Think Banned Books Are About Books? Think Again!

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Libraries in schools and communities are becoming battlegrounds in a push to censor books. Books are being banned, budgets slashed, librarians harassed, and public libraries are threatened for closure. 98% of Americans love their public libraries and 71% of voters oppose efforts to ban books from public libraries. Our local communities need to build a vocal and energized anti-censorship movement.

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According to PEN America, 40% of books banned by schools last year featured characters of color and 20% dealt directly with race. Nearly half of all banned books feature LGBTQ+ themes and characters. This is not about books – this ban builds on a legislative movement which aims to restrict what young people can be taught regarding race, history, politics, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Community members can engage in creative activism to increase accessibility of banned books. EveryLibrary and Freedom to Read have resources. For The People has created a library defender resource center. Unite Against Book Bans has a terrific toolkit. Red Wine & Blue holds “troublemaker trainings” to help people speak up effectively at board meetings. (And see additional resources below)

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When the whole community shows up and speaks out, libraries can be protected.

Lisa Hicks-Dumanske, Executive Director
Redwood City Library Foundation

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