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 in 2022, 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.
Download our free toolkit! 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.
Just Announced! Teen Writing Contest Winners
For our National Teen Writing Contest, we asked teens across the country to tell us why the freedom to read is important to them. Nearly 500 teens from 36 states wrote in with their ideas. Now, we’re thrilled to announce our contest winners and the grand prize–winning essay, available to read on Teen Vogue!
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New! Teen Banned Book Club: 'The Downstairs Girl'
Our latest Teen Banned Book Club pick, The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee, is available now for anyone to read for free—no library card required! Download NYPL’s free e-reader app SimplyE to get started. Each book club title is available to all readers ages 13 and above. Learn more and download the app to get reading!
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Banned Book Club Event with Stacey Lee
Thurs, April 25 | 3 PM ET | Online
Join The New York Public Library and teens from across the country to discuss our current book club title, The Downstairs Girl, with author Stacey Lee!
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! Share information about our current book club and download a free discussion guide for The Downstairs Girl, which includes discussion questions, activities, digital resources, suggestions for further reading, and more.
For Educators: Apply Now for Our Summer Residency
Deadline: Fri, Apr 26 | 11:59 PM PST
Applications are now open for a paid summer residency program with NYPL's Center for Educators & Schools. This year's course focuses on topics including censorship and book bans and challenges. Successful applicants will receive a stipend, lodging, round-trip travel to New York City, and more.
Watch Now! Previous Banned Book Club Events
Check out discussions with the bestselling authors of our previous Teen Banned Book Club titles!
More 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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