The great Grace Lin on the senselessness of book bans and the harm they do do everyone in the world of books. We can protect ourselves here in Massachusetts by passing H.3594. Tell your House Rep to support it!
Whether from the Federal government, national organizations, or local extremists, the threat of book bans isn't going away soon. But Mass can take a significant step towards protecting our librarians, teachers, and children by passing H.3594
Every time a book gets pulled from a library because someone object to its content, a kid just trying to survive loses a vital resource. Kids can't survive on our hopes & assumptions. They need real protection. Urge your House Rep to support H.3594.
If you weren't able to make our Day of Advocacy you can see the full press briefing here. But, you know who really needs to see the briefing? Our state reps who need to push this out of committee! Send them the link in your next email to them.
Fundraiser for librarian Luanne James, who stood up to her rightwing library board that demanded she remove kids books with any trace of LBGTQ+ characters or content.
"I will not comply."
They sacked her and cops escorted her out.
She's a hero. This banned author just donated.
Yo! It's the first day of April, which means it's the first day of National Poetry Month! Do you need a recommendation for some poetry? Hit us up!
We need to push for a vote on H.3594 An Act Regarding Free Expression to—and soon—as discussions will likely turn toward budgets in April. You can use this form to contact your Rep.
We had a great day of advocacy on March 10th! Thank you to everyone who showed up that day, promoted the event, and, of course, contacted their Senators. Watch the press conference here
Last week, we spent a day advocating for the MA House to pass “An Act Regarding Free Expression.” MA residents: please call and write your your Reps. Tell them to ask the Chair of House Ways and Means to bring it to a vote! #FreedomToRead #AABB @massaabb.bsky.social
Screenshot of a tweet from "Deedee" We got "Let's Talk About It" moved from the YA section to the adult section in Falmouth MA. Although it's still in the YA throughout other Cape Libraries. We may or may not be holding a few copies hostage. 😉 (YA was defined as "middle-school and up.") Includes an out of context weird mark up of the book
An Act regarding free expression
This is why we need the MA Freedom to Read bill passed.
Someone in Falmouth bragging about getting Let's Talk About It - an educational TEEN comic - moved to adult, and admitting to misusing library collections, because they're prudes and bigots.
This shouldn't be possible.
@massaabb.bsky.social
And while I have Boston's attn......
Have you done this yet Massachusetts friends? It takes only a few seconds. #kidlit #writers #booksky #bookbans
People entering the Freedom to Read advocacy day room. There are signs on the doors saying “Vote yes on H.3594” and “Together we oppose book bans.”
Two people from Candlewick Press pose at their table with a sign reading “Together we oppose book bans.”
Some of the books at the Mass Authors Against Book Bans table. All of these books have been banned or challenged.
What a great day advocating for the freedom to read at the MA State House! Thank you to @massaabb.bsky.social and all the other coalition members who made it happen. Let’s pass this bill!
The official day of advocacy may be wrapping up, but that doesn't mean it's too late to send an email to your state rep, especially when we've made it so easy!
I just did this. It took less than two minutes.
Please take a moment to contact your state rep to ask them to support this bill.
On March 10th, AABB, together with the Mass Freedom to Read Coalition, is hosting a Mass Freedom to Read Advocacy Day at the State House and online. That's 1 week from today!
We invite you to participate virtually by...
Massachusetts! Today @massaabb.bsky.social members are at the State House for a day of advocacy. Contact your reps and watch the 1230 press conference here www.instagram.com/nosycrow?igs...
Massachusetts friends, read this thread and help get this important bill passed!
We are getting closer to the finish line, and as the days get longer and the birds start to return home to Massachusetts, let's make sure every voice gets heard, and every story can be told.
Onward!
Urging everyone you know who cares about free expression -- parents, educators, booksellers, readers, faith leaders, neighbors, etc., -- to sign up for Mass Freedom to Read’s newsletter and take action to contact their legislators in support of this bill
Tuning in to our press conference on the Mass Freedom to Read Instagram Live at 12:30 pm on March 10th and following along all day to share our posts with your community & representatives: www.instagram.com/massfreedomt...
On March 10th, AABB, together with the Mass Freedom to Read Coalition, is hosting a Mass Freedom to Read Advocacy Day at the State House and online. That's 1 week from today!
We invite you to participate virtually by...
Massachusetts! Mass Freedom to Read is organizing a day of advocacy on March 10th. Make sure to sign up for their newsletter for more info!
There are postcards at many Boston area bookstores, including at @brooklinebooksmith.bsky.social! And some Western Mass ones as well, I believe.
We are gearing up for a day of advocacy on March 10th. Help build momentum for it by sending postcards to your state Representatives now.
ICE cannot be reformed. It must be abolished.
Our primary goal this year, is getting the Freedom to Read bill passed! It's been passed in the Senate & now we need to move it out of the House. Sign up for your newsletter for updates & action items: www.massfreedomtoread.org
