Books Unbanned

Brooklyn Public Library joins those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves, and form their own opinions. Inspired by the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement, BPL's Books Unbanned initiative is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books tackling a wide range of topics from library shelves.

BPL is proud to celebrate the following libraries have joined Books Unbanned as crucial partners in defending and expanding the freedom to read.

The American Library Association (ALA) documented efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles in schools and libraries in 2023, a 65% increase from 2022 and the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. ALA's data shows that censorship attempts are increasingly moving to public libraries. Most targeted books are for a teen audience and are by or about BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ persons.

Across the country, teens continue to face rising attempts at book bans, censorship, and political challenges in their local school and public libraries.

Here are just some of the ways young adults can get support from BPL:
a white book page blacked out except for the words Borrowed and Banned
Borrowed and Banned

BPL's podcast mini-series tells the story of America's ideological war with its bookshelves. Hear from students on the frontlines, librarians and teachers who risk their careers by speaking up, and writers whose books have become a political battleground. 

Listen now

teens laughing while writing on paper
Get Involved

BPL's Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetups are a virtual space where teens from across the country can connect with peers and discuss book challenges, censorship, and intellectual freedom.

Learn more

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Request a BookMatch

BookMatch Teen offers book recommendations for teens, by teens. Complete the form and a Teen BookMatcher will create a reading list just for you.

Get Matched

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Report a Challenge

If you hear of a challenge at your local library, support your right to free and open access by contacting the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom.

Get Involved

image of BPL library card, blue with white BPL logo centered
Use Your Library

Look for frequently challenged books at your local library, or check out our selection of eBook & audiobook titles, many of which are set to "Always Available" for BPL cardholders - no waiting for a copy! 

Get Reading

 

Are you an adult who cares about teens' freedom to read? Donate today to help BPL provide teens nationwide with free and open access to our wide-ranging digital collections.

Upcoming Events

Teen Poetry Slam & Open Mic!

Sat, Apr 6 2:00pm
Park Slope Library

banned books library advocacy national poetry month

Poetry Slam & Open Mic!

It's Spring! 

Time for an outside event in the garden!

Join us to celebrate ....

National Library Week AND National Poetry Month! 

Hear teen poets, discover Books Unbanned programs and activities!

Enjoy music, snacks, and win prizes!…

National Library Week - Right to Read Event

Mon, Apr 8 10:00am
Ulmer Park Library

banned books library advocacy

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

April 8 All Day - Right to Read (All Ages)

     Check out and Read a Challenge Book…

National Library Week Teen Grab & Go: Giveaway Books and Letter Writing Campaign

Mon, Apr 8 10:00am
Midwood Library

banned books grab and go kits library advocacy

Attention all teens! Come celebrate National Library Week at Midwood Library. We'll have free giveaway frequently-challenged young adult books to giveaway on a first come, first served basis for Right to Read Day on Monday, April 8th while supplies last. 

We'll also have letter-…

Toddler Time at Kings Highway Library - Right to Read Day

Mon, Apr 8 11:00am
Kings Highway Library

banned books early literacy first five years

Today's Toddler Time will celebrate the American Library Association's Right to Read Day. We'll celebrate intellectual freedom in a fun and toddler-friendly manner. For ages 18-36 month with their caregiver. 

Kings Highway Toddler Time Right to Read Day is a ticketed event. Due to…

National Library Week Teen Grab & Go: Giveaway Books and Letter Writing Campaign

Tue, Apr 9 1:00pm
Midwood Library

banned books grab and go kits library advocacy

Attention all teens! Come celebrate National Library Week at Midwood Library. We'll have free giveaway frequently-challenged young adult books to giveaway on a first come, first served basis for Right to Read Day on Monday, April 8th while supplies last. 

We'll also have letter-…

Buttons for Banned Books

Tue, Apr 9 4:00pm
Jamaica Bay, Meeting Room

after school banned books teen time

It's National Library Week from April 7 through April 13!

Bring your friends and help the Library spread the word that everyone has the freedom to read! Make buttons featuring frequently banned books, first amendment rights, or other intellectual freedom slogans. While you're helping us,…

Book Adventures: Banned Book Party!

Tue, Apr 9 4:00pm
Adams Street, Multipurpose Room

after school banned books book adventures

Join us for a Banned Book Party for all ages! We will be reading a banned book, making some crafts, and there will be banned book giveaways!

 

National Library Week Teen Grab & Go: Giveaway Books and Letter Writing Campaign

Wed, Apr 10 10:00am
Midwood Library

banned books grab and go kits library advocacy

Attention all teens! Come celebrate National Library Week at Midwood Library. We'll have free giveaway frequently-challenged young adult books to giveaway on a first come, first served basis for Right to Read Day on Monday, April 8th while supplies last. 

We'll also have letter-…

DIY Teen Banned Books Design a Mug

Wed, Apr 10 3:30pm
Highlawn, Meeting Room

arts and crafts banned books DIY

Design a Banned Book themed mug! Come in while supplies last and design a mug, then infuse the color onto your mug! Mugs, special markers and templates will be provided. You can use a template or design your own creation. 

Movies @ The Library

Wed, Apr 10 3:30pm
Brower Park Library, Community Room 1

banned books movies at the library teen time

It's National Library Week so let's celebrate by watching a book themed movie, The NeverEnding Story! There will be snacks and library themed coloring pages.

National Teen BPL eCard

We invite individuals ages 13-21 to apply for a free BPL eCard, providing access to our full eBook collection as well as our learning databases. To apply, email [email protected].

BPL’s eCard is always free to teenagers in New York State. Apply here.

 

Teens: Share your story! 

Help us document the story of bans and bullying and highlight the resilience of teens, parents and educators fighting back for the freedom to read.

Submit your story, here.

 

Books Unbanned Media Kit

Want to spread the word in your community about Books Unbanned? Download our media kit, which includes a flier, printable sticker sheet, the official Books Unbanned artwork, Brooklyn Public Library's logo and a QR code.

Download the full kit, here.

 

Educate Yourself!
  • Youth Censorship Database: NCAC tracks book challenges in schools and libraries, as well as censorship of art, journalism, and other types of student expression in schools.
  • Top 10 Most Challenged Books: ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles an annual list of the most challenged books.
  • Library Bill of Rights: ALA affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that these basic policies should guide their services.
  • BPL's Material Selection Policy: Learn more about how libraries like BPL make decisions about what gets on the shelves.

 

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