How are We Fighting Against Book Banning?

As we continue to see attacks on the freedom to read across the country, EveryLibrary is working with dozens of local activists and organizations to give them the resources they need to fight back.

The problem is that most libraries and library advocates don't have the funding they need to win. In some cases, the public library, as a government organization, is not legally allowed to advocate for itself. In some school districts, the library staff are even barred from fighting against book bans.

Email your State Representatives to fight against book banning in the United States.

Then, click to share the petition on Facebook and Twitter to help us reach more Americans like you!

That's why we're proud to stand with American citizens who are standing up for their freedom to read and their local libraries. These people simply want access to books for themselves, their families, and their communities. They are not political operatives but they are fighting for freedom.

Unfortunately, we're seeing Americans’ freedom to read attacked by coordinated organizations with tremendous resources, data, funding, and well-trained political staff. 

That’s why we built EveryLibrary as the National Political Action Committee for Libraries. We help fight where libraries can’t. We train advocates to win. And, thanks to our donors, all of our work with libraries and advocates has been provided for free.

In fact, it's donations from supporters like you who help us support the right to read. Your donations allow us to;

• Provide one-on-one training for local advocates
• Provide advocates with access to some of the most advanced political tech and data
• Spend thousands of dollars on placing petitions and direct actions in front of Americans
• Make direct contributions to anti-book banning initiatives
• Raise awareness with millions of Americans through social media and through traditional placement in interviews, articles, and alerts

Fundraising For Ridgeland

We were proud to provide the crowdfunding platform to Ridgeland Friends of Libraries in Mississippi where the Mayor is withholding over $110,000 in funds because he didn't like that the library had LGBTQ+ books on the shelves. To date, it has raised over $100,000!

“We are amazed and humbled by the overwhelming support and generosity you have shown. Please know that your donations will be used to help ensure that our library's collections and programs continue to reflect the diversity of our community and will remain uncensored. Thank you.” Teresa Gerald, President - Friends of the Ridgeland Library (more here)

 

Do you need help to fight against censorship in your community?
Find out how we can help you.

A Win In New Jersey

In the North Hunterdon-Voorhees school district, the NH-V Intellectual Freedom Fighters (NHVIFF), a dedicated group of parents, residents, and educators, came together to campaign against the ban and to support the school librarian. We worked with local activists and the New Jersey Association of School Librarians to craft new messaging and then generate letters to the board requesting communication, transparency, and resolution. We helped them plan a digital action campaign which included an online petition and tools to identify community supporters to rally them into action. You can read more here in School Library Journal.

Tracking Legislation That Would Incarcerate Librarians and Ban Books

Politicians in state legislatures across the country have filed dozens of bills that are detrimental to our school libraries and public libraries. Some even go as far as authorizing the arrest of librarians. You can view our national tracking of this kind of anti-American legislation here.

Book Ban Database

Here is a great map of book challenges from around the country compiled by Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson who put hours into researching these book bans. If you want more information about Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson's database you can read more and get access to the raw data here from the EveryLibrary Institute Website.

Fight for the First 

Fight for the First is a digital organizing platform that gives library supporters the tools they need to take action against book bans in their communities and schools.

When anti-censorship activists create a campaign on the Fight for the First website, they are able to take advantage of the National Library Alliance, an extensive supporter and partner network. The EveryLibrary Institute also provides pro-bono consulting, training, and other support to make Fight for the First campaigns more successful.

"The support of EveryLibrary has been instrumental in the launch and the ongoing work of the Texas Freedom to Read Project. As attempts at censorship and book banning have skyrocketed across the state of Texas, the need to protect our First Amendment rights is more important than ever. We are incredibly grateful for and look forward to a continued partnership with EveryLibrary. We are optimistic about the future of Texas as we FightForTheFirst." - Laney Hawes, Texas Freedom to Read Project.

Direct Action

EveryLibrary does more than track problems and raise awareness. We work on direct action to support local libraries and in partnership with advocates on the ground. Can you help us keep up this effort to protect and preserve libraries for all Americans with a $10 donation today?