Inspired by the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement and the Library Bill of Rights, Brooklyn Public Library founded Books Unbanned in 2022 to support the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, form their own opinions, and work together with peers across the nation to defend and expand the freedom to read.

Books Unbanned responds to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books tackling a wide range of topics from library shelves in schools and public libraries nationwide. Partnering libraries provide free digital library cards to teens across the country to enhance access to frequently banned materials and support the freedom to read.

Read "In Their Own Words: Youth Voices on Books Unbanned," our report detailing the impact of censorship on young people across the United States, featuring the voices of teens and young readers.

Call for
Program Proposals

We are seeking partners who can help us achieve our goal of building a network of teens to become the next generation of library advocates and champions for the freedom to read. Libraries in the United States can receive one-time funding to launch programming for teens and young adults focused on the freedom to read. Learn more and apply today.

Resources

In their
own words:

Youth Voices on
Books Unbanned

“In Their Own Words: Youth Voices on Books Unbanned” 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 from those requesting a Books Unbanned card at Brooklyn and Seattle Public Libraries, the report documents, in heartbreaking and hopeful detail, both the serious impacts of censorship attempts and how programs like Books Unbanned are providing joy, representation and escape for a new generation of readers.

Download "In Their Own Words"

Borrowed and
Banned Podcast

BPL tells the story of America's ideological war with its bookshelves by talking with people most impacted: students on the frontlines, the librarians and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and the writers whose books have become a political battleground.

Start Listening Here

Freedom to Read
Bingo Card

Get a sneak preview of the first unit of the toolkit with the Freedom to Read Bingo Card (PDF). This downloadable sheet can be used to encourage teens to do research about censorship, book bans and how intellectual freedom issues affect them. The Freedom to Read Bingo Card is written by Kelly Jensen and designed by Emma Karin Eriksson.

Download the Freedom to Read Bingo Card

Become a Partner

Books Unbanned partners commit to joining BPL in our common mission of defending the right to read for teens and young adults.

Partners are granted the free use of Books Unbanned branding to create and operate their own version of the initiative at their institutions.

All partners are expected to:

• Implement or strengthen policies and practices for receiving and reviewing challenges to materials from the public.
• Avoid rearranging collections solely in response to pressure to do so, nor adjust library card sign-up policies to placate external censorship advocacy groups.
• Share Books Unbanned statistics and outcomes with BPL and other Books Unbanned partners.
• Attend meeting to share updates and information.

Partner FAQ's

Books Unbanned partners commit to our shared mission of defending the right to read for teens and young adults. Partners are encouraged to operate their own personalized version of the initiative at their institutions – digital access expansion is not a requirement.

What types of partnerships are available?

Full Partner:

• Make its digital collections freely available to young adults outside of its immediate service area - particularly to young adults requesting material due to restrictions, bans, or other access challenges in their local communities.
• Regularly join meetings with other libraries in the Books Unbanned coalition to advise on strategy around access, education, and pushing back on censorship efforts.
• Engage in promotion and programming expectations.

Promotional Partner:

• Circulate and share Books Unbanned posters and other print materials in order to promote the message and advance the goals of the coalition.
• Reshare Books Unbanned related posts on social media platforms
• Support a Books Unbanned newsletter (produced by Brooklyn Public Library) by providing content or promoting sign up with constituents.

Programming Partner:

• Develop and support regular teen groups/councils focused on advocacy and education around the freedom to read.
• Host regular programs, events, or discussion groups for young adults focused on the freedom to read.
• Attend virtual meetings with other Books Unbanned partners to share program outcomes and develop collaboration strategies among partners.

What does Brooklyn Public Library provide?

• Access to BPL-developed curriculum and other resources to support teen programs and councils
• A logo specific to your institution and permission to use the Books Unbanned graphics on promotional materials
• Access to best practice documents created by BPL's development, marketing, customer experience, programming and legal teams
• Support and collaboration from all the Books Unbanned partners

Why become a partner?

• Take direct action in the fight against book bans and censorship
• Provide Brooklyn Public Library with valuable on the ground information which we can then use to strengthen the project
• Share your collections and resources with teens and young adults
• Join in the power of the collective to support the visibility of the Books Unbanned initative

Books Unbanned
in the Media

Latest News

• The Hill 02/06/24
  Educators, students get creative in evading book bans
• Boston Globe 09/28/23
  Boston Public Library joins ‘Books Unbanned’ initiative...
• CBS News 04/23/23
  War of words: The fight over banning books
• The New York Times 01/04/23
  Brooklyn Library's ‘Books Unbanned’ Team Wins Accolade

DOWNLOAD OUR
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, partner logos and a QR code.

Download the Books Unbanned Media Kit