Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social
Parent-led nonprofit dedicated to protecting access to information in our schools and public libraries. www.freedomtoreadproject.org
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We are public school parents dedicated to protecting education and library access for all students across the US.
We’re here to inform, support, and guide local and state-led advocacy by everyday citizens like us.
We’re here to inform, support, and guide local and state-led advocacy by everyday citizens like us.
Ever hear “just buy the book”? Our newest piece explains why that argument gets libraries exactly backwards and why equal access to ideas matters.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/what_the_lib...
#FreedomToRead #LibrariesAreForEveryone
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/what_the_lib...
#FreedomToRead #LibrariesAreForEveryone
What the Library Is For and Why “Just Buy the Book” Gets It Exactly Backwards
Libraries exist to guarantee equal access to ideas; telling families to buy books themselves undermines equity, choice, trust, and opportunity.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Ever hear “just buy the book”? Our newest piece explains why that argument gets libraries exactly backwards and why equal access to ideas matters.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/what_the_lib...
#FreedomToRead #LibrariesAreForEveryone
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/what_the_lib...
#FreedomToRead #LibrariesAreForEveryone
The Hate U Give helps young readers build empathy, critical thinking, and courage by engaging real-world issues with honesty and heart. Banning it doesn’t protect kids, it silences them.
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #TheHateUGive #LetKidsRead
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #TheHateUGive #LetKidsRead
January 21, 2026 at 3:31 PM
The Hate U Give helps young readers build empathy, critical thinking, and courage by engaging real-world issues with honesty and heart. Banning it doesn’t protect kids, it silences them.
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #TheHateUGive #LetKidsRead
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #TheHateUGive #LetKidsRead
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
Several AABB members spoke with The Hill about the impact of book bans on the industry. This piece raises big questions, not just for our leader in government, but for our leaders in publishing as well.
Trump’s return chills embattled LGBTQ book industry: ‘They’re stepping back’
President Trump’s return to office has fueled the grassroots forces that have driven a spike in LGBTQ book bans in recent years, creating a notable chill in the market for queer stories, according to authors and others in the publishing industry.
thehill.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Several AABB members spoke with The Hill about the impact of book bans on the industry. This piece raises big questions, not just for our leader in government, but for our leaders in publishing as well.
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
HB 1119 will get its first vote on 1/21 in the House Education Administration Subcommittee.
This bill puts classic and award-winning literature at risk and creates a de facto statewide book ban, enforced through the threat of funding loss or other penalties.
Email addresses in the video alt text.
This bill puts classic and award-winning literature at risk and creates a de facto statewide book ban, enforced through the threat of funding loss or other penalties.
Email addresses in the video alt text.
January 20, 2026 at 3:32 PM
HB 1119 will get its first vote on 1/21 in the House Education Administration Subcommittee.
This bill puts classic and award-winning literature at risk and creates a de facto statewide book ban, enforced through the threat of funding loss or other penalties.
Email addresses in the video alt text.
This bill puts classic and award-winning literature at risk and creates a de facto statewide book ban, enforced through the threat of funding loss or other penalties.
Email addresses in the video alt text.
One parent’s objection shouldn’t empty an entire library. If every “objectionable” word meant removal, shelves would be bare. Censorship never stops at one book. Public schools serve *all* students.
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #LibrariesAreForEveryone #FirstAmendment
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #LibrariesAreForEveryone #FirstAmendment
January 20, 2026 at 2:54 PM
One parent’s objection shouldn’t empty an entire library. If every “objectionable” word meant removal, shelves would be bare. Censorship never stops at one book. Public schools serve *all* students.
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #LibrariesAreForEveryone #FirstAmendment
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #LibrariesAreForEveryone #FirstAmendment
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
BREAKING:
The Trump administration has filed an appeal over Rhode Island v. Trump, which barred the administration from further dismantling the IMLS.
That, plus the IMLS propaganda-laden grant application period.
bookriot.com/rhode-island...
The Trump administration has filed an appeal over Rhode Island v. Trump, which barred the administration from further dismantling the IMLS.
That, plus the IMLS propaganda-laden grant application period.
bookriot.com/rhode-island...
