iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Happy Hour at Track 15 - Friday May 29, 5:30 - 7:00 PM. There will be door prize giveaways, good conversation, and fun (as well as postcards)

Freedom to Read
Postcard Happy Hour at Track 15
Friday, May 29, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Drop in, grab a drink or a snack and catch up with friends!
We will be writing postcards to our Congresspeople about federal bills that threaten the freedom to read.

022

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

You are invited! Drop in, chat with friends, write a postcard to your reps. Saturday May 16, 2-4 PM @ Gooseneck Vineyards.

Postcard Party
Saturday, May 16t 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Gooseneck Vineyards

Drop in and write a postcard to your reps urging them to oppose HR 7661, the federal book banning bill currently in the House.
Authors Against Book Bans - Rhode Island

022

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

We are at North Kingstown Public Library for Books and Belonging - our inclusive storytime with community readers. Here Samantha Bernard, a striking Bulter healthcare worker reads YOUR ONE AND ONLY HEART by Rajani LaRocca. Come Join us until 12:30!

Samantha Bernard reading Your One and Onky Heart

070

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Rhode Island friends! Please come to Books and Belonging - two locations this Saturday, Aug 16 - North Kingstown 10-12:30 (10-10:45 hate speech workshop, 11-12:30 inclusive storytime) East Providence 1-2:30. BOOK GIVEAWAYS and kid activities and great books!

EPiC
East Providence in Community
Books & Belonging
Community Story time
Saturday, August 16 1:00 - 2:30
Weaver Library
East Providence
• Paint a community rock
• Celebrate reading and community
• Enjoy inclusive stories

We are ALL READERS
bresents:
Books & Belonging
Summer Reading with Neighbors
Saturday August 16
North Kingstown Free Library
100 Boone St, North Kingstown, RI
10:00 - 10:45 AM:
Stop the Hate: Identifying & Reporting Hate Crimes and Incidents of Bias
Workshop for adults, led by Youth Pride RI.
• Identify bias incidents vs. hate crimes
• Learn about the impact of these incidents in our communities
• Learn ways to respond and how to report a hate crime
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM:
Summer Reading with Neighbors
Inclusive storytime and activities for kids and families.
Neighbors include:
• Bridget Valverde, RI State Senator
• Wendy Grossman, Striking Butler Worker 1199 SEIU NE
• Kim Page, NK Food Pantry President
• David Morales, RI State Representative
• Stephanie Griffin, Special Education Teacher
• Logan England, Youth Pride RI Social Worker Kids crafts and nature activities hosted by community organizations.
Bring a nonperishable food item for the NK Food Bank if you are able. Donations are not required for entry.
Please preregister:
https://bit.ly/BooksandBelonging
Questions? Email: tank.org.nk@gmail.com

1105

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Thank you RI House of Represenatitives for this wonderful photo of bill sponsors @davidmoralesri.bsky.social, Sen Mark McKenney (holding the official signed bills) and Rep Jennifer Stewart, who worked so hard on this bill with the members of RI @authorsabb.bsky.social!

0204

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

RWU law professor and coalition leader Nicole Dyszlewski said “The passage of this bill says that all stories have value…. You don’t have to agree with someone to recognize that there is value in their voice, their story, or their existence as a human”

020

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Bill sponsor Sen Mark McKenney spoke about the need to protect our public institutions, and also shared advice for advocates: “Remember every legislator has a library in their district”

120

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Rep David Morales highlighted the broad coalition of engaged citizens and grassroots coalition building that led RI to pass a bill that will be a model for other states. He also spoke about the importance of libraries as public places that are open to all - without charge

110

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Governor Dan McKee spoke about his lifelong love for libraries, and their importance of libraries for the towns and neighborhoods

110

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Senate President Valerie Lawson, a former history teacher, said “This bill is about protecting intellectual freedom”

RI Senate President Lawson stands at a podium with “Freedom to Read” and the RI seal on it

110

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Speaker Joe Shekarchi said “The Freedom to Read is the freedom to think… which is a cornerstone of our democracy”

RI Speaker of the House Joe Shekarchi stands at a podium with a “Freedom to Read” sign

110

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Cheryl Space welcomed everyone to the Rochambeau Library and reminded us of just how many people worked for the passage of #FreedomToRead - as citizens and as elected officials

110

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

facebook.com/events/s/boo... Join EPIC on Aug 16 for a special community storytime at the Weaver Library!

