It's Me, Judy. Let's Talk About Book Bans.

By Judy Blume, Author
October 2, 2023
Judy Blume smiles at the camera

Photo: Marion Curtis/Starpix

When I was a kid, my parents let me read whatever I wanted, whether I'd found the book on our bookshelves at home, in the public library, or at the local bookstore. As readers themselves, they knew what was important: I was reading. At the time, I had no idea what a gift that was, but I do now—and that is why I am writing to you today at the start of Banned Books Week

The freedom to read is under attack in this country. It sounds like I'm being overdramatic, and I wish I was, but the numbers don't lie. Last year the American Library Association, which has been tracking book bans for over 20 years, reported the highest number of bans and challenges since they started keeping records. 



Preliminary data for this year shows we are once again on track for a record-breaking year for bans and challenges, and that the coordinated censorship efforts we've seen on school libraries are now increasingly targeting public libraries.

Unfortunately, censorship is not a new issue—I've faced book bans and challenges myself for years, including for Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. But without a doubt, the problem has gotten worse. I've also watched in anger as the book banners of today have expanded their efforts while increasingly setting their sights on silencing underrepresented voices—particularly LGBTQ+ people and people of color—whose books are the most frequent targets of censorship. 



This Banned Books Week, I am proud to stand with The New York Public Library as it launches its new Books for All campaign championing the freedom to read. This national initiative is in partnership with the American Library Association and will last throughout the whole school year. Books for All can help you learn about and discuss some of the books that are being banned or challenged and ways to take action.  

One of the easiest ways to take action? Read one of the many delightful books that the banners are trying to censor. As part of Books for All, the Library is offering unlimited access to books that have been the subject of bans or challenges, via its free e-reader app SimplyE, no library card required. The books are part of the Library's new Teen Banned Book Club, in recognition that many of the titles the banners are zeroing in on are for young people. The first featured title—the young adult fantasy novel Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro—is available today. More information about how to download the book and other NYPL offerings can be found below. 

Another way to take action? Support your local library, use your local library, and say "thank you" to your local librarian. Public libraries encourage the free and open exchange of ideas for everyone. Librarians introduce us to books that show we are not alone—and books that show ways of life we couldn't imagine. For our democracy, we need both. 



Please join me in supporting libraries and standing up for the freedom to read this Banned Books Week and all year long.

Judy Blume

Author

Purple Books for All logo with yellow text that reads: Protect the Freedom to Read.

Books for All: Protect the Freedom to Read

Starting this Banned Books Week (October 1–7) and continuing through June, The New York Public Library is offering a number of ways you can get involved:

  • Read freely: Starting today, get instant access to the first featured title for NYPL's Teen Banned Book Club—Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro—which is available for anyone in the country to download immediately via the Library’s free e-reader app SimplyE, no library card required. 
  • Join the conversation: Check out a wide array of free author talks, book discussions, and more hosted across the Library.
  • Tune in: Watch a special livestream event on censorship and free expression in America, hosted by LIVE from NYPL and The Atlantic.
  • Speak out: Show your support alongside NYPL, the American Library Association, and many others on social media with the hashtag #UniteAgainstBookBans. Plus, join NYC libraries on October 4 for a digital Day of Action supporting the #FreedomToRead on social media!  
  • Take action: Learn more about book bans and find out how you can get involved in protecting the freedom to read.
Graphic reads Teen Banned Book Club and features the cover of Each of Us a Desert, with two girls posed back-to-back.

FOR TEENS! Check out all of the above, plus:

  • Join special Teen Banned Book Club events: Attend the Library’s kickoff event with author Mark Oshiro on Tuesday, October 3, and join teens nationwide for special virtual book club events with the authors of featured book club titles. 
  • Enter NYPL’s National Teen Writing Contest: Make your voice heard! Share how books have shaped your life and why the freedom to read is important to you—winners will receive a cash prize!

There’s more! Learn more about all The New York Public Library has to offer during Banned Books Week and all year long.