“In 2025, book bans were not sparked by concerned parents, and they were not the result of local grassroots efforts. They were part of a well-funded, politically-driven campaign.” - Sarah Lamdan, Executive Director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.
https://bit.ly/4tQcFqG
Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2025. Composite of 11 close-up crops of various book covers. Text at bottom: "Protect the freedom to read" ala.org/bbooks. American Library Association
The list of 2025's most challenged books was release this morning as part of ALA's State of America's Libraries Report.
Of the 4,235 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2025, these were the top 11 most frequently targeted for censorship: https://bit.ly/3TE4cHi
#NationalLibraryWeek
Even though published almost 4 years ago, this is the best article I've read about book bans. I hope you'll read and share it. #BookSky
Celebrate your #RightToRead today by supporting local libraries and asking your reps to take action against #HR7661
This story highlights the harm of SB 13 on very people the law is supposed to protect: Texas students.
www.kwtx.com/2026/04/13/s...
Black text on a yellow background reads: “Authors Against Book Bans speak out” and “Ryan Estrada” accompanied by an image of a man wearing glasses and the cover of the book “Banned Book Club”
Black text on a white background that reads, “What’s your name and most challenged book?” “My name is Ryan Estrada. Ironically, my book Banned Book Club, which I wrote with my wife Kim Hyun Sook about her experiences smuggling illegal books under a dictator in 1980s Korea, has been banned in six different cities. My second most banned book is Occulted, about how my friend Amy Rose used banned books to escape a UFO death cult. I guess the book banners really don’t like to see that their tactics are the same as despots and cult leaders.”
Black text on a white background that reads, “What’s your experience with being banned?” “I thought I was writing about history. When we started writing in 2017, book banning was not a topic of discussion in the US. In fact, the reason we got our book deal was that the editor was SHOCKED at the idea that South Korea was only a few decades away from having state-banned books. By the time the book came out three years later, not only were books being banned by the hundreds, but our book quickly became one of them.”
![Black text on a white background that reads, “What do you wish readers in general knew about book bans? It’s all a show. They claim to be a giant network of parents concerned about pornography in schools, but that’s all a lie. It’s like a dozen people, and I know all of them [...] None of them have children in the school districts they target. Many don’t even live in those districts and drive in from another state. They are political operatives, funded by organizations whose investments in private schools are benefited by making public schools worse, or whose campaigns benefit from damaging libraries.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4e3azwmhkhqets2gvislixae/bafkreigjr6kl5qhobw3354hcjervbsnwu6usc3uqbmos4tpun6cfsb2oc4)
Black text on a white background that reads, “What do you wish readers in general knew about book bans? It’s all a show. They claim to be a giant network of parents concerned about pornography in schools, but that’s all a lie. It’s like a dozen people, and I know all of them [...] None of them have children in the school districts they target. Many don’t even live in those districts and drive in from another state. They are political operatives, funded by organizations whose investments in private schools are benefited by making public schools worse, or whose campaigns benefit from damaging libraries.
We asked members of @authorsabb.bsky.social to share their experiences of being banned. Thank you @ryanestrada.com for sharing your story!
Want to stay up-to-date on book bans? Sign up for our newsletter here: www.publishingprofessionalsagainstbookbans.com/contact
I just got @pubprosabb.bsky.social's most recent newsletter, and it had great info and a really interesting interview. If you're in the industry, this is one to sign up for!
www.publishingprofessionalsagainstbookbans.com/contact
Liberal candidates sweep school board elections as Moms for Liberty loses ground
www.rawstory.com/district-sch...
![GO to usa.gov/elected-officials and call your rep. "Hello my name is [your name], and I'm a constituent from [your city/zip code]. I'm calling to urge [rep/senator name] to support the freedom to read and oppose efforts to ban books or restrict access in schools and libraries. Access to diverse books and ideas is essential for education, critical thinking, and a healthy democracy. Decisions about what individuals read should not be dictated b political pressure. I also ask that you support funding for libraries and protect the role of trained librarians in our communities. Thank you for your time, and I would appreciate knowing the representative's position on the issue."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wpyqwhfhwubmtj2ku35uzpp4/bafkreigqy7bez63fauylz2nrws3hwlwqtiyimcb2z5dp4wjzub6vi5e2vy)
GO to usa.gov/elected-officials and call your rep. "Hello my name is [your name], and I'm a constituent from [your city/zip code]. I'm calling to urge [rep/senator name] to support the freedom to read and oppose efforts to ban books or restrict access in schools and libraries. Access to diverse books and ideas is essential for education, critical thinking, and a healthy democracy. Decisions about what individuals read should not be dictated b political pressure. I also ask that you support funding for libraries and protect the role of trained librarians in our communities. Thank you for your time, and I would appreciate knowing the representative's position on the issue."
Want to stand up for the freedom to read? With legislation like H.R. 7661 shaping the future of access to books, contacting your members of Congress is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard. Your voice matters, and it helps shape the policies that affect our libraries and schools.
No IMLS means fewer resources for libraries, museums, and communities nationwide.
That means fewer literacy programs, less workforce support, and reduced access to information.
