O
ur freedom to read has been under assault for what seems like an eternity. And, the attacks on libraries aren’t just book bans anymore. Now, the groups and individuals behind these attacks on libraries are cutting funding, threatening programs, and most frighteningly, trying to pass laws that target educators and library workers. Even the Department of Education is under fire.

And straightforward book bans and censorship is only the beginning. The environment of fear created by organized pressure groups leads to what is known as soft banning. That’s when a book is limited or removed from a situation where it hasn’t been challenged due to fear of backlash.[1]

It’s reached a point where people are quite simply afraid to teach diverse perspectives, or report censorship. Some folks are even afraid to buy books, or check them out of the library to read themselves. And that’s just plain un-American.

Right to Read Day is a day of activism, to celebrate – and defend – the freedoms found in our libraries and on bookstore shelves.

What can you do to stand up for
our right to read?

If you have five minutes:

Check out a banned book.
It really helps! Checking out banned books, or works about topics frequently targeted for censorship proves the community is interested in reading them.

Call Congress.
A March 14 executive order designed to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) would block access to information for millions, especially those who live in rural areas. Call Congress and tell your representatives to fight for libraries and the IMLS.

If you have fifteen minutes:

Report censorship
If a book challenge takes place in your area, ALA may be able to provide support and resources to oppose it.

If you have 30 minutes:

Book ban battles are usually fought on the local level, at school board, library board, and city council meetings. Make sure your local officials know you support the library and access to books of all kinds by, not only attending these meetings, but speaking out against censorship. Here’s a guide to get you started.

For the long haul:

Volunteer.
Libraries are community institutions. So, volunteer. Join or start a Friends group for your library. Or run for your local library board.
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Here are some more tools in the fight against book bans.
And don’t limit your actions to Right to Read Day!