Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social
Parent-led nonprofit dedicated to protecting access to information in our schools and public libraries. www.freedomtoreadproject.org
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We are public school parents dedicated to protecting education and library access for all students across the US.
We’re here to inform, support, and guide local and state-led advocacy by everyday citizens like us.
We’re here to inform, support, and guide local and state-led advocacy by everyday citizens like us.
Too often, censorship activists skip reading the full book (or its context) and instead spotlight specific dramatic excerpts at school board meetings to spark fear and outrage. But books are meant to be experienced as a whole, not reduced to a few cherry-picked pages.
#FreedomToRead
#FreedomToRead
November 10, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Too often, censorship activists skip reading the full book (or its context) and instead spotlight specific dramatic excerpts at school board meetings to spark fear and outrage. But books are meant to be experienced as a whole, not reduced to a few cherry-picked pages.
#FreedomToRead
#FreedomToRead
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
Rutherford County Library System (TN) shut down 2 libraries to ban books from the collections. This decision came as the Secretary of State sent them a letter demanding they "follow the law" and "follow Executive Orders" related to collections.
The board *likes* this.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
The board *likes* this.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
Rutherford County Library System (TN) Temporarily Shuts Down to Ban Books
Rutherford County Library System announced on social media a surprise shutdown of two libraries. Why? "Reviewing inventory."
bookriot.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Rutherford County Library System (TN) shut down 2 libraries to ban books from the collections. This decision came as the Secretary of State sent them a letter demanding they "follow the law" and "follow Executive Orders" related to collections.
The board *likes* this.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
The board *likes* this.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
URGENT Call to Action: The Senate version of the S.2696 is moving out of committee BUT this version does not include any protections for book creators and only contains weak first amendment protections. The timing is tight: please email your senator before Wednesday, Nov. 12! More info:
URGENT Call to Action - Email Your Senators! — Mass Freedom To Read
Mass Freedom To Read learned late on Thursday that An Act Regarding Free Expression (renamed S. 2696) has moved out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and will be going to a floor vote next Thursd...
www.massfreedomtoread.org
November 8, 2025 at 8:16 PM
URGENT Call to Action: The Senate version of the S.2696 is moving out of committee BUT this version does not include any protections for book creators and only contains weak first amendment protections. The timing is tight: please email your senator before Wednesday, Nov. 12! More info:
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
Meet three of the high schoolers who saw their state reading bowl banned eight books in Georgia...and did something about it.
Kids should never have to do this kind of work, but they are absolutely worth celebrating when they do: bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Kids should never have to do this kind of work, but they are absolutely worth celebrating when they do: bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Meet the High Schoolers Who Overturned a State Reading Bowl Book Ban: Book Censorship News, November 7, 2025
A Georgia statewide reading bowl banned eight books. These students led the charge to get the bans overturned and succeeded.
bookriot.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Meet three of the high schoolers who saw their state reading bowl banned eight books in Georgia...and did something about it.
Kids should never have to do this kind of work, but they are absolutely worth celebrating when they do: bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Kids should never have to do this kind of work, but they are absolutely worth celebrating when they do: bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Two Rutherford County (TN) libraries just shut down amid a push to ban LGBTQ+ books. This isn’t just local, it’s about who gets to decide what stories we can read.
Read the full story on Book Riot bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
#BooksNotBans #LibraryFreedom
Read the full story on Book Riot bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
#BooksNotBans #LibraryFreedom
Rutherford County Library System (TN) Temporarily Shuts Down to Ban Books
Rutherford County Library System announced on social media a surprise shutdown of two libraries. Why? "Reviewing inventory."
bookriot.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Two Rutherford County (TN) libraries just shut down amid a push to ban LGBTQ+ books. This isn’t just local, it’s about who gets to decide what stories we can read.
