Why we need books:

• Books transport us to other places and times, inspiring curiosity and sparking our imagination.
• Reading reveals the details of complex situations through the eyes of another, allowing us to consider a new or different perspective.
• Books promote empathy for people from different walks of life, places, past times, who are in challenging, remarkable, dire, inspirational, or simply different situations.
• A library with books from many perspectives allows us to see ourselves and relate to an author’s experience.

Across the United States, book bans are on the rise—not just in schools, but in libraries, prisons, and universities. According to PEN America, thousands of titles were banned in schools during the 2023–2024 school year alone. This is a coordinated effort to control information and restrict access to diverse perspectives. These bans disproportionately target books that explore race, gender, sexuality, identity, and historical truths, silencing marginalized voices and narrowing the public narrative. Whether it’s a child in school, a reader in prison, or a student on campus, the freedom to read is under threat.