The right to read and learn is fundamental, and public libraries are central to our abilities to explore ideas, encounter new perspectives, and learn about the world. Books by and about the history and cultures of Black and Brown, LGBTQ+ people, women, and other people whom the government has marginalized benefit all of us, including youth.
But right now, the fight to ban books focusing on race, gender, and sexuality from school and public libraries has escalated, across the country and here in Connecticut.
If you’re facing a book challenge in your local public school or library, here’s what you need to know to push back for freedom to learn and against censorship.
The freedom to read is inherently about our freedom to learn about ourselves and others. Nationwide, the concerted effort to ban books that center Black, Latinx, AAPI, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and women’s experiences is inherently racist, authoritarian, and bigoted. It’s up to all of us to protect and advance our freedom to read and to push back against censorship.
