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.
Since 2021, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom has tracked an astonishing increase in censorship attempts in libraries and schools around the country, impacting thousands of titles annually. The data shows that the majority of book censorship attempts are now originating from organized movements. In 2024, pressure groups and government entities that include elected officials, board members, and administrators initiated 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries. Data for 2025 will be released on Right to Read Day.
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.
Because of your hard work we’ve seen meaningful progress in courts, in legislatures, and in local communities. Even when things are tough, we keep showing up to fight for the freedom to read and strengthening the movement together.
Right to Read Day is a time to celebrate our wins and take action against book bans!
Five ways to take action on Right to Day (all you need is 5 minutes!)
- Register to vote so you can protect the freedom to read everywhere
- Spread the truth about book banning by sharing the newest data on censorship in libraries. Download free graphics from American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom here. (Graphics for the 2025 censorship data will be available on April 20, 2026).
- Take the Advocacy Style Quiz
- Donate to support the fight against book bans
- Show your support by wearing freedom to read merch, or buy a gift for a freedom to read fighter in your life! Check out the Unite Against Book Bans Giftshop here.
Bonus action: Join the Unite Against Book Bans campaign to get regular updates on censorship trends, freedom to read victories, and new resources for advocates!
Want to do more?
Here are additional actions you can take to defend the right to read in your community and support library workers on the ground.
Host an in person event
Would you like to do an in-person event for Right to Read Day? We have a few low-lift ideas:
- Draw-in: Encourage the artists in your community to make art that celebrates the freedom in libraries — all you need is pencil and paper!
- Color-in: We have made Nate Powell’s amazing Drawn to Freedom artwork into coloring and activity pages. Throw some copies on a table, along with some markers, colored pencils, and crayons, and you’re set!
- Postcard writing party: Use the Drawn to Freedom postcard kit for a writing party. Participants can write to their library staff, decision makers, and others to express their support.
- Artist workshop: Every community has an artist, comic book creator, or writer who is willing to share their expertise. Invite them to lead a workshop that encourages people to make art about the freedom found in libraries.
Use these downloads to celebrate Right to Read Day! You can use these any time of year to show your love for libraries! Click on the links below to download ready-to-print PDFs.
Postcards
Coloring pages
Copyright notice: Drawn to Freedom illustration by Nate Powell. Artwork is © American Library Association. These assets are provided for free programs, social media, and digital promotion. Other use is prohibited. These assets cannot be monetized or used for fundraising purposes. For questions about use or to report an issue with the files, please contact UniteAgainstBookBans@ala.org
Merch Against Book Bans
Show the world that you unite against book bans with our official apparel and totes, available in the ALA Graphics Store. All purchases support the Unite Against Book Bans campaign and our efforts to fight censorship.
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN AND STAY CONNECTED
Stay alert with updates, tools, and future actions from the Unite Against Book Bans campaign to help you stay aware of and fight censorship efforts in your community.
Already signed up? Share with a friend or family member and help them sign up.
Every person who joins the campaign is one more voice to speak out when their community is threatened by censorship.
The information gathered will be used to share updates and calls to action; it will not be sold. By providing your contact information, you agree to receive news and updates from Unite Against Book Bans. View ALA's privacy policy for more information.
And remember, you can take action against censorship any day of the year. Until we overcome the organized attacks on the freedom to read, Right to Read Day is every day.