Since their founding, public libraries have combated the forces of ignorance and hate by making information and knowledge freely available to all. We stand in solidarity with the library workers and communities across the country who are being censored and threatened.
—Tony Marx, President of The New York Public Library
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 are for young people and feature LGBTQ+ voices and people of color.
As the largest public library system in the country, The New York Public Library stands united with the American Library Association and libraries across the country against book bans. All year long, we’re taking the opportunity to elevate and amplify the stories, voices, and titles that censorship attempts to repress.
New! To reach teens across the country, NYPL is partnering with the American Library Association to provide a free toolkit and other resources to readers, students, and educators nationwide. Join us to protect the freedom to read in your community.
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National Teen Writing Contest
Enter NowDeadline: Friday, December 22, 2023 | 11:59 PM ET
Why is the freedom to read important to you? At a time of rising book bans and censorship, The New York Public Library invites teens across the United States to enter our national writing contest exploring this essential right. One grand prize winner will be awarded $500 and 20 additional winners will receive $250 each—plus, we will publish all winning entries in a special edition of NYPL's Teen Voices magazine.
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Teen Banned Book Club
Read with us! Throughout the year, The New York Public Library's Teen Banned Book Club is offering free, nationwide digital access to young adult titles that have been the subject of bans or challenges, plus book club events and author talks so you can join the conversation. Our next book club title will be announced on January 3—stay tuned!
Books for All: Protect the Freedom to Read in Your Community
The New York Public Library and the American Library Association invite libraries and communities across the country to unite against book bans and protect the freedom to read! Get updates and check out our free toolkit to help you and your community get involved.
The Library After Hours: Uncensored
Fri, Dec 15 | 7 PM | Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
This edition of The Library After Hours is a loud, proud love letter to some of the great works of literature and art that have been censored throughout history. Featuring readings of banned books, rare 16mm films on the history of censorship, and a one-night-only collections display of once-banned materials.
Watch: Banned Book Club Event with Mark Oshiro
Check out this discussion with bestselling author Mark Oshiro about the first title selected for our Teen Banned Book Club, Each of Us a Desert!
More Free Events at NYPL
Join the Library for author talks, book discussion groups, and more as we unite against book bans.
#UniteAgainstBookBans: Make Your Voice Heard
Share your support for the right to read freely on social media and email.
More Ways to Take Action
Looking for more information about book bans, censorship, and how you can take action against them to support the freedom to read? We’ve got you covered.
Banned Books Reading List
Check out this list of books for all ages, selected by our expert librarians, that have been banned or challenged in schools and libraries across the country. From classic titles like The Color Purple and Slaughterhouse-Five to more recent targets like Hurricane Child, discover voices and perspectives censorship threatens to erase.
New York City Declares October 4 #FreedomToRead Day
As book bans and challenges rise across the country, NYC is standing against censorship. In honor of Banned Books Week, Mayor Adams has officially proclaimed October 4 as #FreedomToRead Day, and is encouraging all New Yorkers to join their public libraries in celebrating the power of books and reading.
Why the Freedom to Read Matters to Judy Blume
Hear from author Judy Blume—whose books for young adult readers have faced bans and challenges—about what we can do to protect the freedom to read, and why it matters.
Photo by Marion Curtis/Starpix.
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