THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION
America has spoken. Libraries, bookstores, readers, and partners nationwide gathered at rallies and community events on Saturday, October 19, to unite against book bans and demonstrate our shared commitment to this fundamental freedom. Thank you for joining us for an inspiring day celebrating this fundamental American value.
It's not too late to take action! While book bans and challenges in the U.S. continue to happen at an alarming rate, it's essential that we continue to show support for local libraries and the freedom to read.
MORE WAYS TO TAKE ACTION
WHY WE'RE TAKING ACTION
In 2023, book banning and censorship reached an all-time high, with a record 4,240 unique book titles targeted for removal, a 65% increase over the 2,571 unique titles targeted in 2022 and a staggering 128% increase over 2021 numbers. 47% of the books targeted for censorship were titles representing the voices and lived experiences of people of color and people who identify as LGBTQ+. Coordinated censorship attempts continue to happen at an alarming rate, impacting schools and public libraries nationwide and threatening the First Amendment rights of all Americans.
Public and school libraries should be safe havens of knowledge and community, offering access to diverse viewpoints and empowering students and the public to engage with the issues of our time. The Freedom to Read Community Day of Action will unite libraries and elevate the voices of readers nationwide. Stand with us against book bans on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Freedom to Read Pledge
I stand with readers across the U.S. in support of the freedom to read, which we believe is an American value that must be protected.
Everyone should have the right to choose what they read. Individuals should be trusted to make their own decisions about what they and their families read.
Free access to information and knowledge is fundamental to democracy. Book bans inhibit the free flow of ideas. The freedom to read plays an essential part in informed debate and securing the health of our democratic institutions.
The surge in book banning in our schools and communities is a crisis. Many of the titles targeted for censorship are by or about people of color and people who identify as LGBTQIA+. Book bans harm, isolate, and discriminate against people of color and LGBTQIA+ people by denying them access to stories that reflect their lives. Everyone deserves to see themselves in the pages of books.
I pledge to vote and to make my voice heard.
Once you have signed the pledge form, you will have the option to contact your representatives in Congress to make them aware of your stance on this important issue.
* Note: The list of gendered prefixes in this menu is a system requirement for the federal Congressional communication service that delivers these messages. ALA and multiple other organizations have requested changes to allow for more expansive self-identification.
FOR EVENT ORGANIZERS
EVENT GUIDE & PROMO KIT
Top Tips for Organizing Your Event
1. Read our guidance for event organizers and speakers. Follow these simple instructions to keep the Freedom to Read Community Day of Action a nonpartisan event.
2. Pick a time on Saturday, October 19, that will work best for your community.
3. Choose a location where a crowd can gather. Be sure to prepare any tech (microphones, screens, stage) you may need.
4. Coordinate with local officials and police to help keep your event safe and fun for all.
Precautions to take include:
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- Monitoring social media and emails for threats or indications of planned protest activity.
- Inspecting areas around planned event venues for suspicious articles or persons, and restricting access to only those authorized.
- Reporting any suspicious activity as soon as possible to security and law enforcement.
- Reviewing ALA's strategies and resources for responding to and preparing for potentially controversial programs.
- Being prepared to answer common questions about book bans.
5. Get informed! Check out these talking points and key messages about book bans and challenges and what we are hoping to achieve with the Freedom to Read Community Day of Action.
6. Gather speakers. Invite people who are passionate about the freedom to read to speak about it. Consider local community leaders, authors, librarians, or educators who want to share personal stories, elected officials (but not candidates for office), and performers. Be sure to choose an emcee who can facilitate the event! Share with them all the guidance for event organizers and speakers.
7. Consider having music or a DJ.
8. Gather partners. Invite other local organizations and groups who may be interested in participating, e.g. nonpartisan voter education groups, faith-based organizations, school leadership, or local small businesses.
9. Plan activations and activities. Consider hosting family-friendly activities and programs leading up to, during, or following your event, such as:
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- A march, parade, or rally with sign-making and participation prompts
- Banned book storytimes and community read-ins
- Panel discussions that include student perspectives
- Community murals, button- and bookmark-making, arts and crafts
- Film screenings
- Book displays of banned materials or book recommendations
- Giveaways and merch (buttons, stickers, bookmarks)
- Civic participation stations to check voter registration and create a plan to vote
10. Spread the word!
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- Use the poster and flyer below in your community to let people know about your Day of Action
- Use our social media toolkit to get the word out online!
- Reach out to local press who may want to cover the event two to three days beforehand. Download this sample media advisory and personalize it with your own logo and event information.
- Register your event with us so we can include you on our list of participating sites around the country.
Promotional Materials for Your Event
Looking for ways to promote your event online? Check out our social media toolkit.
ABOUT THE FREEDOM TO READ COMMUNITY DAY OF ACTION
The Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on Saturday, October 19, 2024, is being organized by the American Library Association, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Unite Against Book Bans, in collaboration with libraries and advocates nationwide.
Unite Against Book Bans is a national coalition led by the American Library Association. As a 501(c)(3), ALA and its Unite campaign do not support or endorse candidates for political office. Unite's voter resources are informed by ALA's Reader Voter Ready campaign.
SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT
Spread the word about the #FreedomToRead Community Day of Action by sharing these graphics on your social media. Tag us on Instagram and Facebook (@UniteAgainstBookBans) and Twitter/X (@UABookBans).
For more sizes and a suggested social media plan, check out our full social media guide.
Sample Social Posts
Provided here are captions to share your excitement about the #FreedomToRead Community Day of Action. Feel free to use the language below or adjust the captions to align more with your individual or organizational voice. This content should be posted in the weeks leading up to October 19, starting with Banned Books Week, which runs September 22–28.
For Supporters
All social platforms
I signed the #FreedomToRead pledge! The surge in book banning in our schools and communities is a crisis. Take action now, sign the pledge, and instantly send an email to your elected representatives to tell them how important this issue is to you: https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/day-of-action/#pledge
I’m standing against book bans with readers across the country for the #FreedomToRead Day of Action! Add your name to the pledge and share it with everyone you know: https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/day-of-action/#pledge
For Event Hosts
Instagram and Facebook
We’re excited to participate in the #FreedomToRead Community Day of Action on Saturday, October 19! Show support for our right to read freely by joining us and @UniteAgainstBookBans: [INSERT YOUR WEBPAGE LINK OR LINK IN BIO]
Twitter/X
We’re excited to participate in the #FreedomToRead Community Day of Action on Saturday, October 19! Show support for our right to read freely by joining us and @UABookBans: [INSERT YOUR WEBPAGE LINK]
Check out our full social media guide, including guidelines on what to post during your Day of Action.