Freedom to Read Teen Ambassadors

The Freedom to Read Teen Ambassador program offers teens (ages 14–19) a space to advocate for intellectual freedom, fight censorship and book bans, and much more.

Participants will learn how to:
  • Fight censorship through civic engagement in their schools, libraries and communities
  • Defend and extend intellectual freedom
  • Provide feedback on programming related to BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative
  • Meet authors, librarians, their peers, and others with experience combatting censorship.
Why Join?
  • Learn how to be an effective intellectual freedom advocate in your local community.
  • Earn a certificate, a recommendation letter, and resume-boosting experience.
  • Support your peers nationwide in the fight for the freedom to read.
  • Earn a stipend for completing 40 hours.
Responsibilities

Freedom to Read Teen Ambassadors must complete a four-day Freedom to Read Advocacy Institute. The next Institute is during the midwinter break (February 18–21, 2025). Ambassadors will then meet in-person every Tuesday until June from 5–6:30 pm to work on:  

  • Designing a Freedom to Read campaign to support teens facing censorship issues.
  • Deciding on speakers and topics for future Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetups.
  • Creating media about fighting censorship to be shared with teens nationwide. 
How to Join

Complete the Freedom to Read Ambassador application below. Questions? Send an email to Emma Karin Eriksson at eeriksson@bklynlibrary.org     

Acknowledgements

The Freedom to Read Teen Ambassadors program is made possible through support by The Long Ridge Foundation and The Destina Foundation.

What Else?

BPL also offers a monthly Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup on the third Tuesday of each month.

 

Application Form

Books Unbanned

Brooklyn Public Library joins those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves, and form their own opinions.

Learn more

 

Browse all teen volunteer and internship opportunities.

The application period for the next Freedom to Read Teen Advocacy Institute and Ambassador program is open from December to the end of January. Selected applicants will be notified on a rolling basis. Participants will receive a stipend for completing the institute.

Freedom to Read Teen Ambassadors is a program where NYC teens can connect with a peer-support network and discuss book challenges, censorship, and intellectual freedom.

Please read this information carefully, complete the short application below, and check your email for a follow-up message.

Personal Information

In Case of an Emergency Notify

Education and Experience
Are you currently in an internship program at the library?
Can you commit to attending all four days of the in-person Freedom to Read Institute at the Central Library (10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY)? Applicants who can commit to all dates will be given preference.

Institute: February 18 – 21 from 11 am – 3pm
Are you available for in-person meetings every Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library and virtual meetings from 6 to 7 p.m. and one Tuesday a month from February until June?

Meetings: Feb - June Tuesdays from 5 - 6:30 pm

Short Answers (2 - 3 sentences)

Reference Information

Please provide the name and telephone number of a personal reference who is an adult, such as family friend, teacher, community leader or someone else who can describe your character.