Read the full story on Book Riot bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
#BooksNotBans #LibraryFreedom
Read the full story on Book Riot bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
#BooksNotBans #LibraryFreedom
You liked, we listened... We took our popular post on how to talk to your kids about banned books and expanded it into a full-length article packed with tips, talking points, and book suggestions your family can actually use.
freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_talk_to_your_kids_about_banned_books
freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_talk_to_your_kids_about_banned_books
How to Talk to Your Kids About Banned Books
Talking—you can empower kids to read boldly by discussing why books get banned, reading them together, and modeling advocacy and curiosity.
freedomtoreadproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:38 PM
You liked, we listened... We took our popular post on how to talk to your kids about banned books and expanded it into a full-length article packed with tips, talking points, and book suggestions your family can actually use.
freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_talk_to_your_kids_about_banned_books
freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_talk_to_your_kids_about_banned_books
Toni Morrison’s THE BLUEST EYE is a masterpiece of American literature, a searing, compassionate exploration of race, beauty, identity, and the longing to be seen. It gives voice to those who are too often silenced, inviting readers to confront painful truths about how society defines worth & love.
November 5, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Toni Morrison’s THE BLUEST EYE is a masterpiece of American literature, a searing, compassionate exploration of race, beauty, identity, and the longing to be seen. It gives voice to those who are too often silenced, inviting readers to confront painful truths about how society defines worth & love.
Our free guide, “Turning the Page: An Advocate’s Guide to the Freedom to Read,” offers practical strategies for starting tough conversations, organizing your community, and protecting access to books in schools and libraries.
Download for free here:
freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_page
Download for free here:
freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_page
November 4, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Our free guide, “Turning the Page: An Advocate’s Guide to the Freedom to Read,” offers practical strategies for starting tough conversations, organizing your community, and protecting access to books in schools and libraries.
Download for free here:
freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_page
Download for free here:
freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_page
In the 2024–25 school year, Florida led the nation with 2,304 book bans, according to PEN America. That’s 2,304 lost opportunities for students to see themselves, question ideas, and learn from diverse voices.
Every banned book is a silenced story, and every silence chips away at democracy.
Every banned book is a silenced story, and every silence chips away at democracy.
November 3, 2025 at 2:57 PM
In the 2024–25 school year, Florida led the nation with 2,304 book bans, according to PEN America. That’s 2,304 lost opportunities for students to see themselves, question ideas, and learn from diverse voices.
Every banned book is a silenced story, and every silence chips away at democracy.
Every banned book is a silenced story, and every silence chips away at democracy.
🎃👻 Happy Halloween from the Freedom to Read Project! 👻🎃
Tonight’s the perfect time for spooky stories, eerie adventures, and a reminder that the scariest thing of all is censorship. 😱
Stay brave, stay curious, and keep those stories alive. 💀📖
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans #SpookyStories
Tonight’s the perfect time for spooky stories, eerie adventures, and a reminder that the scariest thing of all is censorship. 😱
Stay brave, stay curious, and keep those stories alive. 💀📖
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans #SpookyStories
October 31, 2025 at 1:34 PM
🎃👻 Happy Halloween from the Freedom to Read Project! 👻🎃
Tonight’s the perfect time for spooky stories, eerie adventures, and a reminder that the scariest thing of all is censorship. 😱
Stay brave, stay curious, and keep those stories alive. 💀📖
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans #SpookyStories
Tonight’s the perfect time for spooky stories, eerie adventures, and a reminder that the scariest thing of all is censorship. 😱
Stay brave, stay curious, and keep those stories alive. 💀📖
#FreedomToRead #BooksNotBans #SpookyStories
This is a great take on what happened for Banned Books Week in many places.
What happened in libraries during Banned Books Week?
Turns out, there was a lot of banning of Banned Books Week, period.
A look at what happened across the country and why.
That, plus this week's *extensive* book censorship news.
bookriot.com/banning-bann...
Turns out, there was a lot of banning of Banned Books Week, period.
A look at what happened across the country and why.
That, plus this week's *extensive* book censorship news.
bookriot.com/banning-bann...
The Banning of Banned Books Week: Book Censorship News, October 31, 2025
Banned Books Week is being quietly banned in public libraries across the US. This is a political choice in an era where libraries continue to claim being "not political."
bookriot.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:31 PM
This is a great take on what happened for Banned Books Week in many places.
Florida’s newly proposed K–12 social studies standards are raising alarms among parents, educators, and First Amendment advocates.
If our children don’t learn how to question authority, we’re not educating citizens, we’re training subjects.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/florida_s_ne...
If our children don’t learn how to question authority, we’re not educating citizens, we’re training subjects.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/florida_s_ne...
