The national book-banning and "Don't Say Trans" efforts are devastating. But there is urgent action YOU can take--right now--to protect the freedom to read (& learn & create) in NY state. A similar, but actually weaker bill was vetoed last year. That's not happening this time. Let's make sure of it.

As promised, an update! An Excellent Example of Public Library Leadership Advocating for School Libraries Teton County Library's Board of Directors has issued a powerful statement against the passage of HR 7661, a national book banning bill. bookriot.com/teton-county...

An Excellent Example of Public Library Leadership Advocating for School Libraries

Teton County Library's Board of Directors has issued a powerful statement against the passage of HR 7661, a national book banning bill.

bookriot.com

kelly jensen@heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Stellar Examples of Letters Supporting Libraries and Diverse Books What does a good letter to the editor about book censorship and protecting libraries look like? Here are some examples. That, plus this week's book censorship news. bookriot.com/examples-of-...

Here's a video explainer for the now THREE federal book banning bills that could impact EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE NATION.

I'm attending a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social event: Budget Rally for NYC Libraries. RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/budge...

Budget Rally for NYC Libraries

We're in yet another library budget dance. During his campaign, Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised to dedicate 0.5% of the city’s expense budget to public libraries each year—a commitment that would final...

actionnetwork.org

All are welcome at the library. www.bklynlibrary.org/blog/2026/02...

This lawsuit opens up a bunch of questions about the future of state-sanctioned book banning in Utah and in the other states which are doing something similar.

kelly jensen@heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 8mo ago

BIG NEWS! Utah's chapter of the ACLU has filed a lawsuit against the state for its banning of 22 books from all public school students. This case could have massive implications nationwide. bookriot.com/utah-sued-ov...

‘Modern day book-burning’: Bestselling authors sue Utah officials over book bans Two Utah high schoolers are also listed as plaintiffs. https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2026/01/06/utah-book-ban-lawsuit-authors-sue/ #bannedbooks #freedomtoread #utah

‘Modern day book-burning’: Bestselling authors sue Utah officials over book bans

Among the plaintiffs are award-winning novelists Elana K. Arnold and Ellen Hopkins. Together, their books make up five of the 22 titles that have been banned from all Utah public schools.

sltrib.com

The freedom to read is part of early literacy. Alongside books and readiness tips, we share resources on intellectual freedom so families understand how book bans affect young children. Supporting early literacy means ensuring all kids can access a full range of stories.

I'm attending National Domestic Workers Alliance C3's event, “🚨 Emergency Call: ICE Out of Child Care Centers & Schools!” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/ndwa-c3/even...

🚨 Emergency Call: ICE Out of Child Care Centers & Schools! · National Domestic Workers Alliance C3

On November 5, ICE took a childcare worker from her workplace — in front of the children she dedicates her life to protecting. This is unacceptable. We all deserve to feel safe at home, at work, and i...

mobilize.us

BREAKING: @governor.ny.gov just approved Trump's Williams-NESE pipeline, hoping no one would notice on a Friday. We noticed, and we're showing up to hold her accountable. Join us: bit.ly/CowardlyKathy

I love talking to librarians about the #FreedomToRead #nyla2025 💥 Thank you for sharing all of the advocacy you’re doing every day! 💓

Thank you, New York City. Together we made history. Now let’s get to work. transition2025.com

One year I was doing school visits when the librarian got a call. Banned Books Week was the following week, and she had booked time in all the classrooms. She was told she could not discuss it or even mention it, as it would be "poking the bear."

kelly jensen@heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 10mo ago

A hallmark of this year's Banned Books Week? The censoring of Banned Books Week. That, plus this week's extensive roundup of book censorship news: bookriot.com/banning-bann...

Yesterday we celebrated the 5th bday of Rise x Workshop at the Brooklyn Children's Museum! As a special treat, I traded portraits with readers (big and small). Grateful so many visitors were brave and willing to play—the results were surprising and very, very lovely.

Looking for a quick action? Add your name to this petition started by the @aclu.org to protest book bans in military schools action.aclu.org/send-message...

