As book banning becomes normalized, attacks on public and school libraries continue to escalate nationwide. The past few years have seen an unprecedented rise in challenges and removals of library books, with many targeting books that explore themes related to LGBTQ+ identities, race, gender and disability. The Southern Poverty Law Center and Read Freely Alabama recently partnered to host educational events across the state, offering guidance and tools for protecting libraries and resisting censorship.
Here are 10 actions you can take in your own community to oppose book bans:
- Get involved at your local library: Make sure you have — and use — an active local library card. Check out books, attend events and utilize services to keep libraries funded and functioning as community anchors. Show that people rely on their collections, programs and public spaces.
- Build multiracial, intergenerational coalitions with organizers, families, students, educators and civic groups: Broad alliances signal strong community support. They are also more effective at countering organized censorship groups. Organize, join or support advocacy groups, organizations and businesses working against censorship.
- Support and amplify the work of young people fighting against classroom censorship and book banning: Young people have the most at stake when books are challenged. They are often excluded from discussions or dismissed when they speak up. Listen to what young people in your community say they need. Create space for them and uplift their perspectives.
- Educate yourself and others: Familiarize yourself with the most targeted books. Be prepared to speak out in support of the freedom to read and disrupt harmful or coded language and misinformation about book content.
- Speak out publicly in support of inclusive policies: Prepare talking points. Speak out in support of the freedom to read. Disrupt harmful or coded language and misinformation about book content. Sign up to speak at public meetings, write a letter to the editor or contact local officials.
- Show up for school and library board meetings: Decisions happen in public meetings. Attend, take notes and push back against misinformation during public comment periods.
- Demand inclusive library policies and transparency on book challenge policies: Push school districts and library boards to maintain clear, fair review processes grounded in professional standards.
- Support educators and library staff: Librarians and educators often face harassment in the face of censorship. Thank them and amplify their work. Advocate for safe, inclusive workplaces.
- Promote inclusive and welcoming community spaces: In addition to advocating for inclusive school and library policies, help organize events like story hours, banned book clubs, civic engagement workshops, book exchanges and more.
- Monitor local political activity: Track candidates, officials and groups pushing censorship. Book banning can begin quietly at the local level. Staying informed helps you respond before harmful decisions are made.
Lindsey Shelton is a senior staff writer at the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Illustration at top by the SPLC.