In April 2022, Brooklyn Public Library joined 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, Books Unbanned is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books from library shelves.
The following libraries have joined Books Unbanned as crucial partners in defending and expanding the freedom to read.
According to data collected by the American Library Association (ALA), the majority of the book ban attempts in 2024 originated from pressure groups rather than from parents or individual library users, with elected officials, board members and administrators initiating 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries.
As coordinated partisan attempts at censorship continues to grow, ALA has shared concerns about an increase in "censorship by exclusion," or the decision of libraries not to purchase certain books in the first place, due to a climate of fear and/or other legislative restrictions.
The most targeted books are for a teen audience and contain LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; or cover topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.
Across the country, teens continue to face 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:
Get a Card
A library card is a fundamental tool to celebrate the Freedom to Read! Find out how you can get access to Brooklyn Public Library through a local or out-of-state eCard through Books Unbanned.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support the right to read. Access resources like petitions, talking points, and ways to stay up to date on the latest Intellectual Freedom News.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
In Their Own Words: Youth Voices on Books Unbanned
"In Their Own Words: Youth Voices on Books Unbanned", published in April 2024, details the impact of censorship on young people across the United States, using the voices of teens and young readers. Drawing upon thousands of stories shared by Books Unbanned cardholders, the report documents the impacts of censorship and highlights the joy and escape found in the freedom to read.
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!
- 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.
Get social with BKLYN Future
Related Events
Teen DIY: Banned Book Threads — Design…
Thu, May 22 4:00pm
Jamaica Bay Library
Teen Time: 1984 by George Orwell
Wed, May 28 4:00pm
Brooklyn Heights Library
Quiet Reading Party - B.Y.O.B. Style
Tue, Jun 10 6:00pm
Windsor Terrace, Meeting Room
Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup:…
Tue, Jun 17 6:00pm
Virtual
Books Unbanned is generously supported by The Destina Foundation, Ford Foundation, Harold and Colene Brown Family Foundation, Shawn Carter Foundation, Long Ridge Foundation, Alissa and Will Malnati, Elizabeth Foundation, Alan and Linda Kahn Foundation, Donald A. Pels Charitable Trust, Kerry Washington, Diane and Joseph Steinberg, Andrea Zaldivar and Michael Festa, Stacee Halsenbalg, Michael and Deborah Ratner Salzberg Family Foundation, Reparations Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, and many generous individuals.