Books for All: Protect the Freedom to Read in Your Community
We’re proud to partner with The New York Public Library (NYPL) to invite libraries, school groups, and readers across the country to participate in Books for All—a national initiative to help communities learn about and discuss some of the books that are being banned or challenged, along with ways to take action.
If you’re here, you know that book bans are surging across the country. In 2022, there were record-shattering numbers of book challenges in public and school libraries. Many of the titles being targeted are written for young people and feature LGBTQ+ voices and people of color. Now, 2023 is on track to outpace those alarming statistics.
That is why we are coming together to take a stand against book bans.
In response to this unprecedented surge in censorship, The New York Public Library is providing opportunities for teens across the country to exercise the freedom to read with an array of offerings:
Teen Banned Book Club: The New York Public Library's Teen Banned Book Club is offering free, nationwide digital access to young adult titles that have been the subject of bans or challenges, along with virtual book club events with the authors of featured book club titles.
Read Freely on SimplyE: NYPL’s free e-reader app, SimplyE, provides immediate access to the latest Teen Banned Book Club title. Readers anywhere in the U.S. can borrow the book for free from the "Books for All" library—no library card required. Each book club title is available to all readers ages 13 and above.
National Teen Writing Contest: At a time of rising book bans and censorship, NYPL invited teens across the United States to a national writing contest exploring the importance of the freedom to read and why it is an essential right. Submissions are now closed, but keep an eye out, the grand prize–winning entry will be published in Teen Vogue in spring 2024!
FREE TOOLKIT: Promote Books for All in Your Community
Get access to free tools and resources to promote the books and get your community involved, including flyers, discussion guides, and more.