031

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

We are collaborating with other #FreedomToRead coalition members on this event - save the date! Saturday, Aug 16 - 10 AM Stop the hate workshop for adults, 11-12:30 storytime and activities for kids & families

We are ALL READERS
presents:
Books & Belonging
Summer Reading with Neighbors
Saturday August 16
North Kingstown Free Library
100 Boone St, North Kingstown, RI
10:00 - 10:45 AM:
Stop the Hate: Identifying & Reporting Hate
Crimes and Incidents of Bias.
Workshop for adults, led by Youth Pride RI.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM:
Summer Reading with Neighbors: Inclusive storytime and activities for kids and families.
We will be collecting donations for the NK Food Bank. Donations are not required for entry.
Questions? Email: tank.org.nk@gmail.com

0217

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Celebrating the good! Freedom to Read Coalition members and bill sponsors Sen Mark McKenney & Rep Jennifer Stewart gathered tonight to take a moment to celebrate the bill becoming law. Rhode Island is now a Freedom to Read state!

Members of the RI Freedom to Read coalition gather around a table at Track 15 in Providence.

1163

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Today the Rhode Island Freedom to Read Act becomes law. We are so proud of the safe harbor we have created in the Ocean State for librarians, creators, students, and readers. Our Act is the first in the U.S. to encode standing for authors as parties harmed by censorship. THANK YOU ALL! ⚓️❤️📚

0215

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

What Margaret Mead failed to note: (1) change making is hard work, (2) no one person (or small group) can do this work alone very long, & (3) the effectiveness of your small group lies in connecting with a larger coalition of people who have done this work before and know what they are doing ⚓️🩷📚

“never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens CAN change
the world! Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead

0102

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Rhode Island #FreedomToRead has been passed by both chambers of the General Assembly and is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signing! Just in case you aren’t spending your Friday night glued to Capitol TV, here’s the moment:

093

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

Rhode Island is poised to become a #FreedomToRead state! Our bill is headed to Governor McKee’s desk to be signed into law! Thank you yo our many FTR coalition volunteers and to the RI General Assembly & bill sponsors @davidmoralesri.bsky.social & Sen Mark McKenney!!

36617

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

The @risenate.bsky.social is now voting 6/20/25 (Friday) on the House revision of the Freedom to Read Act #FreedomToRead

042

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

The RI House Freedom to Read Bill is scheduled for a Senate vote Thursday #FreedomtoRead

0164

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Thank you everyone! Bill sposors @davidmoralesri.bsky.social & Sen Mark McKenney, the many, many volunteers who gave time to the RI #FreedomToRead Coalition, and all of the voters and young people who wrote postcards, emailed, and called their reps! Your voices matter, and they were heard!

Rhode Island House of Representatives vote tally for the Freedom To Read Act

Sponsor: Morales
Committee: State Gov. & Elections
Bill: 2025-H 5726 SUB A
LIBRARIES - FREEDOM TO READ ACT
PASSAGE

Freedom To Read coalition members pose with Rep David Morales in the rotunda of the RI statehouse on the night of the vote - June 16, 2025. Several are wearing RI Freedom to Read t-shirts.

01810

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

The Freedom to Read bill has passed out of committee & is on its way to a House floor vote!

