Authors Against Book Bans
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authorsabb.bsky.social
Authors Against Book Bans
@authorsabb.bsky.social
13K followers 54 following 340 posts
We are Authors Against Book Bans. We stand united against the deeply unconstitutional movement to limit the freedom to read. We unequivocally support diverse voices on our library shelves, in our schools, and in our culture.
www.authorsagainstbookbans.com
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Sincerely, The Undersigned Authors Against Book Bans American Library Association Annie's Foundation Association of Rural and Small Libraries Bivins Book Publishing Candlewick Press Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Defense of Democracy Everyday Advocacy Florida Freedom to Read Project FReadom Fighters Freedom to Read Project GLAaD Holiday House Independent Book Publishers Association Independent Publishers Caucus Lambda Literary Latinx Kidlit Book Festival Libro.fm Livingston Parish Alliance Military Families for Free Expression Nashville Teacher Residency National Coalition Against Censorship National Education Association Peachtree Publishing Professionals Against Book Bans Red Wine & Blue Sara & Two-C Dogs, Inc School Board Integrity Project Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Students Engaged in Advancing Texas Teaching for Change Texas Freedom to Read Project The Authors Guild Tombolo Books We Need Diverse Books
October 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
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Assaults on books and storytellers aim to displace the truth and create a censored accounting of this country. This year's Banned Books Week doesn't commemorate bygone censorship—it spotlights and defends books actively being censored today Together we call for the end to the authoritarian tactic of banning books. We stand in support of the authors whose works have been banned, of the students, families, and all readers whose rights are being taken away when books are censored. We stand in support of libraries and local librarians and educators. We stand together to defend the freedom to read and protect access to diverse histories, stories, and identities, ensuring that all readers everywhere see themselves reflected in literature provided in schools and public libraries. Join Us Message your state and Congressional representatives in support for the right to read. Urge elected leaders to promote legislation that protects books, schools, libraries, and librarians. Speak out on October 11 for Let Freedom Read Day and then continue to speak out. Reach out to any of the organizations named here and see how you can help us fight the good fight.
October 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
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AABB is proud to join this coalition of groups fighting for the freedom to read. Nothing gives us more hope than the understanding that while the fight may be daunting, we are not in it alone. 1/3
Standing together for the freedom to read. All students, all people, deserve and require access to information. Access to books is essential for the free exchange of ideas and for the protection of a healthy democracy. Books hold a pivotal role in our culture—a role that must be projected. During Banned Books Week, we recommit ourselves to fighting censorship and authoritarianism all year round. Today, a well-coordinated network of politically motivated public officials, groups are attacking our fundamental freedoms—including our freedom to read. Thousands of books that predominantly depict people of color and LBGTQ+ people and that discuss sex, gender, sexuality, race, and racism are banned in public schools and libraries across the country. These attacks on school districts and public libraries, educators and librarians, authors and illustrators, and the publishers and booksellers that support them are stripping students, families, and all library patrons of their freedom to read and learn. These efforts upend the lives of students, families, authors, illustrators, educators, and librarians. It leads to erasure from the shelves, harassment from would be censors, denial of access to books, job loss, and financial and emotional distress.
October 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
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Mike Roosevelt. Running for Council Rock School Board, Region 6. Bob Hickey. Running for Council Rock School Board, Region 3. Voted to ban two classic novels from Council Rock curriculum; the books were kept with bipartisan support. Voted "No" on approval of 2025-26 history textbook; the book was adopted with bipartisan support. Rated: Red
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
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Let's get this seat in particular.
Hedy Ranieri. Running for Rock School Board, Region 8. supports the extremist book-banning group Moms for Liberty. Posed for group picture at Moms for Liberty's Bucks County school board election training; the photo was posted on the group's local and national pages. One of her campaign leaders is a Moms for Liberty District leader. Rated: Red
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
Bob Hickey. Running for Council Rock School Board, Region 3. Voted to ban two classic novels from Council Rock curriculum; the books were kept with bipartisan support. Voted "No" on approval of 2025-26 history textbook; the book was adopted with bipartisan support. Rated: Red
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
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Mitchell Smedly. Running for Rock School Board Region 9. Has made no public statement regarding book bans. Unrated.
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
Cheryl Rickert. Running for Council Rock School Board, Region 8. Supports developing accurate, fact-driven educational programs, not indoctrination. Opposes book bans and other policies that force educators to each a particular political viewpoint. Rated: Green.
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
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Nicole Khan. Running for Council Rock School Board, Region 9. As a current board member, has voted in support of every book recommendation made by Council Rock educators. Supports developing accurate, fact-driven educational programs, not indoctrination. Opposes book bans and other policies that force educators to each a particular political viewpoint. Rated: Green.
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
Jim Green. Running for Council Rock School Board, Region 3. Supports developing accurate, fact-driven educational programs, not indoctrination. Opposes book bans and other policies that force educators to each a particular political viewpoint. Rated: Green.
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
Audrey Tashjian, MD. Running for Council Rock School Board, Region 6. Supports developing accurate, fact-driven educational programs, not indoctrination. Opposes book bans and other policies that force educators to each a particular political viewpoint. Rated: Green.
