The freedom to read is still being challenged: From January 2025 through March 2026, more than 100 pro-censorship bills were introduced in state legislatures. At least 40 bills would penalize libraries and library workers with lawsuits, fines, or even jail time for protecting people’s the right to read. But while the challenges we face are real, so is the growing network of individuals and organizations who continue to win victories, share strategies, and build momentum to protect the right to read everywhere.
To kick off National Library Week, we're sharing several recent actions by freedom to read advocates that show our impact when we unite against book bans.
Teaming Up to Save the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the only dedicated sources of federal funding for libraries and many libraries rely on the agency's grants to buy books and serve their communities. One year ago, right before National Library Week, the Trump-Vance Administration issued and executive order to dismantle the agency and cancel funding that had already been promised to states for libraries.
Immediately, the American Library Association (ALA) joined forces with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and sued the administration. In addition, a second lawsuit was filed by the Attorneys General of 21 states who banded together to push back against the executive order. Library workers and community members helped the legal team build their case by contributing stories and data showing that libraries provide critical resources and information.
One year later, ALA, AFSCME, and the 21 Attorneys General prevailed in their lawsuits, preserving a vital source of funding for libraries everywhere. The stories and data that advocates provided were key to this victory and show the impact of pooling our strengths to fight for our libraries.
Rapid Response to Fight Federal Book Ban Bill
On March 17th, the House Committee on Education and Workforce voted in favor of H.R. 7661, a government censorship bill that would block federal funds for any material that is “sexually oriented.”
The bill uses such a broad, confusing definition of “sexually oriented” that the mere mention of nudity could qualify, which could impact health, art, and science education. In addition, the bill’s language targets LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, and prohibits any reference to transgender people.
In four short weeks, authors, library workers, and parents rapidly organized against this dangerous bill, raising the alarm and helping people contact their representative to tell them to oppose H.R. 7661. During National Library Week, you can join thousands of advocates across the country who are speaking out against the national book ban bill.
Building Proactive Coalitions to Protect the Freedom to Read
Across the country, people are building coalitions to push for more protection for the right to read. These coalitions have already resulted in 11 states passing right to read laws, including Rhode Island, Colorado, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois and have helped to defeat pro-censorship bills in Idaho, Texas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and more. This year, Senator Kawasaki of Alaska introduced the a right to read bill for Alaska which includes provides essential protections for librarians, educators, and library staff acting in good faith within their professional responsibilities.
As coalitions grow, advocates are sharing information and tactics to keep building the movement for the right to read.
Individuals share the truth about censorship
On Right to Read Day, April 20, 2026, the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom will release new censorship data from 2025. Getting this data is a collective effort and relies on the many people who reported and documented censorship in their communities. Every person who reported censorship, even when afraid to speak out, has helped the right to read movement build our strategy and fight back.
During National Library Week, you can keep our momentum going by sharing the newest information about censorship.
The freedom to read touches all of us, no matter who we are. Together we are building a future in which everyone is welcome at the library to learn, explore, and connect, whether you're nine months old or 90 years old. As we celebrate National Library Week 2026, let us remember that we are part of community of parents, authors, illustrators, educators, students, faith communities, neighbors, and library workers and that when we unite, we win.
