Protect the Freedom to Read: Ways to Take Action

• Join New York City libraries and our partners across the country on Saturday, October 19 for a national Day of Action to stand against censorship in all forms.
   
• Visit nypl.org/freedomtoread to learn about opportunities and events at NYPL celebrating the freedom to read, including our Teen Banned Book Club, free toolkit, and more.
   
• Make your voice heard on social media using the hashtag #FreedomToRead and tagging @nypl. 
   
• Check out the ALA’s Freedom to Read statement. This landmark declaration of principles from the American Library Association (ALA) was originally written in the 1950s in response to a rise in censorship efforts during the McCarthy era.
   
• Get talking points and more online at Unite Against Book Bans from the American Library Association, including a guide for how to get in touch with decision-makers.
   
• See for yourself the current state of book bans using this database provided by the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC).
   
• Explore more resources to help you take action with NCAC’s Action Toolkit.
   
• Stay up to date on book bans and censorship using PEN America’s resource center.
   
• Talk about the freedom to read with your friends, family, teachers, and community—and consider starting a banned book club using the guide below.

Throughout the year, the Library will be hosting special Teen Banned Book Club events online with the authors of our book club picks. Join us there—or you can start your own!

Book clubs are a great way to talk about what you’re reading. By organizing your own Banned Book Club, you can read titles that interest you and think about why it’s important that everyone has the right to read freely.

1. Research what books are being banned using resources linked above. ALA is a good starting place. 
2. Check out books from your local library or download them for free using Libby or NYPL’s SimplyE app. 
3. Read the book, or listen to the audiobook.

Some questions to discuss while you read: 

1. Why is it important for people to be able to read this book? 
2. Why do you think people don’t want this book to be read?
3. Why would you recommend this book to others?