Articles

The freedom to read, a cornerstone of intellectual liberty, is under siege. Across the nation, libraries and schools face escalating challenges and outright bans of books, threatening to narrow the perspectives available to our communities, particularly our youth. This surge in censorship isn't merely about removing specific titles; it's a calculated assault on the very foundations of critical thinking and open discourse. In response to this alarming trend, a comprehensive list of actionable steps has been compiled, providing individuals and communities with the tools to defend their right to access diverse ideas and narratives. This isn't a passive struggle; it demands active participation, from speaking out against censorship to supporting organizations dedicated to intellectual freedom. The following list serves as a roadmap, empowering you to join the resistance and safeguard the vital role of books in shaping an informed and enlightened society.

Here are some ways that we can resist the attempt to ban books in libraries and schools:

• Speak out against censorship. Let your voice be heard by writing letters to the editor, contacting your local representatives, and attending public meetings.
• Support organizations that defend the freedom to read. There are many organizations that are working to protect our right to access information and ideas. You can support these organizations by donating your time or money.
  • American Library Association (ALA):
    • The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom is a key resource for information on book challenges and bans. They provide support to libraries and individuals facing censorship.
    • They also organize Banned Books Week.
  • Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF):
    • The FTRF is the ALA's sister organization, providing legal and financial support to defend First Amendment rights and intellectual freedom.
  • National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC):
    • The NCAC works to defend freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression. They address censorship across various forms of media, including books.
  • PEN America:
    • PEN America champions freedom of expression in literature and the arts. They actively track book bans and challenges and advocate for authors and readers.
  • Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF):
    • The CBLDF specializes in protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book creators, publishers, and retailers.
  • ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union):
    • The ACLU works to defend the constitutional rights of all people including the freedom of speech, and therefore gets involved in cases of book banning.
• Get involved in your local library or school board. Attend meetings and speak out in support of keeping books in libraries and schools.
• Read banned books. Show your support for the freedom to read by checking out a banned book from your local library or buying a banned book from your local bookshop.
• Educate yourself about the importance of the humanities. Learn about the role that books play in our society and how they help us to understand the world around us.
• Encourage others to resist censorship. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of the freedom to read.
• Vote for candidates who support the freedom to read. When you vote in local and national elections, be sure to choose candidates who support the right to access information and ideas.
• Celebrate Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read. You can participate in Banned Books Week by reading a banned book, attending a local event, or organizing your own event.
• Join a book club that focuses on banned books. Reading and discussing banned books with others is a great way to learn more about censorship and to support the freedom to read.
• Start a banned book club. If you can't find a banned book club in your area, you can start your own.
• Write a letter to a banned author. Thank them for their work and let them know that you support their right to write.
• Perform a play about the freedom to read. There are many plays available that focus on the importance of the freedom to read.
• Proclaim Banned Books Week at your local library. You can use the Banned Books Week proclamation template to announce your library's dedication to the freedom to read.
• Stock up on Banned Books Week materials. You can show your support for Banned Books Week by purchasing Banned Books Week merchandise.
• Write a letter to the editor about banned books. You can use the Banned Books Week opinion column template to write a letter to the editor about the importance of the freedom to read.
• Brush up on banned book history. You can learn more about the history of banned books by reading the book Banned Books: Defending Our Freedom to Read.
• Help spread the word about Banned Books Week. Use the hashtag #BannedBooksWeek to declare your right to read.
• Speak out about the importance of the freedom to read. You can use the Banned Books Week PSA script to announce the importance of the freedom to read on your local public radio station.
• Exercise your reading rights. Check out a banned book from your local library and encourage your book club to discuss rebellious reads.
• Join the Freedom to Read Foundation. This organization is dedicated to the legal and financial defense of intellectual freedom, especially in libraries.
• Donate to Banned Books Week to support the organization's work.
• Stay informed about book bans. Keep up-to-date on the latest news about book bans by signing up for the Intellectual Freedom News newsletter.
• Attend a Banned Books Week program. Many programs are available, both in person and online.
• Organize your own Banned Books Week program. You can organize your own Banned Books Week program at your school, public library, or favorite bookstore.
• Sign up at UniteAgainstBookBans.org. This website is a great resource for learning more about book bans and how to resist them.