Book bans and challenges in the United States reached an all-time high in 2023 and are continuing at an alarming rate. It's more important than ever to stand united against censorship and protect the freedom to read.
New York City’s three public library systems — Queens Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and The New York Public Library — have partnered with the American Library Association, Unite Against Book Bans, and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries to create a nationwide Freedom to Read Day of Action in support of this enduring, non-partisan American value.
On Saturday, October 19, libraries, bookstores, readers, and our allies across the country will unite against book bans and celebrate the power of books and the diverse ideas and points of view that they offer.
Get started before October 19! You can Sign the Freedom to Read Pledge and Start Promoting the Day of Action on your Social Media accounts.
There are many ways you can get involved on the Day of Action. Learn more about them below!
Day of Action Rally at Flushing Library
On Saturday, October 19 at 11am, join the QPL community on the Plaza outside Flushing Library for a special rally that will include readings from banned and challenged books, a Banned Books Giveaway, and other activities. Thanks to Penguin Random House for their generous donation of books.
After the rally, join us at Flushing Library for a Banned Books Storytime at 2pm.
Registration for the Day of Action Rally at Flushing Library is not required, but is encouraged. Register here: DayofAction.eventbrite.com
QPL Activities Across Queens
Join us at Central Library on Saturday, October 19 for a special Banned Books Giveaway at 12pm, and a Banned Books Storytime at 3pm. Thanks to Penguin Random House for their generous donation of books.
The Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center will also hold their 16th Annual Literary Arts Festival on October 19, with the theme "Power of the Written Word" and a special Banned Books panel discussion with Emily Drabinski, the immediate past president of the American Library Association. There will also be a Banned Books Giveaway. Thanks to Penguin Random House for their generous donation of books. Register for the Langston Hughes Literary Arts Festival.
QPL Mobile Libraries will be at the Queens Botanical Garden and Forest Park from 10am-1pm on Saturday, October 19. Stop by those bookmobiles for great Freedom to Read activities, including a Banned Books Giveaway at Forest Park! Thanks to Penguin Random House for their generous donation of books.
Learn More about all our Day of Action Special Events.
All QPL locations will have Day of Action activities for our customers, like our "Stand with Libraries Everywhere" Walls, where you can write encouraging words about the freedom to read; photo props you can use to take social media selfies; and much more.
Stand Up on Social Media
Starting at 10am on October 19, show your support for the freedom to read on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and more.
Use the hashtag #FreedomToRead to share why open access to books, information, and knowledge is important to you and your community, and why book bans are against everything we believe as a country of readers.
You can share our special Day of Action graphics, a picture of a banned or challenged book that means a lot to you, or a message that shows how much you oppose book bans.
Use the sample posts below, or write your own.
Tag NYC’s libraries in your posts as well!
Option 1: Share a Photo of a Book
Take a picture of a book (or a selfie with a book) that is meaningful to you.
Post the picture on your social media platform(s).
Use the hashtag #FreedomToRead and tag NYC’s libraries in your post!
Option 2: Day of Action Graphics
Download the special Day of Action graphics and share them on social media.
Use the hashtag #FreedomToRead and tag NYC’s libraries in your post!
Option 3: Message of Support
Even if you don't share a picture or use our graphics, we still want to hear your voice!
You can write a message or record a video that shows how much you oppose book bans and support the freedom to read, or use one of the sample posts below.
Don't forget to use the hashtag #FreedomToRead and tag NYC’s libraries in your post!
NYC Library Handles
X (Twitter):
QPL: @QPLNYC
BPL: @bklynlibrary
NYPL: @nypl
FACEBOOK:
QPL: QPLNYC
BPL: BrooklynPublicLibrary
NYPL: nypl
INSTAGRAM:
QPL: @qplnyc
BPL: @bklynlibrary
NYPL: @nypl
Sample Social Media Posts
📢 Join me and thousands of readers across the country for the #FreedomToRead Day of Action on Saturday, October 19! Show your support for the right to read, and let's unite against book bans! Find a Day of Action event near you. https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/day-of-action/
I’m joining @QPLNYC @bklynlibrary @nypl to stand against book bans and censorship. Here's the book I'm reading. What are you reading? #FreedomToRead
During today's Day of Action, I'm standing with NYC's public libraries to support the #FreedomToRead! Let's unite against book bans—everyone should be able to read whatever they want!
Books like this have the power to change lives. It's the #FreedomToRead Day of Action, and today I'm saying NO to book bans and censorship. Share your favorite book!
📚 It's the #FreedomToRead Day of Action! I’m standing against censorship of all kinds and celebrating the right to read what I want. Join me and thousands of readers nationwide!
