LibGuides: Freedom to Read: Book Challenges and Bans in the U.S.: How to Support the Freedom to Read

Toolkits

Unite Against BookBans Action Toolkit

A small but vocal group is driving the current flood of book bans in school and public libraries across the country. It's important to counter those voices by uniting in support of the freedom to read in your local community. How can you and your community unite against book bans? We've put together this action toolkit to help you get started.

National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) Book Censorship Action Kit

NCAC has been battling censors and book-banning advocates for over 40 years. We present this collection of materials on how to effectively fight challenges to books in schools for the use of students, educators, parents, and authors. This information is not intended as legal advice.

How to Fight Book Bans and Challenges: an Anti-Censorship Toolkit

This article is written by Kelly Jensen, a former librarian, is published on Book Riot, which is the largest independent editorial book site in North America. It includes methods and tools for combatting censorship in your community.

toolkit by Nook Fulloption from Noun Project

Guidelines

ALA Fight Censorship Guide for Librarians
With the unprecedented surge in local and statewide book challenges, ALA offers this clearinghouse of resources to assist library workers and library advocates in responding to and supporting others facing those challenges. Remember to report challenges to the Office for Intellectual Freedom, and let ALA know if you need assistance.
ALA Guidelines for Reconsideration Committees
UNDER THE BEST PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, reconsideration policies ask those charged with reviewing a challenged book to set aside their personal beliefs and evaluate the work in light of the objective standards outlined in the library’s materials selection policy. Listed are some best practices for reconsideration committee members.
Considerations and Guidelines for School Officials by the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)
School officials have broad discretion to establish curricula and decide what materials to include in their classrooms and libraries. However, parents, special interest groups and others sometimes attempt to impose their personal beliefs on the public school system and demand the removal of educational materials. Listed below are some general considerations school administrators should take into account when such challenges arise.
Direct support can always be requested by emailing ncac@ncac.org
How to Address Misinformation and Book Challenges
This article is written by Kelly Jensen, a former librarian, is published on Book Riot, which is the largest independent editorial book site in North America.
Join Us to Stop Book Banning- Authors Guild
The Authors Guild advocates for the rights of professional writers to create, publish, and earn a sustainable living as fiction and nonfiction writers, poets, translators, and journalists. Book banning, whether challenged by the right or the left, interferes with those rights, not only by suppressing free speech and freedom of expression but by making it harder for authors to sell copies of their work.
A Template for Talking with School and Library Boards about Book Bans
This article is written by Kelly Jensen, a former librarian, is published on Book Riot, which is the largest independent editorial book site in North America.
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Stand Up Against Book Challenges
"In a time where book challenges and new bills restricting access to books are sweeping the country, it is easy to feel helpless whether you are immediately affected or not. For those library professionals are not personally facing book bans and challenges, there are still ways to prepare yourself if something happens in your community and to support library professionals and educators who are affected."
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The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, children’s literature experts, publishers, education and library school faculty members, and other adults committed to improving and ensuring the future of the nation through exemplary library service to children, their families, and others who work with children.