UPDATE: The Freedom to Read Community Day of Action webpage will launch on September 17. Please check back then for a range of materials to support the development and promotion of local events! In the meantime, sign up to join our growing list of participating organizations.
With just 100 days until the November election, Unite Against Book Bans is urging proponents of libraries and the freedom to read to save Saturday, October 19th for a nationwide day of action. Please opt-in to participate in advance of the effort’s official launch on September 17.
The Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on October 19th is being organized by 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.
As libraries and the freedom to read remain under historic threat nationwide, we must seize this critical moment to protect the rights of readers and libraries as institutions. Working with our collaborators, Unite will provide all-new materials to support in-person rallies that mobilize support for libraries in their local communities and protect the freedom to read.
In the short days ahead, Unite will mobilize our coalition of partners and supporters to enact a demonstration of national solidarity, reminding decisionmakers that the freedom to read is an enduring, non-partisan American value that enjoys a broad base of support in our communities. Together, we will counter voter apathy and motivate citizens to vote in their local, state, and federal elections.
To help support this effort today, please urge your constituents—library staff, booksellers, faith leaders, unions, parent groups, authors, students, activists, arts organizations, and others — to plan or join a community rally on October 19. Together we can galvanize a hopeful, inspiring, joyful message about the power of libraries.
In the meantime, please check out Unite’s Voter Checklist and if you represent a library, visit Reader. Voter. Ready. for other advocacy materials to support your work.
