Fight Censorship
Confidential challenge support from ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom for libraries and library workers undergoing censorship attempts, including one-on-one guidance, letters of support, and more.
The Freedom to Read Foundation, a non-profit legal and educational organization affiliated with ALA, protects and defends libraries' right to collect — and individuals' right to access — information.
Library workers whose employment is threatened or are facing termination due to their defense of intellectual freedom can apply for financial support through the LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund.
Library Safety
The past year has seen threats directed to public and school libraries and library workers, including the forced temporary closure of public library systems due to bomb and shooting threats. With the safety of our members being our utmost priority, PLA and ALA have compiled a range of resources and knowledge to help library workers and patrons stay safe and prepared.
To prepare for the possibility of a threat, we recommend that libraries review their procedures. This may include a review of emergency procedures and preparations, as well as plans for communicating with internal (e.g. staff) and external (e.g. media) audiences.
If your library faces a threat to safety, we recommend first notifying local law enforcement and library security, if applicable. After any immediate steps are taken, we suggest you file a report with the FBI and notify ALA at notify@ala.org.
Be Prepared
Resources from ALA, its various offices and divisions, and outside organizations and publications to help library workers prepare for and respond to challenges to library books, materials, and services.
Defending Intellectual Freedom: LGBTQ+ Materials in School Libraries (PDF)
How to respond to challenges and concerns about library resources
Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit
Preparing For and Addressing Challenges to Comics in the Library
Grassroots 101: How to Save your Library from Organized Censorship
Press Pause and Prepare: The Trend Toward Book Challenges
School Libraries and Controversial Books: Tips From the Front Lines
Up to the Challenge: Books to Navigate Threats to Intellectual Freedom
Collections under Fire: When the culture war comes for the school library
Standing Up for Intellectual Freedom: Managing all stages of the book challenge process
Free Webinars
- Censorship and Mental Health: Dealing with the Emotional Fallout of Book Challenges
(December 2021 - Member Access) - Challenges & Crises: Preparing Your Board of Trustees, United for Libraries’ president’s program
(June 2020) - Advocacy for Your Library During a Crisis
(April 2020)
State and Local Resources
State-based resources from school library partners:
- California School Library Association: Intellectual Freedom Resources
- Illinois - Association of Illinois School Library Educators: Statement on Attempts to Censor or Remove Materials from School Libraries (PDF)
- Missouri Association of School Librarians: MASL Challenge Statement
- New Jersey Association of School Librarians: Position Statement on Censorship in our School Libraries
- Pennsylvania School Librarians Association: Challenge Resources page
- South Carolina Association of School Librarians: Statement on censorship, the Freedom to Read, and in support of School Librarians
- Virginia Association of School Librarians: Position Statement on Censorship of Books in Virginia School Libraries (PDF)
ALA works with state associations to support state legislative efforts and to address adverse legislation. Visit ALA's state legislative toolkit and sign up for advocacy alerts from ALA and your state's library association(s).
Getting the Word Out
Tips on working with traditional media from ALA's Public Policy & Advocacy Office
Contacting Media: Unite Against Book Bans Toolkit
Intellectual freedom traditional and social media tips
Social media tips from ALA's Public Policy & Advocacy Office
Download social media graphics from the Banned Books Week Toolkit and the Unite Against Book Bans Action Toolkit.
Parents should not be able to dictate what other parents’ children can read (Miami Herald, November 24, 2021)
Book banning is a trend that should be left in the old year (Observer-Reporter, January 1, 2022)
Book banning isn't about protecting children; it's adult political posturing (Times-Republican, December 16, 2021)
Professional Values, Jefferson's Bible, and Censorship (ACRL Insider, December 3, 2021)
Start banning controversial library books and soon you will be left with none (Star-Tribune, December 20, 2021)
Get Involved
Don't let censorship go unchecked in your community. Defend the public's freedoms and report challenges and bans of books and other materials or services to ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom.
Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. Share resources from the UABB Action Toolkit with your community and help defend the right to read for all Americans.
Join the Freedom to Read Foundation, a non-profit legal and educational organization affiliated with ALA, protects and defends libraries' right to collect — and individuals' right to access — information. LIS students receive a free on-year membership!
Support Library Workers
Here are some things that you can do now to support library workers and protect the freedom to read:
1) Follow news and social media in your community and state to keep apprised of organizations working to censor library or school materials, programs, or curriculum.
2) Show up for librarians and educators at school or library board meetings and speak as a library advocate and community stakeholder who supports a parent's right to restrict reading materials for their own child but not for ALL readers.
3) Oppose legislation in your state that would censor materials, programs, or curriculum. Engage respectfully with your elected officials via phone, email, and social media.
4) Educate friends, neighbors, and family members about censorship and how it harms communities. Share information from Banned Books Week.
5) Write an op-Ed or letter to the editor for your local newspaper or community newsletter. Find tips for writing your letter in the Unite Against Book Bans toolkit.
6) Join the Freedom to Read Foundation, an organization that protects and defends the First Amendment to the Constitution and supports the right of libraries to collect — and individuals to access — information.
The LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund supports library workers whose employment is threatened due to their defense of intellectual freedom. Learn more about the fund. Donate if you can, or submit a request for assistance if you need it.
Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF); Martin Garnar, Editor; Trina Magi, Assistant Editor
Contact
Office for Intellectual Freedom
oif@ala.org
Members of the press, visit the press kit or contact:
Communications and Marketing Office
cmomedia@ala.org
