The state has banned “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison from ALL high school library shelves.

The “classics” are safe, they promised.

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.

Book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs, with 'Sold' topping the list The American Library Association says book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs. Efforts to remove titles have become more coordinated and politicized.

When the FL SBOE publicly ordered one district to remove 55 titles without review or despite local decisions by parent-led committees to retain, most others followed. It’s not an official state banned list, but that’s how titles like “A Clockwork Orange” made this list.

apnews.com/article/bans...

The 28 state colleges remove sociology as a general education course • Florida Phoenix The Florida Board of Education has removed sociology from the 28 state college general education lists, following the example of the 12 state universities.  Community colleges, often used as a steppin...

General education is not an experimental space for disciplines that cannot meet clearly defined academic standards." floridaphoenix.com/briefs/the-2...

Update on HR 7661, as Congress is back in session today. It's not yet on the House calendar for the week. Doesn't mean it can't show up, but this is your reminder to get in touch with your representatives *now*.

www.majorityleader.gov/schedule/wee...

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.

All initial signers: • Abrams • Book Ferret • Aevitas Creative • Book Manufacturers' Management Institute • Air and Nothingness Press • Book Moon • All4Ed • Books on Main • American Booksellers • Boston Comic Arts Association Foundation • American Library • Bradford Literary Agency Association • Bubba's Books • Andrews McMeel • California Independent Publishing Booksellers Alliance • Annie's Foundation • California Public Library • Association for Rural & Advocates Small Libraries • Candlewick Press • Association of University • The CAT Agency Presses • Chapter2 Books • Astra Publishing House • Charlesbridge • Atlas Books • Children's Book Council • Atthis Arts • Comic Book Legal Defense • Au Literary Management Fund • Authors Against Book Bans • Coffee House Press • The Authors Guild • Dog Eared Rights and • Azantian Literary Agency Licensing, LLC • Banned Books Box • Duck's Cottage Coffee & • Barefoot Books Books • The Bookdragon's Lair • Dystel, Goderich & Bourret • Bookstore LLC • The Book Shop of Beverly • E. Shaver, Bookseller Farms • Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

• EveryLibrary • Little Bee Books • Fact & Fiction Books • Live Oak Media • Fiction Bookshop • Livingston Parish Library • Florida Freedom to Read Alliance Project • Longtellow Books • Folklore Publishing • Louisiana Citizens Against • Foofaraw Press Censorship • Frances Goldin Literary • The Lynx Books Agency • MacGregor & Luedeke • Freedom to Read Project Collaborative • Freedom to Read SC • Macmillan Publishers • Gallt and Zacker Literary • Marsal Lyon Literary Agency Agency • GLAAD • Midwest Independent • Holiday House Publishing Booksellers Association • The Horn Book • Military Families for Free • Independent Book Expression Publishers Association • Moonstone & Mist • Just Us Books, Inc. Bookshop • Kidsbuzz • Morgan Hill Bookstore • Kirkus Reviews • Mountains & Plains • KT Literary, LLC. Independent Booksellers • lala books Association • Latinx in Publishing • National Coalition Against • Latinx Kidlit Book Festival Censorship • Laura Gross Literary • National Council of Agency Teachers of English • Lee & Low Books • New Atlantic Independent • Levine Querido Booksellers Association • Library Journal • New Leaf Literary & Media • Libro.fm • The New Press

• Newtonville Books • School Library Journal • Nordlyset Literary Agency • Shelf Life Books • Nosy Crow • Simon & Schuster • Not a Pipe Publishing • Society of Children's Book Ink-Corporated LLC Writers and Illustrators • Onyx Gifts and Books • Sourcebooks • Open Book Literary • Southern Independent • Orca Book Publishers Booksellers Alliance • Pacific Northwest • Spoke & Word Books Booksellers Association • Students Engaged in • Peachtree Publishing Advancing Texas • PEN America • Texas Freedom to Read • Penguin Random House Project • PFLAG National • Texas FReadom Fighters • Porter Square Books • Uncle Hugo's Science • Postcard Bookshop Fiction Bookstore • Publisher Spotlight • United States Board on • Publishers Weekly Books for Young People • Publishing Professionals • University Press of Against Book Bans Colorado • Rainy Day Paperback • Vagabond Books, LLC Exchange • Water Street Bookstore, • Read Freely Alabama Inc. • READERS to EATERS • We Need Diverse Books • RED COMET PRESS, LLC • Weller Book Works • River & Hill Books • Whitelam Books • Rutherford County Library Alliance • School Board Integrity Project

If you would like an easy way to tell Congress that you oppose this bill, our friends at @everylibrary.bsky.social made it really easy:

action.everylibrary.org/hr7661

Join all of these orgs in taking a stand against government censorship.

