Unite Against Book Bans draws its strength from a coalition of 250+ partner organizations—representing parents, educators, librarians, booksellers, publishers, authors, faith groups, and others—that share a common goal: defending the freedom to read. Our Partner Resource Spotlight series highlights content from these stakeholders and experts, drawn from Unite’s partner resource library. We hope this collection of guides, reports, data, and more will support your advocacy in the ongoing fight to read freely.
In communities around the country, independent bookstores and booksellers are key defenders of the freedom to read. During this holiday season, Unite Against Book Bans is pleased to highlight a free resource from the American Booksellers Association and encourage supporters to patronize independent stores when shopping for fellow readers.
ABA’s ‘Right to Read Toolkit’ Helps Booksellers Protect Your Freedom to Read
To support the vital work their members do to protect literary expression and the right to read, ABA created the Right to Read Toolkit: How Booksellers and Readers Can Resist Book Bans. The toolkit offers resources to help booksellers navigate common challenges like keeping author events safe and managing online harassment. It also includes an easy-to-follow checklist of actions to take when a book(s) is targeted for censorship locally, and how-to tips for creating banned books displays and hosting banned book read-ins. The toolkit provides a comprehensive playbook for independent bookstores to play an active, visible role in promoting and protecting readers’ rights, in cooperation with libraries, schools, and other advocacy groups.
Not Just for Booksellers: Readers Everywhere Can Access ABA’s Guide
Useful for booksellers and readers alike, ABA’s toolkit offers a recent history of book bans that can help contextualize and make sense of the current explosion of bans occurring across the U.S. The section covering myths and facts about book bans can help anyone navigate conversations with friends and family who may struggle to understand a topic that is awash in misinformation. Case studies from booksellers from Montana to Massachusetts provide inspiring examples of the power that local bookstores can have in defending stories by and about members of historically marginalized communities being targeted by censors and hate groups.
About ABA and ABFE
American Booksellers Association is a national trade association that supports and advocates for the success of independent bookstores. ABA is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary and is proud to represent over 3,200 independent bookstores.
ABA members support local schools through book fairs, donations and author visits; promote literacy; provide inclusive community centers; connect readers and books; add character to neighborhoods; champion and center diverse and new literary voices; and contribute to the local economy. Their American Booksellers for Free Expression initiative promotes and protects free expression through legal advocacy and education, ensuring that ABA members have the necessary resources to defend free expression in their communities.
In addition to the free Right to Read Toolkit, The ABA Right to Read Handbook: Fighting Book Bans and Why It Matters is a comprehensive guide to resisting the epidemic of book censorship through local organizing and engaged citizenship. Available in paperback, the Handbook may be purchased through your local independent bookstore or Bookshop.org. Retailers interested in carrying it may also purchase through Ingram iPage.
