October 11, 2025 is the Let Freedom Read Day of Action
Communities Unite Against Book Bans
Why We're Taking Action
The freedom to read is shared American value, a cornerstone of democracy, and the right of everyone, no matter their color, background, zip code. Across the nation, everyday people are coming together and fighting censorship in their communities. We’ve seen major victories, including 10 states passing laws protecting the freedom to read. On October 11, we’re asking everyone to take at least one action to help defend books from censorship and to stand up for the library staff, educators, writers, publishers, and booksellers who make them available!
Join the National Let Freedom Read Day of Action on October 11
Join or host an event to defend the freedom to read on Saturday, October 11.
Check out the Banned Books Week calendar of events to find one near you, or submit your own event to the calendar to promote it!
Don't have much time? That's okay, you can fight book bans in just 5 minutes!
If You Have 5 Minutes:
- Take the “What’s your freedom to read advocate personality” quiz to get personalized recommendations for actions that fit your advocacy style.
- Call a decision maker using the Unite Against Book Bans talking points.
- Support an advocacy organization by following them on social media, signing up for their email list, or making a donation. You can make a donation to Unite Against Book Bans here.
- Buy and wear "Censorship Is So 1984" and other banned books gear to show your support (or give it as a gift!). We also have Unite Against Book Bans gear.
If You Have 15 Minutes:
- Check out a banned book. Circulation matters! Checking out banned books or books about topics that are frequently targeted for censorship proves that the community is interested in reading them. Circulation data supports keeping the books on shelves when they are challenged and the ordering of more books by the same authors or on the same topic.
- Buy a banned book. Censorship doesn’t just harm libraries and schools; it also impacts writers, publishers, and booksellers. Writers have had school visits cancelled. Publishers and booksellers are encountering more obstacles to working with schools and libraries. One way you can support the people who make and sell books is to buy them!
If You Have 30 Minutes:
- Put up a display of banned books at your business, place of worship, library, or another community space. Check out ideas for displays here and resources for booksellers.
- Write a letter to the editor about why the freedom to read is important.
If You Have an Hour or more:
- Organize an event! Many Unite partners have program toolkits that make hosting an event easy. Check out toolkits from the Banned Books Week Coalition to host a trivia night; and the National Coalition Against Censorship to host a Right to Read Night book discussion group; or check out these Drawn to Freedom Coloring & Activity Pages for a family-friendly craft night.
- Start organizing! Download and share one of the Unite partners’ free organizing guides for:
Show us how you’re taking action on social media by using the hashtags #LetFreedomReadDay, #BannedBooksWeek, and #UniteAgainstBookBans!
And don’t forget: Censorship won’t stop just because Banned Books Week does — you can take action any day of the year!
Free Event Tools and Downloads
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