Banned Books Week: Why Your Voice Matters More Than Ever

Banned Books Week is upon us, and this year, the stakes feel higher than ever. With extremist politicians and special interest groups actively working to silence diverse voices and restrict access to knowledge, it’s become crucial for all of us to stand up for our children’s right to read and learn freely.

At the forefront of this battle, we’re proud to be partnering with PEN America, EveryLibrary, and a coalition of 23 other organizations. Together, we’re committed to safeguarding students’ access to stories that represent the full spectrum of human experience. 

But we need your help to make a real impact.

How You Can Help

Here’s how you can get involved in this vital cause:

• Send a Message: We’ve created a Banned Books Week Open Letter to state leaders, urging them to protect the freedom to read. By sending this letter, you’re advocating for students’ access to books that reflect the richness and diversity of the world we live in.
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest from PEN America. Their Memo on School Book Bans offers preliminary findings from the 2023-2024 school year, helping you stay informed about the current state of book bans and their impact.

Why It Matters

When children are exposed to a wide range of ideas, stories, and experiences, they grow into more empathetic, informed, and curious individuals. By joining this movement, you’re helping ensure that every child has access to books that open their minds, ignite their imagination, and foster a love of learning.

Thank you for standing with us in this important fight. Together, we can ensure that every student’s right to read is protected, and that our libraries and schools remain spaces of knowledge, inclusion, and freedom.

Let’s make a difference, one book at a time!