At least eight states are trying to crack down on attempts to remove books in school libraries, passing legislation that bars schools from pulling books from the shelves for ideological reasons.

Is book banning contributing to declining literacy rates?

What was once a community space, libraries have become a battleground over censorship, with librarians on the frontlines. Watch @independentlens.bsky.social @thelibrariansfilm.bsky.social on the PBS YouTube Channel and PBS app starting February 9. pbs.org/independentlens

The letters from teenagers to the New Mexico governor are powerful.

States Are Banning Book Bans. Will It Work? www.edweek.org/policy-polit...

Don’t obey in advance. Pulling books “just in case” teaches power what it can take. Libraries should stand firm, not shrink. Don’t pre-ban. #FreedomToRead #StopBookBans

As part of its legal work challenging book bans, PEN America surveyed authors about the financial toll of literary censorship. Many told us that they’ve lost out on crucial sales and speaking engagements because of them. Read more: https://pen.org/steep-price-for-book-bans/

Congress must pass the Right to Read Act! This legislation protects students’ access to books and supports librarians. A postcard delivered to a legislator’s desk makes a powerful statement. action.everylibrary.org/postcardrtr via @everylibrary.bsky.social and @civicmail.bsky.social

You combat hopelessness by doing something. In an era of unrepentant book bans and library attacks, you show up. You learn. You show up again. Activism and advocacy are a practice. Here are over 60 tasks for helping preserve the right to read, wherever you are. bookriot.com/how-to-defen...

Eight states have pre-filed and/or introduced really bad library and book censorship bills for the 2026 legislative session already. Here's what they are, what they'd do, and how you can and should push back–whether you live in these states or not. buttondown.com/wellsourced/...

Do you care about critical thinking, empathy, and the future of our democracy? Access to diverse books strengthens civic engagement and resists censorship that threatens democratic values. Restricting what we can read actually weakens our society. www.freedomtoreadproject.org/why_the_free...

Dust off the sparkles, the snowflakes, and the wonderfully tacky threads–Ugly Sweater Day is almost here! Get ready to bring your boldest holiday chaos. #Christmas #FTRFGetsUgly

Make sure to put AABB merch on your holiday list this year! You'll help support the freedom to read AND avoid getting yet another pack of tube socks.* *Ok, we can't gurantee that 2nd part, but the 1st part is still legit & we do have some great merch.

A Federal Right to Read Act has been reintroduced by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Rep Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ). We’re thankful for this legislation. Our freedom to read and learn should not be a state’s rights issue! www.everylibrary.org/applaud_rein...

Our Alaska chapter wrote an opinion piece ahead of Banned Books Week. www.adn.com/opinions/202...

I made some free printable bookmarks for you to use in any Banned Books Week displays/programs/etc you may have. They're meant to give folks *action items* to take with them beyond that single week. buttondown.com/wellsourced/...

Proposed censorship measures in several states could deny your right to read some books in our Nation's libraries and lead to librarians facing criminal charges for the books on the shelves. action.everylibrary.org/nationalaccess via @everylibrary.bsky.social‬

From the nuances of what book censorship language means to how you can build your own local anti-censorship group, catch up with these 12 previous book censorship posts. That, plus this week's book ban and censorship news: bookriot.com/book-censors...

Your assignment this week (once you're done enjoying the long weekend of course): Make your plans for Banned Books Week. It's October 5-11. Here are some events & actions we're recommending docs.google.com/document/u/1...

Romance books written for adults are the next target of book banners. Here's the where, why, and how. That, plus this week's book censorship news: bookriot.com/the-next-boo...

Where do you think the U.S. version will be? Sign the petition against book bans at www.bookbanpetition.us

More profiles of students advocating for their rights to inclusive literature and education and less from parents with too much gdamn time on their hands. charlestoncitypaper.com/2025/08/08/s...

Fearing legal action over alleged "sexual content," 9 Florida counties have removed hundreds of books from public schools. "You’re seeing the idea that the exploration of identity is something that should be banned," says PEN America's William Johnson www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...

