If you’ve been following the news lately, it may feel like we’ve stepped into a dystopian universe where book banning has become a de rigueur talking point. But unfortunately, it’s not all talk: while Texas takes the dubious honor of being the state to ban the most books—with over eight hundred thus far—there are dozens of other states in the country that have also restricted access to certain books.
Most of these banned books contain LGBTQ+ themes, while others detail the atrocities of slavery and the Holocaust. If living in a world reminiscent of Fahrenheit 451 doesn’t appeal to you, here are some ideas to help you fight back:
Stay in the know
You can’t protest book bans if you don’t know how these decisions are made. Right now, local school boards and city councils are the biggest culprits behind this troubling practice, so do some research and find out where and when these groups meet, their agendas, phone numbers and email addresses of members, and meeting minutes. If this information isn’t made freely available (which it should be), you can put in a Freedom of Information request to find out.
Report the bans
According to the American Library Association (ALA), only 3–18 percent of book challenges are reported to the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF). In order for the OIF to take action, they must first be aware that specific bans are happening. If you discover a book is being challenged at your local library, contact the OIF or fill out a form on the ALA’s website to report it immediately. If you want to learn more about intellectual freedom and how to protect it, you can also check out Intellectual Freedom News or the Journal of Intellectual Freedom & Privacy.
Be an enthusiastic Banned Books Week supporter
Traditionally held during the last full week of September, Banned Books Week has unfortunately become a year-round phenomenon. You can participate by attending local programs (often held by libraries, schools, or bookstores) or taking a video of yourself reading from your favorite banned book and posting it to the Banned Books Week YouTube channel. Don’t see any local events? Organize your own using ideas from OIF or brainstorm with others in your literary community.
Read a banned book
The more they tell you not to do something, the more tempting it is, right? So find a list of your state’s banned books and read away! Even better? Buy those banned books from an independent bookstore and then, when you’re finished, donate them to those kids or adults who need to read them the most.
Write, write, write
Show people how powerful the written word really is by writing letters and emails. Try a letter of support to an author whose books are being banned. Write an email to your local newspaper, principal, school board, school librarian, city council members, or public library director in support of the freedom to read.
Take to social media
Say what you will about social media as a whole, but it’s hard to deny that it’s a pretty convenient way to get the word out about . . . well, anything really. Use it for good by posting a particular banned book and talking about why it’s been censored—bonus points if it’s a picture of you reading said book! Hashtags like #DefendBooks and #BannedBooks can also help you connect with other communities involved in the cause.
Submit title requests to your library
Most public libraries have a form that patrons can fill out to request titles to add to the general collection. Use this opportunity to ask for books and authors that are frequently banned and/or are severely lacking in representation. This can include books by LGBTQ+ authors, authors of color, or books that pop up on your state’s list of banned books.
Attend meetings
Civic meetings, such as those held by city councils, are always open to the public. Normally, there is a small window of time either at the beginning or end of these meetings for comments or questions from the general population. Show up to these meetings and question your local leaders about the book bans that you find troubling. The more voices of dissent that these leaders hear, the more difficult they will find it to keep on this dangerous path.
Vote
This is one of the most important ways you can help stop book censorship. Look into who is running for your library board, school board, city council, and other local offices. These are often the people making book ban decisions. Learn who supports intellectual freedom and who wants to stamp it out, and vote accordingly. The best way to do that is by looking at the candidates’ websites and social media, as well as attending open forums and asking them about book censorship directly.
Run for office
Don’t see anyone on the ballot who aligns with the idea that books are for everyone? Look into the function and responsibility for your local school board, city council, or library board—and if you have the time and resources, choose a position that fits your circumstances best and run for office yourself! Depending on your city or town, some of these positions may actually just be appointed—if that’s the case, get in your application to start making a real difference.
Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville with her husband and two kids. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on LinkedIn.