Trump Administration Appeals Decision in IMLS Lawsuit Brough By State Attorneys General
The Trump administration had filed an appeal to overturn the court's decision in November that bars further dismantling of the IMLS.
bookriot.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:30 PM
BREAKING:
The Trump administration has filed an appeal over Rhode Island v. Trump, which barred the administration from further dismantling the IMLS.
That, plus the IMLS propaganda-laden grant application period.
bookriot.com/rhode-island...
The Trump administration has filed an appeal over Rhode Island v. Trump, which barred the administration from further dismantling the IMLS.
That, plus the IMLS propaganda-laden grant application period.
bookriot.com/rhode-island...
MLK Day is about action.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Dr. King
Book bans silence voices and deny students opportunity. Today, stand up for the freedom to read: support librarians, share challenged books, and speak out.
#MLKDay #FreedomToRead #StopBookBans
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Dr. King
Book bans silence voices and deny students opportunity. Today, stand up for the freedom to read: support librarians, share challenged books, and speak out.
#MLKDay #FreedomToRead #StopBookBans
January 19, 2026 at 3:55 PM
MLK Day is about action.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Dr. King
Book bans silence voices and deny students opportunity. Today, stand up for the freedom to read: support librarians, share challenged books, and speak out.
#MLKDay #FreedomToRead #StopBookBans
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Dr. King
Book bans silence voices and deny students opportunity. Today, stand up for the freedom to read: support librarians, share challenged books, and speak out.
#MLKDay #FreedomToRead #StopBookBans
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
There is no use in sugarcoating things. For higher education in America, 2025 was a year of catastrophe. Get all the details in PEN America's new report "America's Censored Campuses: Expanding the Web of Control" at: pen.org/report/ameri... #censorship #highereducation
January 17, 2026 at 5:22 PM
There is no use in sugarcoating things. For higher education in America, 2025 was a year of catastrophe. Get all the details in PEN America's new report "America's Censored Campuses: Expanding the Web of Control" at: pen.org/report/ameri... #censorship #highereducation
This Book Riot article breaks down key legal fights shaping the freedom to read, from whether libraries can ban LGBTQ+ books to major state censorship lawsuits. These court battles will influence what stories stay accessible in schools and libraries.
bookriot.com/court-cases-...
bookriot.com/court-cases-...
7+ Court Cases About Book Bans to Watch in 2026: Book Censorship News, January 16, 2026
Are library books considered "government speech?" Can a public library ban LGBTQ+ books? Seven book censorship court cases to watch in 2026.
bookriot.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:11 PM
This Book Riot article breaks down key legal fights shaping the freedom to read, from whether libraries can ban LGBTQ+ books to major state censorship lawsuits. These court battles will influence what stories stay accessible in schools and libraries.
bookriot.com/court-cases-...
bookriot.com/court-cases-...
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
How can you have the biggest impact? Always bring a friend! Calling your electeds? Get a friend to do it too! Writing a letter to the editor? Get a friend to do it too! Attending a school board meeting? Well, you get it. Multiply your impact. Bring a friend to every action!
January 15, 2026 at 7:23 PM
How can you have the biggest impact? Always bring a friend! Calling your electeds? Get a friend to do it too! Writing a letter to the editor? Get a friend to do it too! Attending a school board meeting? Well, you get it. Multiply your impact. Bring a friend to every action!
We had a wonderful time interviewing Angie Hayden and learning all about Read Freely Alabama and their work. Their grassroots advocacy shows how everyday people can defend intellectual freedom and keep libraries open and inclusive.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_these_books...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_these_books...
“These Books Are a Proxy for Human Beings”: Inside Alabama’s Grassroots Fight Against Book Bans
Alabama grassroots advocates, led by Read Freely Alabama, fight book bans, defend libraries, win support, and affirm stories reflect real people.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:07 PM
We had a wonderful time interviewing Angie Hayden and learning all about Read Freely Alabama and their work. Their grassroots advocacy shows how everyday people can defend intellectual freedom and keep libraries open and inclusive.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_these_books...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_these_books...
THE MOON WITHIN by Aida Salazar is a tender, empowering story about growing up, friendship, and finding your voice. Banning it doesn’t protect kids, it takes away language, understanding, and empathy. Let kids read books that help them grow.
