Book bans continue to challenge our right to ideas and stories that represent everyone. According to the ALA, nearly 2,500 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2024. Here are several things you can do to defend our communities against book bans that challenge our right to ideas and stories that represent everyone. (And if you’re not in the U.S. but facing similar challenges, you may still find some of this useful.)
Ways to Take a Stand Against Book Bans
- Register to vote or make sure your voter registration is active and up to date. (If you have ever changed your name and live in a state that recently enacted something like the SAVE Act, start to gather important documentation including your birth certificate, marriage/divorce certificates, name change confirmations, etc. so that you are not turned away at the polls.)
- Research what’s on your ballot and where those running in your community (city, state, etc.) stand on book bans.
- Stay aware of local and federal legislature so you can speak for/against important bills when the time comes.
- Challenge your policymakers to stand against book bans and to support the right to read diverse stories. Show up not only at the polls, but at town halls, school board meetings, or anywhere else your freedom to read is being challenged.
- Engage your community and encourage others to vote/inform themselves on what’s happening. This can be as part of a rally if you’re comfortable, or through small interactions, events, etc.
- Read and support diverse and banned authors. If you’re strapped financially, share their posts online, ask your local library to stock their books, or write them a letter of gratitude and encouragement.
- Check out the toolkits from United Against Book Bans and the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) for talking points, ways to organize peaceful protests, contact the media, contact policymakers, etc.
- If you’re able, donate to organizations such as the NCAC, We Need Diverse Books, the American Library Association (ALA), etc.
- Keep giving your local librarians love and let them know you’ll fight for them, your library, and for their right to stock banned books.
Additional Info & Resources
- Ways to get involved by the ALA
- Ways to take action by the New York Public Library
- Learn about Banned Books Week (annually in Sept./Oct.)
- Unite Against Book Bans Toolkit
- Dear Banned Author
The ALA’s letter-writing campaign that celebrates and uplifts authors of banned books. - NCAC Youth Censorship Database
Get a look at censorship affecting youth in the U.S. (including book bans, art, etc.)
Originally posted September 26, 2024. Updated April 10, 2025.
