Bans (UABB) on Instagram and Facebook (@UniteAgainstBookBans) and Twitter/X (@UABookBans).
Check out a freedom-to-read toolkit: The UABB Action Toolkit includes talking points, ways to contact decision makers and media, social media tools, printable branded materials, ideas for grassroots organizing, and more.
Report censorship: The American Library Association (ALA) maintains a database of attempted challenges and bans. If a book challenge takes place in your district, ALA may be able to provide support and more customized resources to oppose the attempted challenge or ban. Most censorship goes unreported. You can help track trends, identify targeted titles, and develop support materials by submitting a censorship report. All reports are kept strictly confidential.
Read a banned book: Libraries keep a lot of statistics, among them how frequently books are used in or checked out from the library. These circulation statistics prove that people want to read challenged or banned titles and support keeping those in or adding similar titles to the collection. Browse ALA's list of Frequently Challenged Books, find one that interests you, and check it out from your library. If they don't have it, request it via interlibrary loan and ask that your library purchase a copy. If the book is already checked out, request to put it on hold so you can check it out when it returns.
The Freedom to Read Community Day of Action is organized by ALA, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library, The New York Public Library, Queens (N.Y.) Public Library, and UABB in collaboration with libraries and advocates nationwide.
Learn more about the Freedom to Read Community Day of Action and find additional resources here.
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