1318

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

We will be at the Teach Truth Day of Action this Saturday, June 7, 2-4 PM at Knight Memorial Library in Providence. See you there! #FreedomToRead

5th Annual
TEACH TRUTH RI DAY OF ACTION

Across the country, and even in Rhode Island, politicians, activists and corporate powers are pushing laws and policies to prevent teaching honestly about U.S. history and to force LGBTQIA+ students to hide their identities.
To protect young people's right to learn - and protect the future of democracy and justice - we need to expose the right's agenda and be visible in our defense of teaching people's history.
JOIN US to take a public stand in defense of #TeachTruth
June 7, 2025 2pm - 4pm
Knight Memorial Library
275 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907

teachtruthricoalition @teachtruthri

5th Annual
TEACH TRUTH RI
DAY OF ACTION
Listen to speakers from these organizations and more talk about current legislation in RI!

Author Anika Aldamuy Denise
and local teachers and students
ARISE
Coalition for a Multilingual RI
Deportation Defense Coalition

June 7, 2025 2pm - 4pm
Knight Memorial Library
275 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
Make crafts!

Learn from these great organizations!
Write to your elected officials!

ALLIANCE TO MOBILIZE OUR RESISTANCE

Zinn Education Project and 70+ organizations.
TEACHING PEOPLES HISTORY
ZINNEDPROJECT.ORG/TEACH-TRUTH

053

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Providence area folks: tonight at 7:00! @padmatv.bsky.social at Rochambeau library about the rising tide of censorship and #FreedomToRead in RI - our bill has passed in the Senate & is awaiting a vote in the House. #RhodeIsland @davidmoralesri.bsky.social

Freedom to Read
Talk & Discussion
with
Dr Padma Venkatraman
Monday, June 2, 7:00 PM
Rochambeau Library
708 Hope Street Providence

064

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

North Kingstown Pride knows how to throw a party! Thank you everyone who stopped by our table & wrote a postcard!

030

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

Stop by our table at the North Kingstown Pride event June 1st! Let’s get RI #FreedomToRead passed in 2025!

061

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Rhode Island friends: stop by the Warwick Central Library Saturday, May 24, from 10-2 and tell us about your favorite banned book! RI #FreedomToRead coalition members will be there to answer your questions and help you find your state reps and write postcards!

A gray and white cat rubs its cheek on a sign reading “what is your favorite banned book?”

0187

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

Firing of librarians who promote freedom to read is a censorship tactic. Thank you Jon Scieszka, Katherine Paterson, Kate DiCamillo, Gene Luen Yang, Jacqueline Woodson, Jason Reynolds & Meg Medina for making this statement in support of Dr Carla Hayden

We, the former National Ambassadors of Young People's Literature, are united in our strong opposition to the recent removal of Dr. Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress.
As advocates for the reading lives of children and their families, we believe in promoting libraries as places for young people to learn, grow, and connect. Through Dr. Hayden's innovative leadership, the Library - a research institution with the largest holdings in the world - served as a national model of how all libraries could engage a new generation. Her wisdom and vision, along with her unfailing ability to work impartially with all constituents, are unparalleled.
Dr. Hayden's dismissal is deeply disturbing and should alarm all Americans.
We urge everyone who values our libraries and our foundational principles to contact their leaders in Congress now.
Jon Scieszka 2008 - 2009
Katherine Paterson 2010- 2011
Kate DiCamillo 2014- 2015
Gene Luen Yang 2016-2017
Jacqueline Woodson 2018- 2019
Jason Reynolds 2020 - 2022
Meg Medina 2023- 2024

0164

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

This Saturday, May 24, 10-2: stop by the Warwick Central Library and write a postcard in support of RI #FreedomToRead

Freedom to Read Postcard Table
Saturday, May 24, 10AM - 2PM
Warwick Central Library
POSTEARD
Look for us in the entrance!

053

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

Rhode Island Center for the Book does so much for literature & literacy in our state! Kickoff the KRARI summer reading with @ogemora.bsky.social June 14, 2-4pm at William Hall Library

2025
KIDS READING ACROSS
RHODE ISLAND
Join us for a free kickoff celebration featuring author and illustrator Oge
Mora and activities from local libraries and community organizations.
June 14, 2025 2pm-4pm
READING ACROSS RHODE ISLAND
William Hall
Library
1825 Broad St, Cranston

053

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Tonight the @risenate.bsky.social votes on S0238A - our #FreedomToRead bill. Let’s make #RhodeIsland a safe harbor for books, creators, and readers!