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
First are all of the candidates who support the right to read. Right now the board is 4-3 in favor of protecting that right & we plan to keep it that way. More specific details to follow...
Vote Guide for Council Rock School Board. Region 6: Audrey Tashjian. Region 3: Jim Green. Region 9: Nicole Khan. Region 8: Cheryl Rickert. Screenshot me!
September 30, 2025 at 6:11 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
It's Baaaaack. Texas! If legislators believed their constituents supported it, they wouldn't hide the bill in a special session. But we're ready for them! (Cricket bats optional). The special session is scheduled for Monday July 22 so we have time to apply the pressure.
1. Text says It's Back in red stylized bloody font at the top. On the bottom red text on a black field says HB 3325 is back in Texas. The real bill number is In the middle is a little zombie with green skin, white empty eyes, a tattered brown shirt and olive pants and the top of his brain exposed in front of an outline of the state of Texas in blue. 2. In white text on a red field it says The Texas State Legislature is trying to sneak House Bill 3225 back into play in a special session. In black text on a white field it says This bill would require Texas public libraries to ensure that no one under the age of 18 can access books or materials deemed “sexually explicit,” a term broadly defined in the bill. Texas libraries would be forced to either restrict such materials or card every patron who enters the library to ensure they are over 18—both prospects that would restrict the freedom to read and be cost prohibitive. A similar law that has already passed in Idaho has forced some libraries to ban unaccompanied minors from accessing the library all together because the librarians could not logistically comply with such an expansive and restrictive law. 3. In black text on a white field it says If you are in Texas. Then in red stylized blood font it says Call Your State Reps! In black font on a white field it says Tell them to reject this bill and protect children's access to libraries. Below that is a green hand breaking through the ground, a zombie hand, one assumes.
July 8, 2025 at 5:29 PM
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TF YOU ARE IN TEXAS CALL YOUR STATE REPS. Tell them to reject this bill and protect children's access to their libraries.
July 3, 2025 at 1:26 PM
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The Texas State Legislature is trying to sneak House Bill 3225 back into play in a special session. This bill would require Texas public libraries to ensure that no one under the age of 18 can access books or materials deemed "sexually explicit," a term broadly defined in the bill. Texas libraries would be forced to either restrict such materials, or card every patron who enters the library to ensure they are over the age of 18—both prospects that would restrict the freedom to read and be cost prohibitive. A similar law that has already passed in Idaho has forced some libraries to ban unaccompanied minors from accessing the library altogether, because the libraries could not logistically comply with such an expensive and restrictive law.
July 3, 2025 at 1:26 PM
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Texas! Saddle up again! 1/3
URGENT ALERT: HB 3225 IS BACK IN TEXAS.
July 3, 2025 at 1:26 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
The great @pronounced-ing.bsky.social on why you should support the Florida Freedom to Read Project with a donation. Get your activism done for the day and donate here: www.fftrp.org/donate
June 30, 2025 at 5:06 PM
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Courage and community are what we need in the face of such decisions, and we at Authors Against Books Bans remain devoted to fighting for the freedom to read. We call upon everyone to join us in condemning this decision and making sure that LGBTQIA+ books remain on shelves and LGBTQIA+ voices continue to speak to readers of all ages.
June 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM
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We know this: diversity of culture, of stories, of character, of identity, enrich us as people and as a society. The stories we share with children build creativity, curiosity, and empathy. They make young readers more understanding, more intelligent. Kinder. Brighter. They root out discrimination. They build community and save lives. This is why we take pride in our books. To our members, friends, and loved ones in the LGBTQIA+ community—storytellers, families and most importantly, young people—today, Authors Against Book Bans reaffirms our commitment to you. We are proud to stand with you, to celebrate you, and to advocate for your books We stand with all the authors and illustrators who were singled out by this decision; your books highlight the joy of the queer experience and inspire curiosity, courage, and community.
June 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM
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This ruling isn’t about freedom or inclusivity. There is no freedom in a classroom where queer families are erased. There is no inclusivity for preschoolers who are separated from their peers during storytime. This decision will promote fear, close minds, and exclude countless Americans from their school communities. It is also certain to lead to “soft censorship” – where there will be no need to “opt out” of specific books because they will not make it to the shelves, read-alouds, or lessons in the first place. This is a dangerous path, one that teaches our elementary students to be threatened by their classmates, to fear their friends’ families, their teachers, and our wide, diverse world. Justice Sotomayor said it clearly in her dissent: "The harm will not be borne by educators alone: Children will suffer too."
June 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM
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Our statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling in Mahmoud v Taylor. Image thread with alt text. 1/4
Today's Supreme Court decision, though couched in the language of freedom and inclusivity, is a tragic failure for both the right to read and the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. Authors Against Book Bans stands firmly and fiercely against the decision and its rationale. To allow parents to "object" to the presence of positive books about the lives and rights of LGBTQIA+ people is to allow them to "object" to the existence of LGBTQIA+ students, parents, educators, and others in the wider community. You cannot “opt out” of reality, no matter what today’s majority opinion states. These books belong on shelves and these stories belong in classrooms and curricula.