Speak up. Send a postcard today.
bit.ly/3Ot9Qg4 #saveimls #library #libraries #FundLibraries #read #reading
This list of #fREADom advocates shows that we are not alone in fighting this resolution. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Sign the petition provided by @everylibrary.bsky.social to add your name to the list of those against #HR7661
We stand alongside over 100 grassroots and #NationalAdvocacy organizations, publishers, booksellers, parent groups & professional associations in opposition to #HR7661
Use the @everylibrary.bsky.social action center to urge your representative to vote NO, or better yet, to not take it up for a vote
In a HUGE VICTORY for library and cultural workers, we have reached a favorable resolution in our ongoing lawsuit with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social against the illegal dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, protecting the IMLS' funding, staffing & services!
Want to stay up to date on where the world stands on #BookBans?
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We built all the tools you need to fight the federal book ban bill at opposehr7661.org
Add your name to this petition from @everylibrary.bsky.social to stop #bookbans across the United States. Every signature counts! Take the “silent” out of “silent majority” and let your voice be heard! #StopBanningBooks #fREADom
action.everylibrary.org/bannedbooks
cover of last stop on market street
Last Stop on Market Street is the kind of story kids need, one that builds empathy, dignity, and understanding.
Banning it doesn’t protect children, it limits their world.
Let kids read stories that expand their hearts.
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans
Want to defend libraries and the freedom to read?
Follow us and be part of the national movement standing up for books, libraries, and the right to knowledge.
#FreedomToRead #SupportLibraries #LibrariesMatter #FundLibraries #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books
Stories help readers see themselves, understand others, and feel less alone. For neurodiverse young people, that visibility can be life-changing. But when books are challenged or removed, those stories (and the voices behind them) are at risk of disappearing.
This 💯
Want to defend libraries and the freedom to read?
Follow us and be part of the national movement standing up for books, libraries, and the right to knowledge.
#FreedomToRead #SupportLibraries #LibrariesMatter #FundLibraries #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books
“What is H.R. 7661” atop a logo that reads Publishing Professionals Against Book Bans
“House Resolution 7661 ( H.R. 7661) is a National Book Censorship Bill introduced in February 2026 by Mary Miller (R-IL). It seeks to modify the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by prohibiting the use of funds under the act ‘to develop, implement, facilitate, host, or promote any program or activity for, or to provide or promote literature or other materials to, children under the age of 18 that includes sexually oriented material, and for other purposes.’”
“H.R. 7661 is an anti-trans bill that defines ‘sexually oriented material’ as anything broaching the topics of ‘gender dysphoria or transgender OSM’ (quote credit to Book Riot)” “Couched in regressive language purporting to protect children, the bill aims to ban books by and about marginalized groups. This bill is concerning because it limits the use of certain funds, but it is dangerous in the precedent it could create.”
“Instead of making our public schools and libraries stronger and moving us all forward together, some politicians are choosing to waste critical resources and time on distraction and division. It’s time our leaders get serious about what works: fully funding our public schools and libraries so we can continue working together to improve our neighborhoods, where most of our children learn and grow and where we all can have a say.”
#HR7661 is a national book censorship bill that we should all be aware of. Find more details below and follow for updates and actions you can take to fight back.
Librarian Luanne James fired for refusing to move books from children's to adult section.
"Her story will echo from the Courthouse in Murfreesboro, TN, across the country, as emblematic of the fight against censorship and suppression,” said PEN America's Kasey Meehan. www.yahoo.com/news/article...
what's really shaping school board decisions
school board races are becoming more political and polarized
outside endorsements and pac funding are increasing influence
What’s really shaping school board decisions right now?
The fight for the freedom to read doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s influenced by bigger forces affecting local elections and policies. Understanding these dynamics is key to protecting access to books in your community.
Graphic depicting an illustration of two people sitting on a grassy hill and happily reading books beneath a bright blue sky. At the top of the graphic is a pink banner with the date “April 14th, 2026”, followed by title text that says, “Celebrate We Need Diverse Books Day!”
Graphic depicting an illustration of two people sitting on a grassy hill and happily reading books beneath a bright blue sky. At the top of the graphic is title text that says, “What is We Need Diverse Books Day?” Body text says, “We Need Diverse Books Day is intended to highlight the importance of reading books that reflect our beautifully diverse world. It’s a chance to uplift, celebrate, and take action to support diverse books and the diverse artists that create them.”
#WeNeedDiverseBooksDay is coming up again — and soon! Looking for an easy way to uplift and celebrate diverse storytelling? Celebrate with us on April 14th!
Anyone who wants to join us and @maggietokudahall.bsky.social to take action against H.R. 7661 and protect the freedom to read, we can help you call your reps right now at action.everylibrary.org/callhr7661. What else would you say to encourage those who want to take action?
You don’t need a lengthy script — all you need is your voice. Find your reps by using @5calls.org and let them know how you feel about #HR7661
And ppsssttt... if you're an author and you love AABB but can't afford to donate, maybe go nudge your editors, agents, publicists, publishers to see if they're following along with @pubprosabb.bsky.social - when we work together, we change worlds.
Our December newsletter is in your email inbox now. If you’re a publishing professional, be sure to sign up here to receive that news each month: www.publishingprofessionalsagainstbookbans.com/contact
"Defending the freedom to read directly affects our ability to partner effectively with our current and future authors. It affects our ability to have the power to speak. It affects how we walk in the world, how we think, and the conclusions we bring to our work."