This year, Let Freedom Read Day is on September 28 in the U.S. There 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. Once that’s done, research what’s on your ballot and where those running in your community (city, state, etc.) stand on book bans.
- 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.
Additional Info & Resources
- Ways to get involved by the ALA
- Ways to take action by the New York Public Library
- Let Freedom Read Day
Learn more about what you can do on September 28. - 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.)