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Toolkit

Resources to Protect the Freedom to Read in Schools

Find posters, bookmarks, stickers, and ways to push back against book bans and support freedom from censorship in the classroom.
High school student reading graphic novel in the library Photo by Joe Ciciarelli on Unsplash
Published: January 4, 2023 Last Updated: September 12, 2024

Celebrate National Library Week and Right to Read Day!

The freedom to read has been under attack for years now. But the censorship attacks on libraries aren’t just book bans. The individuals and groups behind the attacks on libraries are threatening programs, cutting funding, and trying to pass laws that target library workers and educators. That's why it's important to celebrate libraries, books, and the freedom to read April 5-12, 2025.

Join our partners, the American Library Association and Unite Against Book Bans on Monday, April 7, for Right to Read Day, to push back against attempts to silence and frighten communities and show that the majority of people do not support censorship and the attacks on libraries. Use the resources below to celebrate and support our libraries, library workers, and freedom to read. 

Comic book style illustration of a public library with people walking in and out and images of art, music, computers, information and more floating in the air above the building

Right to Read Day

Find social media graphics and posters to share, activities to do on the day, and actions to take to support libraries and the freedom to read at Unite Against Book Bans.
two comics panels side by side. One shows two girls lying down reading and the other shows a boy in a wheelchair talking to a librarian at the front desk

National Library Week Resources

Find social media graphics, posters, customizable mini-poster, and bookmarks featuring original artwork from Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud at the American Library Association site.
cassondra owens moore

In Appreciation of School Librarians

At a time when school librarians are caught in the political crosshairs, let's celebrate all they do for our students.

Everyone has the right to choose what to read

In celebrating the right to choose what to read, you can help bring new perspectives and more understanding, empathy, and joy to readers in your community. 

These resources highlight why it is important to give kids choice in what they read, what you can do to support and protect their right to choose books from all viewpoints, and how you can help them access relatable, enjoyable reading materials. 

You’ll also find ways to celebrate our freedom to read and get students excited about taking advantage of this fundamental right.

Celebrate the Freedom to Read

Try these tools and activity ideas to bring celebrations of the freedom to read to your school and community. 
banned books week

Support the Freedom to Read

Pledge your support for free and open access to books for everyone.
Screenshot of the ALA's book ban map website

Book Ban Map

Find the areas hit hardest by book bans and the nearest Little Free Library book-sharing box locations.
School Library Journal Read Free Poster art

SLJ’s Read Free Poster

Download the Read Free Poster from the School Library Journal.
Diverse Students in Library

Celebrate Reading with a Book Club

Learn how to set up a book club at your school.
Storytime at school

Fun Ideas for Reading Events

Ways to celebrate and promote reading all year long.

Get your Freedom to Read Bookmark and Poster!

Download our newest printable bookmark and poster to show your support for the Freedom to Read.
Freedom to Read Bookmark front

Bookmark

Bookmark Front
Freedom to Read Bookmark back

Bookmark Back

Bookmark back
Freedom to Read Bookmark poster

Poster

Freedom to Read poster

Give Students Choice

There is no real freedom to read without easy access to books and opportunities to read what you want. When students are given choice in what they read, as well as support and time to read, they thrive. 
 
Students are more likely to enjoy books they choose themselves. Provide students with access to a collection of quality reading material from all different genres that is organized and enticing to readers. This could be your classroom library or school library or introduce students to your public library and encourage or arrange regular visits to check out books.  

Kids can be especially motivated to read when the books they choose are books they can keep as their own. Book drives, and organizations like First Book and Reading Is Fundamental can help provide students with new books for personal ownership. Need help finding books to put into the hands of readers? Check out these resources to help you bring free print and online books to qualifying schools and students.

Prioritize Time to Read for Students

To take advantage of the freedom to read, time for reading has to be prioritized. Students need time to read every day in order to progress as readers. Giving students the time to read something that they choose and at their own pace not only gets kids excited about reading, it also helps them build confidence in their reading abilities and encourages them to read more. It can also improve vocabulary, increase comprehension and knowledge, and support development of analytical and critical-thinking skills. If the goal is to develop lifelong readers who revel in their freedom to read, kids of all ages should have time in class to read what they want to read. 

Learn more

Find Books to Celebrate and Support the Freedom to Read

These book recommendations can help you give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing access to books that enrich the quality and diversity of thought, expression, and experience. 
cropped version of Loteria book art

Books by Theme

Help students find age-appropriate books that show they are reflected and respected.
young boy in library stacks

Read Across America Recommendations—Find Your Book 

Choose from titles that students can see themselves in as well as books that open windows to lives different from their own.
cover of Book Speak

Picture Books that Celebrate Books  

Titles in this list are all about a love for books and reading. Use them to celebrate books, reading, and open access to ideas—all key ingredients in building a nation of lifelong readers. 
banned book club cover art

Books About Fighting for the Freedom to Read

In these titles, kids and teens fight for intellectual freedom, highlighting why all of us—young and old—deserve to make our own choices about what we read. 
Ho onani Hula Warrior book cover art

Challenged Books Recommended by NEA's Read Across America 

These recent book recommendations from NEA’s Read Across America were included in PEN America’s 2022 analysis of titles challenged and banned in school and classroom libraries.
cropped version of the cover of Carter Reads the Newspaper book

Recommended Banned Books

Critically reviewed selection of titles for children, young adults, and educators that address social issues and represent the diversity of the United States from Social Justice Books.

Join Our Movement

We ask only what is right: equal opportunity for every student, every educator, every family. At home, in school, online, in Washington–there’s a right place for all of us to make a difference.
Hidden Figures cover detail

Recommended Books by Theme from NEA's Read Across America

Spread the joy of reading with these lists from NEA and Colorín Colorado to connect children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures.
National Education Association logo

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.