Libraries and library workers are in unparalleled times with book challenges and censorship looming, funding obstacles for library services and buildings--and more as libraries help communities navigate the fast-changing world of information.
To help library professionals and library advocates face the changing landscape, Unite Against Book Bans has created a messaging guide with tools and tips for all advocates. This messaging guide is a companion to our Action Toolkit. Check out our messaging guide Conversations that Connect by downloading it here.
Why did we create Conversations that Connect?
Over the past six years several well-funded political groups have stirred up unrelenting, nationwide effort to attack libraries and library workers, as well as our freedom to read.
In fact, the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom reports more than 4,200 unique book challenges every year since 2023. In addition, state bills focused on censorship in libraries has skyrocketed since 2023, as well as state and federal bills to target library workers and defund libraries.
how to use this Messaging Guide
“Conversations That Connect” was created for use by anyone who cares about libraries and the freedom to read, including:
- Library professionals
- Library trustees and volunteers
- Local leaders
- Educators
- All other community members
In this guide you'll find new and reworked "message starters" that are based on 2025 focus group findings as well as conversations that library advocates have been having in their communities. They are intended to be flexible so that you can customize them to your own voice and the audience you are trying to reach.
For more grassroots organizing tips, check out the Unite Against Book Bans Action Toolkit.
What's included
Our messaging guide includes foundational messages called Anchor Messages. These are surrounded by supporting talking points to customize. Topics include:
These Anchor Messages and talking points can help you...
Start one-on-one conversations to inspire deeper thinking on a politically polarizing topic, address common concerns and misconceptions, and identify shared values.
Communicate with local decision makers, like library and school board members, town council members, or state legislators.
Write public content like social media posts, op-eds or letters to the editor of local news publications.
Inn addition to downloading Conversations that Connect, we hope you will sing up to receive updates, action alerts, and tools from the Unite Against Book Bans campaign.