June 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM
authorsabb.bsky.social
If you need a reminder of what we're fighting for, here are a bunch of authors reading short excerpts of letters sent to them by grateful readers. Recommend having tissues handy.
June 25, 2025 at 6:08 PM
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And here is the conclusion of the joint statement along with the list of signatories.
ID: A simple graphic with text. Text reads: Together, we the people will continue to demand that the federal government protect and respect the work of our public servants and our freedoms to read, learn, and thrive. Sincerely, The Undersigned. This is followed by a list of organizations. The organizations are: Abrams; Aevitas Creative Management; AFT: Education, Healthcare, and Public Services; American Atheists; American Booksellers for Free Expressions; Annie's Foundation; Asian Americans Advancing Justice; Association for Rural & Small Libraries; Astra Books for Young Readers; Atthis Arts; Audio Publishers Association; Authors Against Book Bans; Authors Guild; Banned Books Week Coalition; Barefoot Books; Candlewick Press; Central Arkansas Library System; Clearinghouse on Women's Issues; EveryLibrary; Feminist Majority Foundation; Gibbs Smith; Holiday House; Independent Book Publishers Association; Kidsbuzz/Deborah Sloan and Company; KT Literary LLC; Lafayette Citizens Against Censorship; Libro.fm; Live Oak Media; Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship; Mountaineers Books; National Coalition Against Censorship; National Education Association; National Women's Law Center; Nosy Crow; Peachtree Publishing; PEN America; Publisher Spotlight; Publishing Professionals Against Book Bans; Read Freely Alabama; Red Comet Press LLC; Rutherford County Library Alliance; School Board Integrity Project; Society of Cchildren's Book Writers and Illustrators; Students Engaged in Advancing Texas; Teaching for Change; Texas FReadom Fighters [sic]; Texas Freedom to Read Project; The Quarto Group; and We Need Diverse Books. /end ID] Logos for the organizations who have signed onto the letter. More logos for organizations who have signed onto the letter.
May 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
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Authors Against Book Bans join with dozens of other organizations to condemn the firing of Dr. Carla Hayden. (Statement continues in thread.)
Joint Statement on the Trump Administration’s Firing of Dr. Carla Hayden We the undersigned write to condemn the unjust firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, who has served as Librarian of Congress since 2016. Dr. Hayden’s firing is an assault on our freedoms to access and pursue knowledge. This mirrors the recent attacks on the freedom to read books. The authors who create them, and our vast public network of public libraries and the cultural tr5easures they house. Together, we call on Congress to reinstate Dr. Hayden and investigate the circumstances of her firing. Dr. Hayden has been a trailblazer, bringing new energy, joy and perspective to the esteemed role. She was the first woman and the first African American to serve in the role. In the time she has served, she has been markedly respected for her impartial effectiveness and for opening the Library’s resources to all Americans. Now, Dr. Hayden becomes the first Librarian of Congress to be forced out since the 19th century for no other reason than to undermine the foundational principles of our democracy and erode public trust in our most robust institutions. It is not normal to sue politics and disinformation to suppress and dismantle the institutions that hold the true and honest history and experiences of all Americans, but it has become a disturbingly common tactic by this administration in recent months. In February, Dr. Colleen Shogan was dismissed as national archivist (she was also the first woman in that position). In March, President Trump issued an executive order attempting to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (it has been enjoined in Federal Court). Image ID: a basic graphic with text that reads: In the week leading up to Dr. Hayden's dismissal, National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities grants that had already been awarded were withdrawn, throwing arts and humanities organizations nationwide into chaos. Undercutting the Library of Congress will have direct impacts on all Americans. The Library of Congress oversees the Copyright Office, which is essential to the protection of intellectual property. (The head of the U.S. Copyright Office, Shira Perlmutter, was also fired not long after Dr. Hayden.) This office manages the Congressional Research Service, which provides impartial information to inform legislation and oversight. And it maintains the Law Library of Congress, a global legal resource for lawmakers and the judiciary. Weakening the Library of Congress weakens prosperity from American cultural production and the effectiveness of our laws. As organizations representing thousands of concerned parents, students, and community members, as well as librarians, educators, authors, publishers, and booksellers, we demand that members of Congress stand up for their librarian. This is the Library of (italicized) Congress (end italics), not the Library of the Executive. Use every available means to reinstate Dr. Hayden and hold to account those responsible for her firing. Whether or not Dr. Hayden is reinstated, we demand congressional support for libraries and librarians, a professional librarian for Librarian of Congress, and full funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Library Services and Technology Act, and Innovative Approaches to Literacy. Those who are united in our commitment to our libraries as beacons of our curiosity and knowledge can join us at bit.ly/EmailHayden. /end ID]
May 21, 2025 at 4:22 PM
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6. Angie Wierzbecki running for Fort Bend ISD school board. “I want to ensure that every child has access to high-quality education and that our schools are places where all students teachers and staff feel supported and valued.” The current board has “spent too much time on divisive culture war issues.” Authors Against Book Bans rated Green.
April 29, 2025 at 1:43 PM