Recently, American teenagers have captured the attention of adults like never before, particularly regarding their reading preferences. The surge in book bans highlights both the influence of literature and the alarming prevalence of homophobia, racism, and ignorance within various governing bodies across the nation. Fortunately for young readers and the future of our society, librarians are stepping up to combat these challenges.
According to the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom, there were a staggering “729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021,” targeting a total of 1,597 titles. This marks a historic peak in censorship efforts, with a noticeable focus on works featuring LGBTQ+ narratives and BIPOC protagonists. Among the top ten most challenged books from 2021, half contained queer content, while many others, such as the popular titles The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, are told from the perspectives of nonwhite or non-Christian characters.
What’s noteworthy about these challenged books? They are exceptional reads—stories that even those who claim not to enjoy reading find themselves unable to put down. These are the very stories that educators and librarians aspire to have on their shelves, fostering empathy and transforming lives. Yet, some conservative adults seem intent on removing these vital narratives. While some acts of censorship make headlines, countless others go unnoticed. The ALA stresses that the documented challenges only scratch the surface; surveys indicate that 82-97% of these issues go unreported and receive no media attention.
So, what can open-minded, inquisitive teens do before they reach college or venture into the city? The Brooklyn Public Library has a solution to combat censorship nationwide. Through their Books Unbanned program, any young person aged 13-21 residing in the U.S. can apply for a complimentary e-card, granting them access to an extensive collection of 350,000 ebooks and 200,000 audiobooks, including many titles facing removal elsewhere. Interested teens can simply reach out to the library.
Additionally, the library has implemented creative strategies to promote intellectual freedom. The Brooklyn Bookmatch program allows teenagers to receive personalized book recommendations from their peers, while local NYC teens can join the Intellectual Freedom Teen Council to engage with these critical issues and advocate for the right to read. Readers of all ages can also explore frequently challenged titles on the Books Unbanned list.
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Summary:
The Brooklyn Public Library has launched the Books Unbanned initiative, allowing U.S. teens aged 13-21 to access a vast array of ebooks and audiobooks, countering the current wave of censorship affecting literature, particularly works featuring LGBTQ+ and BIPOC narratives. This program, along with others like Brooklyn Bookmatch and the Intellectual Freedom Teen Council, empowers young readers to explore diverse stories and advocate for their right to read.