The New York Public Library’s mission is rooted in the principles of free and open access to knowledge, information, and all perspectives. From April 13 through May 31, 2022, thanks to a partnership with publishers Hachette Book Group, Macmillan Publishers, and Scholastic we welcomed readers from across the country to get immediate access to a selection of titles that have been banned or challenged via our free e-reader app, SimplyE—with or without a library card through our Books for All Collection. No waits, no fines. 

Read more about why the Library stands behind the importance of making all books available to everyone.

"Knowledge is power; ignorance is dangerous, breeding hate and division. Since their inception, public libraries have worked to combat these forces simply by making all perspectives and ideas accessible to all."

—Tony Marx, President of The New York Public Library