On Saturday, October 19, libraries, bookstores, and other partners and advocates across the country will be holding community events and rallies against book banning as part of the inaugural Freedom to Read Day of Action. The effort has been spearheaded and organized by the American Library Association, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and the ALA’s Unite Against Book Bans initiative.
As book bans and challenges—including coordinated, politically motivated campaigns—continue to proliferate after reaching an all-time high in 2023, Unite Against Books Bans notes on its website, “It’s more important than ever to show support for local libraries and the freedom to read.”
The New York Public Library will host an event from 12 to 2 p.m. at the main branch at 475 Fifth Ave., featuring music and a roster of speakers including drag queen, author, and artist Sasha Velour, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race; authors Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson (And Tango Makes Three), and student activist Da’Taeveyon Daniels, the youngest-ever member of the National Coalition Against Censorship’s Advisory Council.
Central Library Plaza is the site of Brooklyn Public Library’s Day of Action from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., which will include activities, book giveaways, and speakers. And at Flushing Public Library’s Plaza, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Queens Public Library will be celebrating the freedom to read and giving away banned or challenged books (while supplies last) donated by Penguin Random House.
The Unite Against Book Bans website also provides additional information and resources for readers and event hosts. Supporters can find a list of event locations as well as numerous downloadable and printable promotional materials. Those who cannot attend an in-person event can still participate by taking advantage of tools and tips for using social media to boost the freedom to read message, or by pursuing any of the other suggested actions.
And it’s not too late to make use of some of the NYPL’s other resources, which were featured during Banned Books Week last month. A selection of items from the NYPL’s new, permanent online exhibition “Banned: Censorship and the Freedom to Read” will be on display in the McGraw Rotunda in the NYPL’s main branch until November 21. The NYPL’s Center for Educators and Schools has produced a new curriculum guide, Reading Dangerously, as an accompaniment to the exhibit.
Submissions for the NYPL Freedom to Read National Teen Art Contest—featuring a $500 grand prize and 20 honorable mentions receiving $250—and the QPL Banned Books Library Card Design Contest—which comes with a $2,000 cash prize—are still open as well.