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans
January 14, 2026 at 3:44 PM
THE MOON WITHIN by Aida Salazar is a tender, empowering story about growing up, friendship, and finding your voice. Banning it doesn’t protect kids, it takes away language, understanding, and empathy. Let kids read books that help them grow.
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
When a law requires the prohibition of books from the library regardless of reader need or interest, parent/community support for access, and professional expertise - that law bans books and the legislators that supported the law made the book bans possible.
This week Katy ISD posted a list of 142 books (100 or so previously flagged for “gender fluidity” review) now banned from classroom and campus libraries, to “remain in compliance with Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13.”
Source: www.katyisd.org/instructiona...
Source: www.katyisd.org/instructiona...
January 14, 2026 at 2:17 AM
When a law requires the prohibition of books from the library regardless of reader need or interest, parent/community support for access, and professional expertise - that law bans books and the legislators that supported the law made the book bans possible.
Small actions add up: read a challenged book, leave a public review, show up to one meeting, speak for one minute, or send one email. Each step builds momentum, visibility, and community and reminds decision-makers that people are paying attention.
January 13, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Small actions add up: read a challenged book, leave a public review, show up to one meeting, speak for one minute, or send one email. Each step builds momentum, visibility, and community and reminds decision-makers that people are paying attention.
According to PEN America, these were among the most frequently banned books last year. Banning books doesn’t protect readers; it silences voices and limits choice. The answer isn’t removal, but conversation and context.
Get involved: find tools at FreedomToReadProject.org
Get involved: find tools at FreedomToReadProject.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:07 PM
According to PEN America, these were among the most frequently banned books last year. Banning books doesn’t protect readers; it silences voices and limits choice. The answer isn’t removal, but conversation and context.
Get involved: find tools at FreedomToReadProject.org
Get involved: find tools at FreedomToReadProject.org
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
Eight states have pre-filed and/or introduced really bad library and book censorship bills for the 2026 legislative session already. Here's what they are, what they'd do, and how you can and should push back–whether you live in these states or not.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Bad Library Bills, 2026 Edition: State-Level Legislation of Concern
Alabama, Ohio, New Hampshire, and several other states already have bills targeting libraries and books on deck for 2026.
buttondown.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Eight states have pre-filed and/or introduced really bad library and book censorship bills for the 2026 legislative session already. Here's what they are, what they'd do, and how you can and should push back–whether you live in these states or not.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
We updated our censorship attempts tracking for the first time since Winter Break today.
All activity is tied to two people and one special interest group in Clay, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Polk, and Escambia. Decisions posted for Clay & Nassau, still waiting on Polk PRRs.
www.fftrp.org/florida_cens...
All activity is tied to two people and one special interest group in Clay, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Polk, and Escambia. Decisions posted for Clay & Nassau, still waiting on Polk PRRs.
www.fftrp.org/florida_cens...
Florida Censorship Attempts
View all of the tracked censorship attempts in Florida since fall of 2021.
www.fftrp.org
January 11, 2026 at 2:11 PM
We updated our censorship attempts tracking for the first time since Winter Break today.
All activity is tied to two people and one special interest group in Clay, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Polk, and Escambia. Decisions posted for Clay & Nassau, still waiting on Polk PRRs.
www.fftrp.org/florida_cens...
All activity is tied to two people and one special interest group in Clay, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Polk, and Escambia. Decisions posted for Clay & Nassau, still waiting on Polk PRRs.
www.fftrp.org/florida_cens...
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
New Hampshire! They're coming for your right to read again! This time around, let's see if we can stop it in committee. Contact your State Senators!
PRESS RELEASE: House Lawmakers Push Yet Another Book Ban Bill | NEA-NH
Vote on SB 33 Follows Sustained Veto on 2025 Book Ban Bill
neanh.org
January 9, 2026 at 2:45 PM
New Hampshire! They're coming for your right to read again! This time around, let's see if we can stop it in committee. Contact your State Senators!
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
At least eight states have deeply concerning anti-library, anti-literature bills on the docket for their legislative sessions so far. Here's what they are and what you can and should do at this point about them–whether or not you live in these states.
