Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) launched its Books Unbanned program in 2022 in response to an unprecedented rise in book bans nationwide. The program offers teens unrestricted access to their entire digital collection, supports the right for teens to read what they want, and builds a network of advocates nationwide that champion the freedom to read.
Now, Books Unbanned wants to help you build your own local teen freedom to read advocates with funding to support the effort.
Libraries nationwide are invited to apply for one-time funds to launch programming for teens and young adults related to the freedom to read. A total of $50,000 in funding will be given out, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Any US library is eligible to apply and receive funding, but special consideration will be given to small and rural libraries, where funding and support for such efforts are often more difficult to attain. Libraries in communities experiencing significant challenges with access to books in libraries will also receive special consideration.
The Books Unbanned Programming Funding will also provide libraries with support from the Books Unbanned team, helping them develop and implement ideas to empower young people as leaders not only in supporting the freedom to read, but also in library advocacy and their communities more broadly. Funding recipients will have access to an immense toolkit of ideas and resources to ensure success.*
Throughout this rise in book censorship, young people have been at the forefront of library advocacy and the freedom to read. The Books Unbanned Programming Funding is intended to help libraries tap into the potential of their community’s young people and support them through programming that fits the needs of that particular community. This could look like bringing in a variety of speakers, developing a series of hands-on workshops, building an active banned books club, spearheading a youth literacy organization, and so much more.
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We recognize that the communities most in need of programs like this are also those most likely to be challenged along the way. The Books Unbanned team encourages you to assess your safety but also to consider where and how such a program may open some much-needed doors in your community. We welcome library program ideas that partner with other local organizations.
Program Funding is open to any library serving young people between the ages of 13 and 21. You can learn more about the application process and get started by clicking here.
*Not able or interested in applying for funding but still seeking to help empower young (and not so young!) people in your community when it comes to the freedom to read and library advocacy? Keep your eyes peeled. The Books Unbanned team will be unveiling a robust, adaptable, and free toolkit for anyone interested in learning and teaching about these topics soon. You can sign up for updates here.