January Session, A.D. 2025
SENATE
CALENDAR
--
IN ORDER FOR TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025:
1. 2025-S 84 SUB A
BY Raptakis
RATING
(See Amendment)
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE - CASUALTY INSURANCE
Committee on Commerce recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute A.
2. 2025-S 85 SUB A
(See Amendment)
BY Lawson
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- GROCERY STORES
Committee on Commerce recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute A.
3. 2025-S 238 SUB A
(See Amendment)
BY McKenney
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES -- THE FREEDOM TO READ ACT
Committee on Education recommends indefinite postponement of the original bill and passage of Substitute A.

093

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Our hearts are full of gratitude for all of the authors who joined us today, and to our partners @portersqbooks.bsky.social & @everylibrary.bsky.social for making it possible! Please take 1 min & send a #FreedomToRead letter to your state legislators: action.everylibrary.org/freedomtoread

Padma Venkatraman holds up copies of Safe Harbor and Island Creatures backstage in Crowdcast. Jeanette Bradley is running teach support and is pictured in a small circle above the main screen.
Both are expressing gratitude for authors “, indie bookstores, and libraries!

0124

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

We have a special substitute. At 2:15 @padmatv.bsky.social will be reading from SAFE HARBOR And then at 2:30 we have Carole Boston Weatherford! 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST : bit.ly/Read-In-pm #kidlit #FreedomtoRead

010

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

@juanamartinezn.bsky.social is reading from ALMA AND HOW SHE GOT HER NAME right now and @engagereaders.bsky.social is up at 1:30!!! Join us until 3:00 PM ET at bit.ly/Read-In-pm

020

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

We’ve had an incredible morning. What a privilege to get to hear all of these stories in their authors’ voices. Thank you authors! Starting at 1:00 PM ET, we are on a new link - come join us: bit.ly/Read-In-pm #kidlit #FreedomToRead #FloydCooperDay #ChildrensBookWeek2025

010

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

@robinstevenson.bsky.social Is reading PRIDE PUPPY at noon ET! Reading at 12:15 is Lesa Cline-Ransome! #kidlit #freedomtoread #authorevent Join us here for our free online reading fest! Morning: crowdcast.io/c/z2e4i7i652g1

031

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

@sarahsbrannen.bsky.social is reading UNCLE BOBBY’S WEDDING at 11:30! Up at 11:45 is Martha Freeman reading THE TROUBLE WITH BABIES #kidlit #freedomtoread #authorevent Join us here for our free online reading fest! Morning: crowdcast.io/c/z2e4i7i652g1

061

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

We are starting soon! After our welcome our first set is @federicoerebia.bsky.social reading at 10:15! @padmatv.bsky.social will be reading from SAFE HARBOR

12416

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Today is the day! Join us 10-3 ET for readings by acclaimed kidlit authors honoring the legacy of Floyd Cooper, celebrating the power of #kidlit to connect & hopefully inspiring all of us to take action to protect the #FreedomToRead. Take 1 minute today: action.everylibrary.org/freedomtoread

