7 ways you can get involved in Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week is an annual event hosted by the American Library Association (ALA), happening now Oct. 1-7. First launched in 1982, this year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read!”
Whether you are a librarian, educator, author, publisher, bookseller or reader there are plenty of ways for you to get involved and raise awareness.
Ways to get involved:
- Download a free toolkit from ALA including social media graphics.
- Libraries can create displays in your physical branch of frequently challenged books (ALA’s toolkit includes printable shelf talkers).
- Join with thousands of others and sign up to Unite Against Book Bans.
- Spread the word on social media: The Unite Against Book Bans online toolkit has a variety of social media graphics and suggested posts that both individuals and organizations can use to raise awareness.
- Read a frequently challenged book.
- Join in Let Freedom Read Day on Oct. 7.
- Libraries can also curate collections, such as the ones put together by Brooklyn Public Library and Los Angeles Public Library.
Curated collections and book displays are one of the many creative initiatives libraries are taking to raise awareness of Banned Books Week. According to Amy Mikel, Director of Customer Experience for Brooklyn Public Library, “Since April 2022, we have collected thousands of testimonials from teens facing censorship or other challenges to access. Many of these young adults are discouraged and frustrated at the lack of reading options where they live and grateful for the access to our digital collection. They share their deep desire to learn more about themselves and the world around them. They share that this opportunity to read freely and discretely would be an unimaginable gift. I am positive that through this work, we are saving lives.”
