Books Unbanned

In April 2022, Brooklyn Public Library joined 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, Books Unbanned is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books from library shelves. 

The following libraries have joined Books Unbanned as crucial partners in defending and expanding the freedom to read.

• Boston Public Library
• LA County Library
• San Diego Public Library
• Seattle Public Library

According to data collected by the American Library Association (ALA), the majority of the book ban attempts in 2024 originated from pressure groups rather than from parents or individual library users, with elected officials, board members and administrators initiating 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries. 

As coordinated partisan attempts at censorship continues to grow, ALA has shared concerns about an increase in "censorship by exclusion," or the decision of libraries not to purchase certain books in the first place, due to a climate of fear and/or other legislative restrictions.

The most targeted books are for a teen audience and contain LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; or cover topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.

Across the country, teens continue to face book bans, censorship, and political challenges in their local school and public libraries.
 

Here are just some of the ways young adults can get support from BPL:

Get a Card

A library card is a fundamental tool to celebrate the Freedom to Read! Find out how you can get access to Brooklyn Public Library through a local or out-of-state eCard through Books Unbanned.

Apply today

Get Involved

There are many ways to support the right to read. Access resources like petitions, talking points, and ways to stay up to date on the latest Intellectual Freedom News.

Access resources

Request a BookMatch

BookMatch Teen offers book recommendations for teens, by teens. Complete the form and a Teen BookMatcher will create a reading list just for you.

Get Matched

Report a Challenge

If you hear of a challenge at your local library, support your right to free and open access by contacting the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom.

Get Involved

Use Your Library

Look for frequently challenged books at your local library, or check out our selection of eBook & audiobook titles, many of which are set to "Always Available" for BPL cardholders - no waiting for a copy! 

Get Reading

Borrowed and Banned

BPL's podcast mini-series tells the story of America's ideological war with its bookshelves. Hear from students on the frontlines, librarians and teachers who risk their careers by speaking up, and writers whose books have become a political battleground. 

Listen now