Take a Stand Against Book Bans
Censorship affects everyone, everywhere. Take a stand and get involved in the fight for intellectual freedom! Below find resources like petitions, talking points, and ways to speak up for the freedom to read.
✨ Teens: join our virtual monthly Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetups where you can hear from authors, artists, and other teens interested in fighting back against censorship✨
- Get a library card! All New York State residents can get a Brooklyn Public Library card
- If you are a teen living outside of New York you can apply for the Books Unbanned Card
- Read the books you want
- Read the books they are trying to ban
- No time to read the whole book?
Check out Book Resumes for details on recently banned and challenged books
- Check out the latest data on book bans and censorship
- Sign up for newsletters and news alerts
Read "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.
- Be prepared to vote for your values on election day
- Show up for Libraries
- Attend a city council, school board, or library board meeting - get tips here!
- Sign a pledge, petition, or campaign
- EveryLibrary's collection of petitions
- United Against Book Bans Freedom to Read Statement
Upcoming Events
Free for All: The Public Library Film Screening
Come join us in a film screening and discussion of “Free for All: The Public Library" (youtube.com/watch?v=OD45tDYf6qU), which tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who created a civic institution where everything is…
Adulting is Hard: Graphic Novel Book Club
Greetings, Graphic Novel Crew! AiHGNBC is back for 2025 and we're now at the new Library for Arts and Culture. We'll be starting at 4pm, roughly 1 hour after the branch closes to the public so REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the branch if you have access issues the day of the event.
Whether…
Quiet Reading Party - B.Y.O.B. Style
“B” is for Book—Bring One in Any Language or Format!…
Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup: Teen Activists on the Frontline
The Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup's May meeting will feature a spotlight on student advocacy on the frontlines of state legislatures, the federal administration, and the Supreme Court. With a constant flow of new challenges affecting libraries and schools, participants will hear valuable…
Teen DIY: Banned Book Threads — Design, Defy, Display!
📚 Teen DIY: Banned Book Threads — Design, Defy, Display!
Wear the Words They Tried to Silence.
Celebrate the freedom to read by turning censorship into self-expression! Join us for a bold and creative workshop where you’ll design your own banned books T-shirt using fabric markers,…
Teen Time: 1984 by George Orwell
Join us for a conversation about ANOTHER (sadly) prophetic and relevant dystopian novel, 1984 by George Orwell. Learn about the today's increasing censorship and what you can do about it. No need to have read the book! We will discuss the plot and important points and freedom of…
Quiet Reading Party - B.Y.O.B. Style
“B” is for Book—Bring One in Any Language or Format!…
Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup
Join us to discuss intellectual freedom issues, your favorite books, and all things BPL's Books Unbanned initiative. Connect with peers across the country and learn how you can support youth in protecting the right to read whatever they choose.
Please register by 4 pm EST to receive a…