FREEDOM
READ-IN
MORNING 10:00AM-12:45PM ET
BIT.LY /READ-IN-AM
10:00: Padma Venkatraman & Jeanette Bradley
Introductions & Tribute to Floyd Cooper 10:15: Federico Erebia, Pedro & Daniel
10:30: Suma Subramaniam, Namaste Is A Greeting
10:45: Rajani LaRocca, Your One and Only Heart
11:00: Tara Dairman, The Girl from Earth's End 11:15: Debbi Michiko Florence, Jasmine Toguchi Flamingo Keeper
11:30: Sarah Brannen, Uncle Bobbys Wedding
11:45: Martha Freeman, The Trouble with Babies
12:00: Robin Stevenson, Pride Puppy & A Hug on the Wind
12:15: Lesa Cline-Ransome, One Big Open Sky
12:30: Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Love in the Library
AFTERNOON 1:00PM-3:00PM ET
BIT.LY / READ-IN-PM
1:00: Veera Hiranandani, The Night Diary
1:15: Samantha Clark, Arrow
1:30: Juana Martinez-Neal, Alma and How She Got Her Name
1:45: Alison Green Myers, A Bird Will Soar
2:00: Lisa Stringfellow, Kingdom of Dust
2:15: Dana Alison Levy, Not Another Banned Book
2:30: Carol Boston Weatherford, Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
2:45: Margarita Engle, Drum Dream Girl
IN SUPPORT OF FREEDOM TO READ EFFORTS ACROSS THE U.S.
MAY 9, 2025 - 10-3 ET

12717

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Tomorrow - May 9, 10-3 ET - join us to celebrate #ChildrensBookWeek25 & raise awareness of #FreedomToRead efforts around the country with a free, online read-a-thon. 10 a.m. - 12:45 EST : bit.ly/Read-In-am 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST : bit.ly/Read-In-pm

13421

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

#FreefomToRead Panel discussion Tuesday, May 6 @ 6:30 PM at Cranston Central Library

0105

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

This Friday, May 9th! Free, online Read-In celebrating Children’s Lit! Register for morning at: bit.ly/Read-In-am afternoon at: bit.ly/Read-In-pm (You can do both - no limits!)

0167

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Oooooooo… We have a Freedom to Read one! Would you like it?

010

Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Calling all #Teachers #Educators #Readers #Writers to tune in for the FREEDOM READ-IN! Support #FreedomToRead by streaming for FREE on 9 May (Friday of #ChildrensBookWeek) #kidlit PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE! Morning 10-12:45 : crowdcast.io/c/z2e4i7i652g1 Afternoon 1-3 : crowdcast.io/c/ky2m562xhkso

FREEDOM READ-IN
MORNING 10:00AM-12:45PM ET
10:00: Padma Venkatraman & Jeanette Bradley
Introductions & Tribute to Floyd Cooper 10:15: Federico Erebia, Pedro & Daniel
10:30: Suma Subramaniam, Namaste Is A Greeting
10:45: Rajani LaRocca, Your One and Only Heart
11:00: Tara Dairman, The Girl from Earth's End 11:15: Debbi Michiko Florence, Jasmine Toguchi Flamingo Keeper
11:30: Sarah Brannen, Uncle Bobby's Wedding
11:45: Martha Freeman, The Trouble with Babies
12:00: Robin Stevenson, Pride Puppy & A Hug on the Wind
12:15: Lesa Cline-Ransome, Before She Was Harriet
12:30: Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Love in the Library
FREE, LIVE, ONLINE EVENT
SUPPORT FREEDOM TO READ EFFORTS ACROSS THE U.S.

MAY 9, 2025 - 10-3 ET

FREEDOM
READ-IN
AFTERNOON 1:00PM-3:00PM ET
1:00: Veera Hiranandani, The Night Diary
1:15: Samantha Clark, Arrow
1:30: Juana Martinez-Neal, Alma and How She Got Her Name
1:45: Alison Green Myers, A Bird Will Soar
2:00: Lisa Stringfellow, Kingdom of Dust
2:15: Dana Alison Levy, Not Another Banned Book
2:30: Carol Boston Weatherford, Unspeakable: The Tulsa
Race Massacre
2:45: Margarita Engle, Drum Dream Girl
FREE, LIVE, ONLINE EVENT
SUPPORT FREEDOM TO READ EFFORTS ACROSS THE U.S.

MAY 9, 2025 - 10-3 ET

SUPPORT FREEDOM TO READ EFFORTS ACROSS THE U.S.
FREEDOM
READ-IN
20 ACCLAIMED AUTHORS - 5 HOURS
FREE, LIVE, ONLINE EVENT

MAY 9, 2025 - 10-3 ET

1148