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 Seattle Public Library's Books Unbanned as a crucial partner in defending and expanding the freedom to read.

The American Library Association documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The tally is nearly double that of the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. Most targeted books were for a teen audience and were by or about Black 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:

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Get Involved

BPL's Intellectual Freedom Teen Council is a virtual space where teens from across the country can connect with a peer-support network and discuss book challenges, censorship, and intellectual freedom.

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Request a BookMatch

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

Get Matched
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Report a Challenge

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

Get Involved
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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