"New book ban data from ALA is shocking but not surprising. The Far Right wants to turn back the clock on the freedom to read, teach and learn. We won’t stand for it. Be an advocate for kids: defend freedom, fight censorship."

- Svante Myrick, President, People For the American Way

"Free expression and education are inextricably linked—wide access to quality education is only possible when educators and authors can also express themselves freely. And you can’t have a vibrant society without both of these things.”

- David McCune, board member and former CEO

"Lerner Publishing Group strongly supports the right to read and we stand behind our authors, illustrators, and the books we publish. Banning books is a form of censorship and we believe that readers should have access to all books. We support librarians and believe that every individual should be able to choose what books they read.”

- Adam Lerner, Publisher and CEO of Lerner Publishing Group

"In a country built on a foundation of freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of expression, America’s children must be free to read, learn and think for themselves. We should be empowering children by filling our public schools and libraries with books and resources, not censoring and banning books.”

- Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State

"The sad news that another book censorship record has been broken means even more kids are being denied books that would improve their lives. We have to continue to fight like hell.”

- Christopher Finan, Executive Director, National Coalition Against Censorship

"Suppressing books because of their message is anti-democratic, harmful, and a dangerous step toward autocracy. We urge those challenging books in schools and libraries to consider the first amendment ramifications and slippery slope they are heading down by allowing any resident to deny others’ children access to books they find distasteful.”

- Mary Rasenberger, Chief Executive Officer, The Authors Guild and The Authors Guild Foundation

"As a leading force in advocating for the interests of agents, authors, and other rights holders, AALA stands united against book bans. We believe in protecting the freedom to read without censorship."

"As we watch critics of anti-racist education aggressively censor what literature people can access today, we see history repeat itself. Just like before, we see oppressive factions using censorship as a means of their self-defense. Forced illiteracy is the go-to move that appears like clockwork every time the country embraces the life-changing wisdom of anti-racism."

- Kimberle Crenshaw, Co-founder and Executive Director, African American Policy Forum

“The ALA's findings are the undeniable confirmation that the right to read is under attack as never before. Sadly, it seems as though these attacks on free expression are only going to escalate as politicians, officials, and well-funded, organized censorship groups in communities and states across the country look to censor and challenge books. No one has the right to deny someone access to a book because they don’t like it. The time has come for everyone who supports free expression to stand up and support the freedom to read.”

- David Grogan, Director, American Booksellers for Free Expression, the free speech initiative of the American Booksellers Association

"What's happening with books is inextricably linked to the challenges against teaching accurate accounts of our country's history and social emotional learning. Lee & Low trusts our Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and intersectional storytellers to share their truths. We trust librarians and educators for their professional expertise. And above all, we believe young people have the right to access and read the books in which they see themselves."

“Book challenges have long-term effects in our classrooms. Without expansive, thoughtful inquiry, students won’t receive the well-rounded education they deserve.”

- NCTE President María E. Fránquiz

“ABRAMS stands with the ALA against book banning and censorship of any kind. We strongly support the heroic efforts of librarians and educators who not only help children see themselves and their communities in books, but also encourage kids to question, think, and dream. Authors and illustrators have a right to share their lived experiences and we are proud to publish their vitally important stories.”

- Mary McAveney, President and CEO, ABRAMS

“Our democracy is built on access to books and learning from a wide range of writers and perspectives. Banning books from libraries imperils our freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom to read award-winning writing. ASJA stands against attacks on our democracy; ASJA stands up for writers, readers, and the right to read what you want.”

- Emily Paulsen, President, American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)

“Most Americans oppose book banning. Censorship groups think they’re going to influence young people by banning books: all they’re doing is creating more demand for incredible stories, and helping us all come together in defense of the freedom to read. The data confirms there are a great many more book lovers than there are censors. Book banners are a loud but tiny minority. So let’s just get louder! Make no mistake that the freedom to read is going to win this fight.“

- Dominique Raccah, Publisher and CEO of Sourcebooks

“ILA stands against book banning and censorship, both of which violate the principles of our Children's Right to Read initiative. To advance literacy, we must advocate for access to book and the ability to choose what to read."

- Kenneth Kunz, ILA President of the Board

“Book bans not only stifle access to information; they ban our inherent right to think independently and develop a holistic understanding of who we are and how we function in society.  Now more than ever, we need to promote diversity of thought – not restrict it – to bridge social divides and advance causes that matter most."

- Josh Skelly, CEO of Urban Insight