Florida’s New Social Studies Standards: A Deepening Crisis for Critical Thinking and Honest History
Florida’s new social studies standards emphasize anti-communism, restrict discussion, retain flawed Black history content, and threaten critical thinking, civic literacy, and academic freedom.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Florida’s newly proposed K–12 social studies standards are raising alarms among parents, educators, and First Amendment advocates.
If our children don’t learn how to question authority, we’re not educating citizens, we’re training subjects.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/florida_s_ne...
If our children don’t learn how to question authority, we’re not educating citizens, we’re training subjects.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/florida_s_ne...
SOMETHING HAPPENED IN OUR TOWN is a powerful, compassionate book that helps children make sense of racial injustice in their world. Told through the perspectives of two families (one Black, one white) it opens space for honest conversations about fairness, empathy, and how to stand up to wrongness.
October 29, 2025 at 3:31 PM
SOMETHING HAPPENED IN OUR TOWN is a powerful, compassionate book that helps children make sense of racial injustice in their world. Told through the perspectives of two families (one Black, one white) it opens space for honest conversations about fairness, empathy, and how to stand up to wrongness.
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
Here’s a recap of important Texas school board races! Elect freedom to read candidates. Share with friends! franklinstrong.substack.com/p/the-book-l...
The Book-Loving Texan's Guide to the November School Board Election is HERE
(October's most anticipated release, with the possible exception of The Life of a Showgirl)
franklinstrong.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Here’s a recap of important Texas school board races! Elect freedom to read candidates. Share with friends! franklinstrong.substack.com/p/the-book-l...
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
DID YOU KNOW: During the 2024-2025 school year, the works of the 10 most frequently banned authors accounted for 13% of all instances of book bans. More here: pen.org/banned-autho... #bannedbooks
October 28, 2025 at 3:42 PM
DID YOU KNOW: During the 2024-2025 school year, the works of the 10 most frequently banned authors accounted for 13% of all instances of book bans. More here: pen.org/banned-autho... #bannedbooks
Leaving a review for a banned book does more than share your opinion; it helps protect the freedom to read.
Every thoughtful review helps ensure that silenced voices are still heard. So if you loved (or even just read) a banned book, leave a review today.
#FreedomToRead #BannedBooks
Every thoughtful review helps ensure that silenced voices are still heard. So if you loved (or even just read) a banned book, leave a review today.
#FreedomToRead #BannedBooks
October 28, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Leaving a review for a banned book does more than share your opinion; it helps protect the freedom to read.
Every thoughtful review helps ensure that silenced voices are still heard. So if you loved (or even just read) a banned book, leave a review today.
#FreedomToRead #BannedBooks
Every thoughtful review helps ensure that silenced voices are still heard. So if you loved (or even just read) a banned book, leave a review today.
#FreedomToRead #BannedBooks
This quote says it all. You get to decide what your child reads, but that same right belongs to other parents too. Freedom means choice, not control.
When we start deciding what *other people’s* kids can read, we cross from guidance into censorship.
Respect your values. Let others do the same.
When we start deciding what *other people’s* kids can read, we cross from guidance into censorship.
Respect your values. Let others do the same.
October 27, 2025 at 1:57 PM
This quote says it all. You get to decide what your child reads, but that same right belongs to other parents too. Freedom means choice, not control.
When we start deciding what *other people’s* kids can read, we cross from guidance into censorship.
Respect your values. Let others do the same.
When we start deciding what *other people’s* kids can read, we cross from guidance into censorship.
Respect your values. Let others do the same.
You showed up. You raised your voice. You stood for something at the “No Kings” protest.
Now what? The fight for intellectual freedom doesn’t end when the signs come down; it’s just beginning.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/you_went_to_...
Now what? The fight for intellectual freedom doesn’t end when the signs come down; it’s just beginning.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/you_went_to_...
You Went to the “No Kings” Protest… Now What?
The No Kings protest is just the beginning. Keep the momentum by organizing locally, contacting officials, using Turning the Page, and defending intellectual freedom.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
October 23, 2025 at 1:03 PM
You showed up. You raised your voice. You stood for something at the “No Kings” protest.
Now what? The fight for intellectual freedom doesn’t end when the signs come down; it’s just beginning.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/you_went_to_...
Now what? The fight for intellectual freedom doesn’t end when the signs come down; it’s just beginning.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/you_went_to_...
WHITE OUT is a joyful celebration of love, friendship, and connection told through intertwining stories on one snowy Atlanta night.
