Join Us! Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Stand with New York City libraries to protect the #FreedomToRead! The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library are dedicated to free and open access to information and knowledge—a mission that is directly opposed to censorship. 

Unfortunately, over the past several years, there has been an alarming increase in book bans and challenges across the country. The American Library Association (ALA) reported that last year, the United States saw the highest number of attempted book bans since they started keeping records more than 20 years ago. Preliminary ALA data for 2023 shows we are again on track for a record number of censorship attempts, including a higher number of challenges to public libraries. The majority of the banned or challenged books feature LGBTQ+ voices and people of color.

Free people have the right to read freely. Books can build bridges, introduce us to new perspectives, and show us we are not alone.

Join us on October 4—which Mayor Adams has declared #FreedomToRead Day in New York City—to celebrate the power of books, reading, and public libraries!

Ways to Participate

At 10 AM on Wednesday, October 4, show your support for libraries and the freedom to read on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and more. Use the hashtag #FreedomToRead to share why open access to books, information, and knowledge is important to you or your community. Feel free to include a book that’s meaningful to you! Use the sample posts below, or write your own. Tag NYC libraries in your posts as well: @bklynlibrary, @nypl, @QPLNYC.

 

Option 1: Share a Photo of a Book

  1. Take a picture of a book that is meaningful to you.
  2. Post the picture on your social media platform(s) of choice.
  3. Use #FreedomToRead to join fellow readers in New York and beyond in standing against censorship and book banning.

Sample Social Media Posts

I’m joining @bklynlibrary @nypl @QPLNYC to stand against book bans and censorship. Here's the book I'm reading, what are you reading? #FreedomToRead 

Books like this have the power to change lives. That’s why I am standing for the #FreedomToRead this Banned Books Week to oppose censorship of all kinds. Share your favorite book!

 

Option 2: Share Your Support

  1. Download one of the graphics below. 
  2. Share it on social media with hashtag #FreedomToRead!

Sample Social Media Posts

During this Banned Books Week, we stand with NYC public libraries to support the #FreedomToRead! Stand against book bans—everyone should be able to read whatever they want. 

This Banned Books Week, I’m standing against censorship of all kinds and celebrating the right to read what I want. #FreedomtoRead

 

Option 3: Share by Email

Not on social media? Connect with friends and family and encourage them to stand for the #FreedomToRead!

Sample Email

Subject: Today! Take action for the #FreedomToRead
Message: Take a stand for the #FreedomToRead! Join NYC libraries to protect the freedom to read amid rising book bans. Act now: https://nypl.org/freedomtoread

Social Media Graphics

Download images to include in your social posts. Choose an image size below and click the link. On mobile, tap and hold the image, then select Save Image. On desktop, right-click or control-click the image, then select Save Image. Upload to your favorite social platforms!

Banned Books Week at The New York Public Library

Join the Library October 1–7 for a wide array of events and programs to stand against book bans and censorship.

Learn More

Books for All

Stand with The New York Public Library all year long to protect the freedom to read! Discover all the Library has to offer, including our Teen Banned Book Club, unlimited access to book club titles on NYPL’s SimplyE app, our National Teen Writing Contest about the importance of reading freely, plus free programs and events, ways to get involved, and more for all ages.

Learn More