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NYC Libraries Lead Freedom to Read Community Day of Action to Fight Bats

Mars October 19, 2024

More than 10,000 books have been removed from public schools, at least temporarily, during the 2023-2024 school year, according to PEN America. In response, New York libraries are hosting events this Saturday, October 19, “to incite action against book bans and for the freedom to read.”

New York’s three library systems have come together to lead nearly 200 libraries and bookstores across the country in Community Day of Action for Freedom to Read, which will include events in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. This is the first national day of action to fight against book banning and censorship.

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“The democratic principles on which our nation and public libraries were founded include the right of every individual to seek information from all perspectives,” said Nick Higgins, chief librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library. Free time in New York.

To encourage this curiosity, the Brooklyn Central Library in Prospect Heights is giving away hundreds of banned books for free, featuring local artists such as the Fogo Azul NYC Drums and the Resistance Revival Choir, and including speeches from the political director of the ACLU, Lee Rowland and former NBA player Albert King. The event starts at 11am.

New York Public Library — Photo: Shutterstock

Similar events are taking place across the city. In Manhattan, picture books and YA publications will be distributed, DJs will play music, and Anthony W. Marx, the president of The New York Public Library will speak, among other things, on the approaches to The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library at noon.

In Queens, readers of all ages will share frequently forbidden book passages, plus a forbidden book giveaway, sdeparture at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Flushing branch of the Queens Public Library.

“We are here to demonstrate the broad support that exists in our communities across the country for libraries and for the right of individuals to choose what they want to read, without restriction or interference from government or others,” added Higgins.