This book deserves to be on every shelf because it shows the beauty of diverse voices, identities, and experiences.
#FreedomToRead
This book deserves to be on every shelf because it shows the beauty of diverse voices, identities, and experiences.
#FreedomToRead
October 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM
WHITE OUT is a joyful celebration of love, friendship, and connection told through intertwining stories on one snowy Atlanta night.
This book deserves to be on every shelf because it shows the beauty of diverse voices, identities, and experiences.
#FreedomToRead
This book deserves to be on every shelf because it shows the beauty of diverse voices, identities, and experiences.
#FreedomToRead
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
As book bans proliferate, Latine authors are increasingly caught in the cultural crossfire https://holacultura.com/as-book-bans-proliferate-latine-authors-are-increasingly-caught-in-the-cultural-crossfire/
As Book Bans Proliferate, Latine Authors Are Increasingly Caught In The Cultural Crossfire | Hola Cultura
What happens when a community's stories are stripped from the shelves? What does it mean when young Latine readers can't find books that reflect their own
holacultura.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:09 PM
As book bans proliferate, Latine authors are increasingly caught in the cultural crossfire https://holacultura.com/as-book-bans-proliferate-latine-authors-are-increasingly-caught-in-the-cultural-crossfire/
Talking to Kids About Banned Books
Book bans can be confusing and even scary for young readers. But open conversations help kids think critically and feel empowered to explore ideas.
Because every conversation helps raise the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and readers.
#FreedomToRead
Book bans can be confusing and even scary for young readers. But open conversations help kids think critically and feel empowered to explore ideas.
Because every conversation helps raise the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and readers.
#FreedomToRead
October 21, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Talking to Kids About Banned Books
Book bans can be confusing and even scary for young readers. But open conversations help kids think critically and feel empowered to explore ideas.
Because every conversation helps raise the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and readers.
#FreedomToRead
Book bans can be confusing and even scary for young readers. But open conversations help kids think critically and feel empowered to explore ideas.
Because every conversation helps raise the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and readers.
#FreedomToRead
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
Great stuff from some young readers in Iowa with lessons for us all! Start where you are, build your community, keep pushing on policy, & have fun! And for any grown-ups in the room, sometimes the best action you can take is supporting the action of the young people in your community
When books were being pulled from Iowa classrooms, these teens started an after-school club to read them
Three Iowa City West high schoolers founded a book club that reads some of the country's most frequently banned books after a state law removing books with sexual content was signed in 2023. Two years...
www.iowapublicradio.org
October 20, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Great stuff from some young readers in Iowa with lessons for us all! Start where you are, build your community, keep pushing on policy, & have fun! And for any grown-ups in the room, sometimes the best action you can take is supporting the action of the young people in your community
A big victory for the freedom to read!
October 21, 2025 at 1:24 AM
A big victory for the freedom to read!
22,810 book bans. 45 states.
Since July 2021, book banning has swept the nation, silencing voices, limiting learning, and eroding the freedom to read.
Every statistic represents a story lost, a student denied, a community censored. It’s time to say enough.
Stand up. Speak out.
#FreedomToRead
Since July 2021, book banning has swept the nation, silencing voices, limiting learning, and eroding the freedom to read.
Every statistic represents a story lost, a student denied, a community censored. It’s time to say enough.
Stand up. Speak out.
#FreedomToRead
October 20, 2025 at 1:54 PM
22,810 book bans. 45 states.
Since July 2021, book banning has swept the nation, silencing voices, limiting learning, and eroding the freedom to read.
Every statistic represents a story lost, a student denied, a community censored. It’s time to say enough.
Stand up. Speak out.
#FreedomToRead
Since July 2021, book banning has swept the nation, silencing voices, limiting learning, and eroding the freedom to read.
Every statistic represents a story lost, a student denied, a community censored. It’s time to say enough.
Stand up. Speak out.
#FreedomToRead
Reposted by Freedom to Read Project
YES to ALL OF THIS. thefulcrum.us/governance-l...
The Censors Have Names. Use Them.
Banned Books Week just ended, but the fight it highlights continues every other week of the year. This year’s theme was Censorship is So 1984: Read for Your Rights, invoking George Orwell’s famous nov...
thefulcrum.us
October 16, 2025 at 2:36 PM
YES to ALL OF THIS. thefulcrum.us/governance-l...