In 1964, Len Chandler, an African American folk singer and activist recorded, “Keep On Keepin’ On,” a song that encapsulates the idea of persevering in the face of challenges. Chandler’s song was popularized during the civil rights movement but has continuing relevance today as challenges to books in schools and libraries surge, and librarians come under attack. The theme for Banned Books Week 2023 (October 1-7) is “Let Freedom Read.” A nod to the civil rights era, this theme also serves as a rallying cry for those who believe that defending the freedom to read is an essential part of safeguarding our broader freedoms of thought, expression, and creativity. Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has highlighted the resilience and enduring spirit of those voices who refuse to be silenced. Moreover, Banned Books Week serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles against censorship. It is crucial for all of us to remain vigilant in protecting the right to access diverse perspectives and to stay focused on our intent to become a more enlightened and inclusive nation. ALA and ALSC have resources to inspire and support you in keepin’ on in the fight for the freedom to read. Here are a few links and events:
- Visit the Banned Books Week website to learn more about how you can take at least one action to help defend books from censorship.
- The ALA Banned and Challenged Books website provides lists of the top 10 most challenged books for each year; censorship data of attempts to ban or restrict library books and resources across the U.S., information on how to report censorship incidents and find confidential guidance, the history of Banned Books Week and ideas to celebrate it, and free downloads including videos.
- Visit Unite Against Book Bans. This is an ALA supported site that provides a toolkit including talking points, social media tools, and information for grassroots organizing.
- Members of ALA are invited to join Penguin Random House, Booklist, and Unite Against Book Bans for a special Banned Books Week event that premieres the video of Ibram X. Kendi’s speech from Rally for the Right to Read at the 2023 ALA Annual Conference.
- Other outside resources to consider are: PEN America, the Cooperative Center of Books for Children: Intellectual Freedom Information Services , and We Need Diverse Books “How to Support Diverse Books During a Book Ban”.
ALSC is always here to help you. You can also get further involved by sitting in on one of the meetings of the Intellectual Freedom Committee or incorporating fights against censorship into all of the work you do inside and outside of ALSC!
Desirée W. Cueto is an associate professor of children’s literature at the University of Arizona, co-author of Essentials of Children’s Literature and serves on the 2023-2024 ALSC Membership Committee.
This blog post relates to ALSC Core Competencies of: V. Advocacy and Outreach. Image courtesy of ALA.