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Bad Library Bills, 2026 Edition: State-Level Legislation of Concern
Alabama, Ohio, New Hampshire, and several other states already have bills targeting libraries and books on deck for 2026.
buttondown.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:03 PM
At least eight states have deeply concerning anti-library, anti-literature bills on the docket for their legislative sessions so far. Here's what they are and what you can and should do at this point about them–whether or not you live in these states.
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
*WE* save us.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
The Senate companion to Bankson’s Book Ban Bill (HB 1119) dropped this afternoon right before the filing deadline.
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
Florida lawmaker says literary merit doesn’t matter if books mention sex
A roundup of Florida education news from around the state
www.tampabay.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:11 PM
The Senate companion to Bankson’s Book Ban Bill (HB 1119) dropped this afternoon right before the filing deadline.
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
Want to be a stronger defender of the freedom to read in 2026? Book Riot’s practical guide breaks down how to show up, speak up, and protect access to books in your community with real tips anyone can use.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #LiteracyAdvocacy
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #LiteracyAdvocacy
60+ Small Tasks to Defend the Right to Read: Book Censorship News, January 9, 2026
No one is coming to save us, so we must do it ourselves. Here are 60+ small tasks to help defend the right to read in 2026 and beyond.
bookriot.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Want to be a stronger defender of the freedom to read in 2026? Book Riot’s practical guide breaks down how to show up, speak up, and protect access to books in your community with real tips anyone can use.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #LiteracyAdvocacy
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #LiteracyAdvocacy
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
"I’m a Wyoming teenager, and legislators are trying to ban the book I’m reading"
www.wyomingnews.com/opinion/gues...
www.wyomingnews.com/opinion/gues...
Silvester: I’m a Wyoming teenager, and legislators are trying to ban the book I’m reading
The Wyoming Legislature is trying to ban one of my favorite books, “Julie of the Wolves,” and many others to keep them off the shelves of public and school libraries.
www.wyomingnews.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:24 PM
"I’m a Wyoming teenager, and legislators are trying to ban the book I’m reading"
www.wyomingnews.com/opinion/gues...
www.wyomingnews.com/opinion/gues...
Just finished a great book with your child and want to keep the conversation going? Our guide shows you how to make a zine together: an easy, creative way to celebrate what you read, reflect on favorite moments & make something meaningful as a family.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
How to Make a Zine with Your Child About the Book You Just Read Together
Turn your shared reading into a creative keepsake and meaningful conversation.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Just finished a great book with your child and want to keep the conversation going? Our guide shows you how to make a zine together: an easy, creative way to celebrate what you read, reflect on favorite moments & make something meaningful as a family.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
On January 6, 2026, the ACLU of Utah, along with law firms Parr Brown Gee & Loveless and Spencer Fane, LLC, filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Utah's Sensitive Materials Law.
Read all about it here: www.acluutah.org/press-releas...
and follow us for updates as we follow this case.
Read all about it here: www.acluutah.org/press-releas...
and follow us for updates as we follow this case.
Vonnegut Estate, Authors, and Student Plaintiffs Take Utah to Court Over the Freedom to Read - ACLU of Utah
In Vonnegut v. Utah, plaintiffs argue that portions of HB29 (Sensitive Material Review Law) are unconstitutionally overbroad in violation of the First Amendment.
www.acluutah.org
January 7, 2026 at 10:08 PM
On January 6, 2026, the ACLU of Utah, along with law firms Parr Brown Gee & Loveless and Spencer Fane, LLC, filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Utah's Sensitive Materials Law.
Read all about it here: www.acluutah.org/press-releas...
and follow us for updates as we follow this case.
Read all about it here: www.acluutah.org/press-releas...
and follow us for updates as we follow this case.
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
Censorship is personal. PEN America just released new Snapshots of Censorship, showing how individual scholars are impacted by efforts to restrict academic freedom and freedom of expression. Read these stories here: https://pen.org/blog-series/snapshots-of-censorship/
Snapshots of Censorship Archives
Newspaper headlines bring waves of stories about the censorship of research and teaching in higher education, whether by state legislation, federal action, or campus overcompliance. What is often lost...
pen.org
January 7, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Censorship is personal. PEN America just released new Snapshots of Censorship, showing how individual scholars are impacted by efforts to restrict academic freedom and freedom of expression. Read these stories here: https://pen.org/blog-series/snapshots-of-censorship/