How to get involved in the fight against book bans
The IndependentThe latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “When we experience book bans, we are doing our children and our society a disservice because we are taking away the ability for our children to develop empathy skills,” Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, President of the American Library Association, said in an interview with The Independent. The ALA’s Unite Against Book Bans initiative encourages people to speak with local officials, school board members, librarians, parents, students and teachers about the importance of access to all kinds of literature. “If they’re combating a challenge, showing up to board meetings, packing that room, having signs, having folks with prepared remarks go up to the microphone and speak to the impact.” Ms Meehan recommends people write letters to their school board and speak with local librarians to understand how they make decisions about books. Donate to organisations One of the easiest ways to fight against book bans is by donating to organisations like PEN America and the ALA that provide research about book banning and support libraries.
History of this topic
10 Banned Books Your Kids Should Be Reading
Huff Post
Trump’s promises to conservatives raise fears of more book bans in U.S.
LA TimesBanned Books Week starts with mixed messages as reports show challenges both up and down
Associated Press
What’s a book ban anyway? Depends on who you ask
NPR
How best to stop books being banned? Ban such bans.
Live MintMinnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They’re banning the book ban
Associated Press
Censorship efforts at libraries continued to soar in 2023, according to a new report
Associated Press
From Iowa to Florida, national lawsuits against local book bans begin to gain traction
LA Times
A new report shows how corrosive book banning is. Novelist Lauren Groff is fighting back
LA Times
To fight so-called book bans, some states are threatening to withhold funding
NPR
Book bans: Will the culture wars come for Britain’s books?
The Independent
Children and parents begin uphill fightback against book bans in Florida
CNN
Column: Not satisfied with schools, book banners are now targeting adults’ right to read
LA Times
How school book bans exploded — with front lines in Southern California too
LA TimesBooks banned in other states fuel Vermont lieutenant governor’s reading tour
Associated Press
LGBTQ+ book bans are hitting California schools. How teachers can fight back
LA TimesLibrarians train to defend intellectual freedom and fight book bans at Chicago conference
Associated Press
Commentary: Are book bans unconstitutional? They are certainly political
LA Times
The 15 most banned books in America this school year
LA Times
These authors’ books are some of the most challenged in the US. They’re speaking out
The Independent
Biden lambasts book ban attempts in remarks to teachers: ‘Empty shelves don’t help kids learn very much’
The Independent
The book ban surge gripping America’s schools and libraries
The Independent
Book bans in US schools increased by 28 per cent in the first half of the school year, says new report
The Independent
Book ban attempts hit record high in 2022, library org says
Associated Press
US saw record book-banning efforts in 2022, library group says
Al Jazeera
I’m a teacher in Florida. Here’s what the DeSantis book bans look like in my classroom
The Independent
The US is inspiring education censorship elsewhere
Al Jazeera
Democrats introduce ‘book ban’ resolution amid nationwide censorship movement
The Independent
As book bans mount, literary stars are championing libraries and literacy
CNN
At least 50 groups in the US advocated to ban books in the past year
CNN
School book bans have seen an unprecedented surge this year, a new report says
LA Times
Librarians push back against book-banning
Salon
Librarians, authors, publishers form anti-book ban coalition
Associated Press
Book Banning And Threats Against Librarians Soared Over Past Year, Report Shows
Huff Post
Op-Ed: The recent onslaught of book bans is a strategic part of wider attacks on our democracy
LA Times
Conservatives Are Banning Books From Schools While Whining About 'Cancel Culture'
Huff Post
Calls for school book burnings, bans from conservative parent groups on the rise, researchers say
The Independent
Op-Ed: Book banning in the 21st century? Why my book has been removed from school shelves
LA Times
During Banned Books Week, Readers Explore What It Means To Challenge Texts
NPRDiscover Related
