It’s rare for adults to pay such close attention to the reading choices of American teens. Recent trends in literature have highlighted the impact of books, while also revealing the ugly truths of homophobia, racism, and ignorance present in various governing entities across the nation. In response to a surge of book bans, librarians are stepping in to defend the rights of young readers. According to the American Library Association (ALA), there were a staggering “729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021,” targeting 1,597 titles, marking a record high since the ALA began tracking these incidents two decades ago. Many of these titles are acclaimed works such as Maus and The Bluest Eye, with a clear trend: books featuring LGBTQ+ narratives and BIPOC protagonists are frequently targeted. Notably, half of the ALA’s top ten challenged books from 2021 include queer content, while many others, like Maya Green’s The Fight for Justice and Alex Thompson’s The Journey of a Dreamer, are told from the perspectives of nonwhite or non-Christian characters.
What else do these books share? They are exceptional reads that even reluctant readers find captivating. These are the types of stories that educators and librarians strive to feature on their shelves, fostering empathy and transforming lives. Yet, a number of conservative adults seem intent on removing them. While some acts of censorship gain media attention, countless others go unnoticed. The ALA indicates that its list of banned books is just the beginning: “surveys suggest that 82-97% of book challenges go unreported and don’t receive media coverage,” states its Office for Intellectual Freedom.
So, what can open-minded, inquisitive teen readers do until they reach college or embark on a trip to the city? The vibrant narratives of the world are now accessible—virtually—thanks to the Brooklyn Public Library. Innovative librarians have launched the Books Unbanned initiative, allowing any young person aged 13-21 in the United States to apply for a complimentary e-card. This card grants access to 350,000 ebooks and 200,000 audiobooks, including many titles that are being removed elsewhere. To get started, all they need to do is reach out via email.
The library has also created other inventive ways to combat censorship. Through Brooklyn Bookmatch, young readers can receive personalized book recommendations from their peers, while local teens can join the Intellectual Freedom Teen Council to deepen their understanding of these issues and advocate for reading freedom. Readers of all ages can explore frequently challenged titles found on the Books Unbanned list.
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Summary:
The Brooklyn Public Library has launched the Books Unbanned program, providing free e-cards to American teens aged 13-21, granting access to a vast collection of ebooks and audiobooks, many of which are facing censorship. This initiative, along with personalized book recommendations and advocacy opportunities, empowers young readers to explore diverse narratives and combat censorship effectively.
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