Tell Congress: No book bans in military schools

Schools run by the Department of Defense on military bases have banned hundreds of books and altered curricula that the Trump administration doesn't agree with. Take action.

action.aclu.org

Just in time for #BannedBooksWeek The @bklynlibrary.bsky.social Library Freedom to Read Toolkit helps families with young kids explore why stories matter & how to stand up for the right to read. Created w/ @ncacensorship.bsky.social @uabookbans.bsky.social & Pat Scales. #BooksUnbanned #FreedomToRead

Saw this yesterday at a screening, and it is.... depressing AF but worth the watch, plus connections to grassroots fights against #bannedbooks. They'll be at the Film Forum in NYC in Oct, w Q&A the 3rd & 4th, and there's a page on the website to ask to host a screening. thelibrariansfilm.com

The Librarians Film | Official Site

Librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting on the frontlines of democracy

thelibrariansfilm.com

Another great resource for you! 5 activists from around the country give a masterclass on freedom to read advocacy www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjVX...

The Insider Playbook on the Freedom to Read Strategies, Stories, & Solutions

YouTube video by FL Freedom to Read Project

youtube.com

📅 Together w/Public School Strong, #UniteAgainstBookBans invites libraries, schools, bookstores, & community groups to showcase their #BannedBooksWeek events on PSS' online advocacy calendar. Visit the @bannedbooksweek.bsky.social events page to list your events and find others in your area today!

Public School Strong Map Connects Banned Book Week Events Nationwide

Unite Against Book Bans is teaming up with Public School Strong to connect Banned Books Week events nationwide. A new interactive map and calendar make it easy for communities to share, find, and supp...

uniteagainstbookbans.org

One easy way to support a banned book: Tell the world you're reading it! If you share on social media include a link to somewhere people can get it. Word of mouth is a powerful way to draw attention to books & that takes readers like you shouting about the books you love!

📚 Join ALA & AASL Presidents + experts to explore how school libraries impact students & policy. Hear stories, research, & advocacy wins like CT’s Freedom to Read bill. 🗓️ Aug 27, 4pm CT/5pm ET. Register: https://bit.ly/4mqsqRE

Book bans are not just about removing stories; they are about silencing voices and reshaping what a generation is allowed to know. When we accept censorship in our schools and libraries, we chip away at the very freedoms our democracy depends on. Stand up. Speak out. Protect the freedom to read.

Libraries nationwide are joining @bklynlibrary.bsky.social's Books Unbanned. “That’s really what the library is about. The freedom to read..We respect that everybody’s different & everyone’s got different needs. And it’s not our business to tell you what to do with those books” #UniteAgainstBookBans

More and more books are being banned. SoCal libraries find a solution

Long Beach and other SoCal libraries have joined the Books Unbanned effort, providing children as young as 13 a free e-card to access e-books and audiobooks.

latimes.com

"'None Of These Books Are Obscene'. Judge Strikes Down Much of Florida’s Book Ban Bill" @heykellyjensen.bsky.social Aug 14, 2025 Alt title: Judge confirms that, yes, the SL professionals did their job correctly. #TLSky #EduSky #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarian bookriot.com/penguin-rand...

"None Of These Books Are Obscene": Judge Strikes Down Much of Florida's Book Ban Bill

In a major win for intellectual freedom, a judge rules against Florida law that led to removing hundreds of books from school libraries.

bookriot.com

Coming soon! We’re creating a toolkit for young children and their families to discuss, and take action to protect the #FreedomToRead. This 10 page booklet will be available on the BPL website for download during #BannedBooksWeek🎉

📚 Heading to a board meeting to defend the freedom to read? Bring along some #UniteAgainstBookBans book résumés to inform decision makers and the public of a book's significance and educational value, and why it should be kept on library shelves: bookresumes.uniteagainstbookbans.org

Unite Against Book Bans Book Résumés

A new free resource to support librarians, educators, parents, students, and other community advocates in their efforts to keep frequently challenged books on shelves.

bookresumes.uniteagainstbookbans.org

It’s great to see so many new voices speaking out for #Palestine. We need everyone to say #FreePalestine and #FeedPalestine loudly. Speak up if now you haven't yet. Call your reps congress.gov/members and demand a permanent #ceasefire and end to The blockade.

Has your book been banned or challenged? You’re not alone—and you can take action. Here are some resources to get you started: pen.org/book-bans/bo... www.authorsagainstbookbans.com/faq/ #BookBan #FreedomToRead #AuthorsAgainstCensorship #BannedBooks #SoYourBookWasBanned #PENAmerica #StopTheBans

No community is immune from censorship. That's why we ALL must #UniteAgainstBookBans. You have the tools to make a difference. Need a plan to take action? Use our toolkit to organize your community: uniteagainstbookbans.org/toolkit/

Action Toolkit - Unite Against Book Bans

How can you and your community unite against book bans? We've put together this action toolkit to help you get started.

uniteagainstbookbans.org