Want to help students find their voice in the fight against book bans? Here are our top tips to empower young advocates. Remember, students should be empowered to stand WITH us, not put on the front lines alone. Because the next generation isn’t just reading the future… they’re writing it.

Why is the work we do on the ground in Florida so crucial? PEN America’s interim Co-CEOs Summer Lopez and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf explain how Florida emerged as "The Blueprint State" for the national book-banning movement—and why we're doubling down on Florida. pen.org/doubling-dow...

Email your legislators to support libraries: speakupforlibraries.us

They want to regulate what you and your family are allowed to read - www.bookbanpetition.us

Happy Monday! The bigger our crew the more we can change! If you have an author/illustrator in your life (esp if they're not on #BookSky) make sure they know about us. Share the form to join with them. Thank you!

Has your book been banned or challenged? You’re not alone—and you can take action. Here are some resources to get you started: pen.org/book-bans/bo... www.authorsagainstbookbans.com/faq/ #BookBan #FreedomToRead #AuthorsAgainstCensorship #BannedBooks #SoYourBookWasBanned #PENAmerica #StopTheBans

This weekend Read OUT Loud as part of a national day of action to support Queer Kids Books. Find in-person events near you or sign up to participate in an online action!

Like, follow, and share if you believe in the power of libraries, books and reading

Want to support authors whose books have been banned? Here’s how YOU can help: ✅ Leave positive reviews ✅ Leave positive reviews ✅ Leave positive reviews 😉 Every voice matters. Every book challenged deserves defenders. #BannedBooks #FreedomToRead #SupportAuthors

Don’t forget to VOTE in the upcoming August 5th primary—just one week away! And remember, local races and propositions can have a big impact, so choose wisely. ✅

Don’t let the government regulate your reading www.bookbanpetition.us

Support libraries! Sign the pledge today. buff.ly/P5OlvhZ

No community is immune from censorship. That's why we ALL must #UniteAgainstBookBans. You have the tools to make a difference. Need a plan to take action? Use our toolkit to organize your community: uniteagainstbookbans.org/toolkit/

Consider looking up your local @authorsabb.bsky.social chapter, I know mine has done a lot of work helping libraries and schools fight back against people trying to get rid of books that mention queer people exist.

Ever heard someone say “We’re just protecting kids” or “There are plenty of other books”? These are the myths driving book bans. We break down the most common arguments for censorship and give you the facts and responses to push back with confidence: www.freedomtoreadproject.org/debunking_th...

Take action against book bans in the United States at www.bookbanpetition.us

Book banners want us to hate ourselves. They can't get that. buttondown.com/wellsourced/...

From courageous teens taking a stand to exposés challenging censorship on multiple fronts, this article is essential reading for anyone who cares about intellectual freedom and the books we all deserve access to. bookriot.com/12-book-cens... #FightBookBans #ReadFreeReadFierce

No country has ever increased freedom and liberty by banning books - www.bookbanpetition.us

Like, follow, and share if you love libraries!

Don’t let the government regulate your reading www.bookbanpetition.us

No country has ever increased freedom and liberty by banning books - www.bookbanpetition.us

You can join the fight against book bans by signing the petition at www.bookbanpetition.us

Library workers–have you already experienced pushback, censorship, or attacks on your plans for Pride 2025? I'm again collecting those stories for an article in mid-July. I'll share this link throughout June as well. Details in the form, w/ previous stories. tinyurl.com/pride-in-libraries-25

Join the 5th Annual Teach Truth Day of Action: Saturday, June 7, 2025 Across the country, educators, students, parents, & community members are standing up for the freedom to learn by participating in the Zinn Education Project's Teach Truth Day of Action. www.zinnedproject.org/news/teach-t...

Book banners have NEVER been in the good guys - www.bookbanpetition.us

A reminder that I write & edit two newsletters on the topics of censorship, book banning, & libraries. Literary Activism is at Book Riot and is weekly+: bookriot.com/newsletter/l... Well Sourced is *my* newsletter and is biweeklyish. I've got a new one coming Saturday: buttondown.com/wellsourced