STATEMENT: Supporting the 2024 Banned Books Week Congressional Resolution

EveryLibrary is proud to endorse the 2024 Banned Books Week Resolution introduced this week by Congressman Jamie Raskin and Senator Brian Schatz. We extend our sincere thanks to both lawmakers and their co-sponsors for their steadfast leadership in defending the rights of all Americans to freely access diverse books and ideas, especially in the face of the growing and unconstitutional attacks on public libraries, schools, and the First Amendment.

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This resolution comes at a critical time for public libraries and schools. The movement to ban books and censor classroom materials is on the rise, disproportionately targeting books by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors, as well as works addressing race, racism, and marginalized identities. As recent history has shown, these efforts are not merely attempts to control what’s on library shelves—they are direct attacks on intellectual freedom, academic inquiry, and the fabric of our democratic society. Censorship undermines free speech, limits students' ability to explore new perspectives, and ultimately stifles critical thinking.

“We must confront the unconstitutional attacks on the freedom to read in our public libraries and schools,” says John Chrastka, EveryLibrary’s Executive Director. “Book bans undermine the First Amendment, limit access to diverse perspectives, and threaten our democratic values. Our libraries are essential spaces for learning, reflection, and the free exchange of ideas. This resolution by Congressman Raskin and Senator Schatz sends a vital message: we must protect the rights of students and all Americans to explore a wide range of voices and stories, free from political interference.” 

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EveryLibrary is committed to upholding the principles of this resolution and protecting the constitutional rights of all readers. We need more politicians who are reading books and fewer politicians banning them. We urge library stakeholders, educators, and concerned citizens to join us in this fight. By contacting your Members of Congress using our petition form, you can make your voice heard in support of this bicameral resolution and help us defend the freedom to read.

Together, we can push back against this wave of unconstitutional censorship. Let’s ensure that every person in every community has the opportunity to learn from a broad range of books and ideas—because libraries are not just the cornerstones of communities, they are the guardians of American democracy.