FLORIDA FREEDOM TO READ PROJECT Statement in opposition to HR 7661 The freedom to speak and to read is a fundamental principle of the United States of America. That is why we have joined together - parents, students, educators, library workers, authors, free expression advocates, booksellers, and publishers - to stand in support of our nation's school-aged children and teens and in opposition to H.R. 7661. H.R. 7661, if passed, will compel nationwide book censorship. It confuses obscenity with identity and stigmatizes vulnerable young people, particularly trans children and teens, based on who they are. It will continue to drain funding from our already underfunded schools and libraries. And it will threaten the creativity and critical thinking that are vital to education in the U.S.

A core principle of democracy, freedom, and liberty is that the government does not choose what people get to read and who they get to be. This country has a long history of protecting our freedoms. H.R. 7661 goes against this. Together, we say that this bill goes against the U.S. Constitution, local self-determination, access to books, and a society that is welcoming for everyone, no matter who they are. Our schools deserve better than this. Our children and teens - all of them, without exception - deserve better than this. We urge the U.S. House of Representatives to vote NO on H.R. 7661 or, better yet, to not take it up for a vote at all.

We’re proud to join with so many other organizations across the country to oppose H.R. 7661 - a bill that diminishes our right to share and receive ideas in our publicly-funded libraries free from viewpoint-based government censorship.

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.

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

Alaska's Freedom to Read Bill continues forward!

www.frontiersman.com/news/legisla...

Here's a great Op-Ed from Danny Caine on HR 7661

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.

Court Victory for American Libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Trump administration has withdrawn its appeal of a decision in one of the lawsuits against its dismantling of the IMLS.

The Trump administration has DROPPED its appeal in Rhode Island v. Trump, meaning that the victory for the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the case STANDS.

Let's celebrate the win and then work like hell to restore IMLS funding in 2027: bookriot.com/rhode-island...

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.

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...

Join our newsletter for resources, industry news, and tips. Twice a month emails.

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.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/join
#FreedomToRead

This is a chart showing the diversity data from the CCBC 2025 study. You can read about the CCBC study of the diversity in children’s literature published in 2024 here: https://education.wisc.edu/news/ccbcs-diversity-statistics-show-promising-growth-in-diverse-childrens-books-in-2024-but-room-for-progress/

The article below covers the nine practices identified to enhance the local literacy landscape in Duval.

Notably, in 2021 Duval invested in more diverse lit to better meet its diverse population - and then they pulled many of those books. Representation matters.

jaxtoday.org/2026/04/03/j...

WHEREAS, school library programs are the great equalizer in K12 education, allowing all students to have access to additional resources and support services to expand their learning beyond the classroom; and WHEREAS, school libraries provide unbiased access to information in a variety of formats within the school along with digital resources outside the school; and WHEREAS, media literacy education is essential in developing critical thinking skills and in preparation for success beyond K12 education; and WHEREAS, school library programs promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading; and WHEREAS, school library media specialists are literacy luminaries with the skills required to curate a media collection to serve the individual, unique needs of their community; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Florida Freedom to Read Project does hereby proclaim April 2026 as School Library Month in Florida. Let Florida Read!

April is School Library Month, and today is School Librarian Day.

Sadly, our state leaders stopped recognizing the month a few years ago, but we won’t let it go by.

We are so grateful for the efforts our school librarians make to support every public school student (including our own)!

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

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...

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

Judge rejects lawsuit against Polk schools over book challenges A lawyer for the conservative group Citizens Defending Freedom still claimed victory, saying the Polk district has changed its policies.

Apologies on the paywall here.

What you need to know: CDF lost their court challenge, but the families of PCPS still lose access to books as CDF continues to hound the district with objections and appeals, and the district sets prohibitions without public review.

www.theledger.com/story/news/e...

Floridians, this is a must read!

Our state AG has been leading the effort to prove that the First Amendment doesn’t apply to our publicly-funded libraries. They are arguing that politicians get to decide what ideas belong on the shelf, and that they can discriminate as they please when curating.

Sociology scrapped from general education in Florida universities - The Independent Florida Alligator Introduction to Sociology, designated as SYG 1000 or SYG 2000 across the 12 state public universities, will be removed from all general education classifications. Instead, the course will become an el...

Introduction to Sociology, designated as SYG 1000 or SYG 2000 across the 12 state public universities, will be removed from all general education classifications. Instead, the course will become an elective. The change will go into effect for the 26/27 SY.

www.alligator.org/article/2026...

The person in Clay is advising neighboring districts like Nassau and Duval. We’ve also seen special interests in other states referring to Clay’s latest policy revision as a model they should follow to get books removed in their districts.

Locals have to stay on top of their policy revisions!

List of the titles and outcomes as we report them that can be seen at the district website url provided in the post.

Clay County Public Schools posted the outcomes of their March meeting of the oversight committee.

Most of the books were further restricted which means they will likely face appeal by the objector that wants them removed completely.

See the outcomes here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...