LibGuides: Freedom to Read: Book Challenges and Bans in the U.S.: Organizations Fighting Censorship

Organizations fighting book bans and challenges

ALA Office For Intellectual Freedom
Established December 1, 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.
The Author's Guild
The Authors Guild is the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization of writers. Since our founding, we have served as the collective voice of American authors, and have long supported the rich and diverse literary culture of our country.
Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries.
#FReadom Fighters
We are committed to highlighting the positive work of librarians, to speak up in support of authors and students, and to provide professional resources for librarians, teachers or authors facing book challenges. We invite you to join us, check out resources on our website, and follow along on hashtag #FReadom.
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)
Every generation of Americans faces new and significant challenges to free expression. For almost 50 years, NCAC has acted as a first responder to protect this freedom, which is both a fundamental human right and a keystone of democracy in the ever-changing American nation. We promote freedom of thought and inquiry and oppose censorship. When controversy occurs, we encourage and facilitate dialogue between divergent voices and perspectives, including those that have historically been silenced.
PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
The EveryLibrary Institute
The EveryLibrary Institute NFP operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes, including primarily research, writing, publishing and related activities concerning public, academic, and school libraries in the United States for the purpose of public education, strengthening the civic life of communities, bridging social and societal gaps, and for the future of the profession of librarianship.
Unite Against Book Bans
Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship.
Books Unbanned (Brooklyn Public Library)
Brooklyn Public Library is adding our voice to those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves, and form their own opinions. Inspired by the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement, BPL's Books Unbanned initiative is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books tackling a wide range of topics from library shelves.
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For a limited time, individuals ages 13-21 can apply for a free BPL eCard, providing access to our full eBook collection as well as our learning databases. To apply, email booksunbanned@bklynlibrary.org.
The Kansas Association of Teachers of English (KATE) Censorship and Challenges
We understand that in today's day and age, censorship and book challenges come in all shapes and forms. When you're already under pressure, it may feel overwhelming, and you may not know where to go or what to do! Below is a quick-reference guide to some of KATE's favorite tools from some of our favorite organizations for fighting censorship and book challenges. Whether you're a teacher, a librarian, a student, or a community member, we hope this page helps guide you! Note: We are not lawyers. This page serves merely as an allocation of resources.