Ray Bradbury quote: You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.
Censorship doesn’t always look like fire. Sometimes it looks like quiet removals, restricted access, or making books harder to find. When stories disappear, so do the voices, histories & ideas that shape understanding. This isn’t just about books. It’s about keeping critical thinking alive.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has helped millions of kids access books, but state funding challenges are putting that access at risk.
This article breaks down what’s happening and why it matters for early literacy and equity.
bookriot.com/dollys-imagi...
#FreedomToRead #SupportLibraries
Signatures of those in opposition
Signatures of those in opposition
Signatures of those in opposition
Statement in opposition to HR 7661
Statement in opposition to HR 7661
How does HR 7661 negatively impact our freedom to read? And what other federal legislation about the freedom to read is there? Our latest article explores these questions:
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/the_freedom_...
cover of stella by starlight
STELLA BY STARLIGHT is a powerful, age-appropriate story that helps young readers understand history, courage, and the fight for justice. Through Stella’s eyes, readers see the realities of racism alongside the strength of family, community, and hope. #booksnotbans
The Book-Loving Texan's Guide to the May 2026 School Board Elections is now LIVE! Please read it, share it, and bookmark it to help support anti-censorship candidates in Texas.
And check back frequently! As always, I'll be updating it until election day (May 2). docs.google.com/document/d/1...
![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.
stay informed and speak up when funding is threatened
support organizations advocating for libraries and intellectual freedom
encourage others to take action and get involved
how to support IMLS: federal funding and support are under threat
contact your members of congress and urge them to protect federal library funding
share what libraries mean to you and your community
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the backbone of library funding in the United States. It supports literacy programs, technology access, and essential resources for communities nationwide. Protecting IMLS means protecting access to information, opportunity, and the freedom to learn.
Alaska's Freedom to Read Bill continues forward!
www.frontiersman.com/news/legisla...
Book bans don’t just affect shelves, they’re reshaping publishing, especially for children’s books and the stories that get told.
This article explores how censorship pressures publishers and why it matters for young readers.
bookriot.com/book-bans-an...
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans
School libraries are built on the principle of access, not endorsement.
Without professional librarians, students lost guided access to information, curated collections, and instruction in digital literacy.
Caring about school libraries is not just about books. It is about caring about the kind of society we want to build.
School Libraries Matter: Why We Should Care and How to Take Action
At a time when information is everywhere but trust is harder to find, school libraries play an essential role in helping students learn not just what to think, but how to think.
For many students, the school library is the only place where they can freely explore a wide range of perspectives.
School libraries are more than books, they build critical thinking, equity, and opportunity. But they’re facing growing censorship and funding threats. Our article breaks down why it matters and how you can take action to protect access for all students.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/school_libra...
cover of julian is a mermaid
JULIÁN IS A MERMAID is a celebration of imagination, identity, and unconditional love.
Through Julián’s joyful self-expression and his abuela’s quiet acceptance, the story shows kids that it’s okay to be exactly who they are. It’s gentle, affirming, and beautifully told.
Create a persuasive messaging plan on censorship. Steps to success. (1) Identify a censorship incident to share. (2) Investigate the issue thoroughly. (3) COnsider the problem and action that need to be taken. (4) DEvelop and incorporate multimedia thoughtfully. (6) Prepare for launch across multiple platforms. (7) Schedule your communications in advance.
LIke this content? It's from our free digital workbook called Turning the Page: An ADvocate's guide to the freedom to read.
Want to speak out against censorship but not sure where to start?
If you like this content, get even more by downloading our FREE digital workbook on our website:
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_...
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans
Trump Once Again Zeroes Out IMLS Budget for 2027. It’s Time to Take Action.
For the sixth time, the Trump-Vance administration aims to dismantle and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
What to know & what to do right now: bookriot.com/2027-imls-bu...
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Want to stay informed and take meaningful action for the freedom to read? Join the Freedom to Read Project newsletter for original articles, censorship news from across the country, and practical tips to get involved. Twice a month updates.
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#FreedomToRead
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
Talk to them. Children benefit from understanding that boundaries are not about control, but about growth.
Families are different. We can acknowledge that different families make different choices, and that those choices reflect their own values and experiences
Read the full article on our blog. Parenting today is hard. There is no denying that. But it is also an opportunity to build something lasting.
raising readers and thinkers: parenting through boundaries, trust, and conversation
It's going to happen. The question is no longer whether children will encounter difficult ideas, but when and how
The truth is simple. Parenting has always involved setting thoughtful boundaries, having ongoing conversations, and guiding children toward independence.
Parenting today is hard, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our newest article is a reminder that setting boundaries, having honest conversations, and building trust at home are still the most powerful tools we have.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/raising_read...
campaign costs are rising, shifting how candidates reach voters
misinformation and social media amplify fear and distort reality
stay informed. show up. vote local.
Stay informed. Show up. Vote local.
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans #SchoolBoardsMatter
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.
"The interest in encouraging freedom of expression in a democratic society outweighs any theoretical but unproven benefit of censorship." Quote by US Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens
Freedom of expression isn’t a risk to manage, it’s a right to protect. When we remove books or silence ideas out of fear, we don’t make society safer, we make it smaller.
A healthy democracy trusts its people to read, think, question, and decide.
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans #FirstAmendment
You are exactly right. (Admin is in FL and feels the frustration!)
Exactly!
Censorship isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s hidden in how laws are written, interpreted, and enforced.
This piece breaks down how policy is being used to quietly restrict access to books and why it matters.
bookriot.com/manipulating...
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans
People oppose book bans, but many don’t know how to act. Some courageous folks in Utah stepped up and are making a difference. Read their story and learn how you too can enact change in your community. @letutahread.bsky.social
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_people_hate...
Cover of ANd Tango Makes THree
Based on a true story of two daddy penguins raising a chick, this picture book shows a simple truth: families come in many forms, and love makes them whole.
Banning it doesn’t protect kids, it erases them. Every child deserves to see themselves in a book.
Let kids read.
How are you doing with your 2026 freedom to read goals? Smile faces for rating
Spring is a good time to check in: how are your 2026 freedom to read goals going? Even small steps matter.
If the year got busy, that’s okay, advocacy is about persistence, not perfection. Revisit your goals, celebrate progress, and take one next step.
71% feel bans undermine their expertise and increase stress
78% report students r4ead more when banned books are available
72% say restricting books reduces student engagement in reading