Illustration by Julie Rowan-Zoch
September 18-24 is Banned Books Week, and this year is a biggie, with censorship and banned books lists continuing to pop up in school and public libraries all over the country. Rather than celebrating individual banned books, we at the Soaring ‘20s want to remind readers that making a banned list is not a badge of honor. Instead, let’s use this week to take an active role in promoting intellectual freedom—a cornerstone of democracy and a lifeline for young readers of all creeds.
Here are a few ways to get involved, plus links to learn more about preventing censorship.
Be a reader, and support readers
Exercise your freedom to read the titles you choose and encourage others to do the same.
Support book creators
Review your favorite books on platforms like Goodreads or Amazon, and share your love on social media. Let the world know how life-changing books can be and how they’ve touched your life.
Show up
Attend local school board meetings/public library board meetings. Speak out about the freedom to read and intellectual freedom. As a community member, you can speak in support of public librarians, school librarians, and teachers currently navigating book challenges. Don’t let those who seek to limit access to books be the only voices in the room. Better yet, speak up about your support of intellectual freedom before the topic of book bans arises in your community.
Step up
Volunteer or run for public library and school board positions in your community. Or, support the campaigns of candidates fighting for intellectual freedom.
Study up
Find out if your school district or library has a stated policy and procedures in place to handle book challenges. It should not be left up to individual teachers or librarians to handle. Then learn more about fighting book challenges by checking out our list of resources below:
Letter from 1,300 Children’s and YA Authors on Book Banning
Banned Books Week Facebook Live events: Listen in on censorship discussions with youth activists and authors George M. Johnson, Angie Thomas, Jerry Craft, Maia Kobabe, and Mike Curato.
ALA intellectual freedom resources
ALA on access to Library Resources and Services for Minors: “School and public libraries are charged with the mission of providing services and resources to meet the diverse interests and informational needs of the communities they serve. Services, materials, and facilities that fulfill the needs and interests of library users at different stages in their personal development are a necessary part of providing library services and should be determined on an individual basis. Equitable access to all library resources and services should not be abridged based on chronological age, apparent maturity, educational level, literacy skills, legal status, or through restrictive scheduling and use policies.”
#Freadom Fighters (Texas School Librarians) site, including campaigns and actions, helpful resources and places you can buy merchandise and support the cause.
Fighting Book Bans: A Virtual Teach-In for Students from Pen America
The National Coalition Against Censorship’s site includes a free tool kit and social media graphics.
Book Riot’s anti-censorship tool kit for citizens and gatekeepers.
We Need Diverse Books’s tips on fighting censorship and supporting diverse banned books.