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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans

@aabbri.bsky.social
1.2K followers 158 following 284 posts

The Bluesky home of Authors Against Book Bans Rhode Island , a coalition of book creators united against the deeply unconstitutional movement to limit the freedom to read. Learn more and join at www.authorsagainstbookbans.com

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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.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
You want to connect with @authorsabb.bsky.social for national updates!
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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
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
Want to protect Freedom of Speech in your state? The RI AABB folks are always willing to chat with folks in your state about what we learned on the ground here about most effective strategies
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Reposted by Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans
kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
2025 Book Censorship Wrapped: Trends, Challenges, and Successes Over The Year. Five organizations invested in the freedom to read highlight what's happened in the world of book censorship in 2025. bookriot.com/book-censors...
bookriot.com
2025 Book Censorship Wrapped: Trends, Challenges, and Successes Over The Year
What were the book censorship trends in 2025? Here are the highs and lows, as identified by five organizations doing the work.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
We fought to create a safe harbor in RI for Freedom of Speech because we knew Project 2025 laid out plans to limit First Amendment rights. Please read and be aware of federal plans that are being put into action right now, nationwide. wapo.st/3L9lpr4
wapo.st
Trump administration prepares sweeping crackdown on leftist networks
The Justice Department’s program to root out violent “Antifa” extremism is raising First Amendment concerns.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
We’re in @bookriot.bsky.social ! Thank you Kelly Jensen for this roundup of pending #FreedomToRead legislation nationwide, and for sharing our lessons learned here in Rhode Island
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
Congratulations MA! #FreedomtoRead bill with protections for authors now moves to the House! Call your MA reps! Great work @massaabb.bsky.social ! malegislature.gov/PressRoom/De...
malegislature.gov
Senate Passes Bill Guarding Against Politically Motivated Book Bans
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center"><em>Bill guards against political bias in library decisions, protects librarians from reprisals</em></p> <p><strong>(BOSTON&mdash;11/13/2025) </strong>The Massachus...
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
Spotted FRY BREAD in the Providence Lush Cosmetics with a #FreedomToRead sign #shelfie #corporateactivism
Why is this book banned?
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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
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Great news from FL! bookriot.com/penguin-rand...
bookriot.com
"None Of These Books Are Obscene": Judge Strikes Down Much of Florida's Book Ban Bill
In a major win for intellectual freedom, a judge rules against Florida law that led to removing hundreds of books from school libraries.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Thank you for your work!
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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 storiesWe 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
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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!
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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”
Nicole Dyszlewski
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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”
Sen Mark McKenney
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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
Rep David Morales
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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
RI Governor Dan McKee
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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
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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
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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
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
It was wonderful to take a moment to celebrate as Gov McKee signed the Freedom to Read Act today! Thank you everyone! Sharing some photos and nuggets of wisdom from the speakers
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Join us in North Kingstown on Aug 16
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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!
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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
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Looking for a summer read that will fill you with hope and a belief that your work matters? This isn’t toxic positivity it is hope that is rooted in deep experience of and understanding of totalitarianism and the origins of evil. bookshop.org/p/books/read...
bookshop.org
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books
A Memoir in Books
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Hear, hear!
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Rhode Island was founded by people censored, imprisoned & exiled by the Massachusetts Colony for their writings and speech. We are thrilled to pass the baton for the fight to protect freedom of expression to @massaabb.bsky.social & Mass #FreedomToRead coalition. Roger Williams would be proud!
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Welcoming a new partner to the fight to protect freedom of speech and freedom of the press! www.publishingprofessionalsagainstbookbans.com
publishingprofessionalsagainstbookbans.com
Publishing Professionals Against Book Bans
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
@jenstewart4ri.bsky.social 📚🩷
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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.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Perfect hashtag! Yes!
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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! ⚓️❤️📚
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
Your work matters. Keep writing!
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court pen.org/press-releas...
pen.org
Supreme Court Decision on LGBTQ Storybooks in Public Schools Lays Foundation for New Assault on Books Of All Kinds in Schools - PEN America
The Supreme Court ruling today mandating “opt outs” for children whose parents object to LGBTQ+-relevant picture books in public schools deals a “deeply disappointing” blow to the right to read under ...
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Georgia Librarian fired for including WHEN AIDEN BECAME A BROTHER in a book display titled “Color Our World,” featuring diverse kids’ books. www.gpb.org/news/2025/06...
gpb.org
Southeast Georgia librarian fired after creating book display featuring transgender character
Lavonnia Moore said she was fired after the community helped her assemble a book display at the Pierce County Public Library. Southeast Georgia librarian fired after creating book display featuring tr...
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Gotcha. 🙂
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
I’m not sure why you are quibbling with this quote, but the point being made is that after a dictator comes to power (that would be after the killing of counter revolutionaries) is over, the next stage involves suppression of freedom of expression & access to information.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
“Once the regime is safe they go after the writers” is what this quoted writer also says
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
This quote from a children’s book author does not contain the word “kills.” That’s from your mind.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
This is not real.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Libraries and schools do not acquire X rated materials.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Why do you think that billionaire-funded right wing groups would call librarians, teachers, and authors “groomers”? No idea what “map” means here, but people promoting literacy and education aren’t the bad guys.
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
The first people a dictator puts in jail after a coup are the writers, the teachers, the librarians - because these people are dangerous. They have enough vocabulary to recognize injustice and to speak out loudly about it.
Let us have the courage to go on being dangerous people.
Madeleine L' Engle
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
It’s not signed yet! But should be soon 🙂
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
AABB-RI co-chair @jbradley.bsky.social was on @wgbh.org ‘s Under the Radar with Callie Crossley tonight as part of a round table discussion about the impact of censorship on authors. If you missed it live, stream it here (The whole series is great!) www.wgbh.org/culture/book...
wgbh.org
Unbound Pages: Authors Against Book Bans fights for the freedom to read
The organization brings together authors from all genres and for all ages in support of the freedom to read.
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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
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
There are many other individuals both within & outside of RI who helped and supported us - most of whom aren’t on Bluesky. Neither Padma nor Jeanette had ever done this sort of grassroots organizing in support of legislation before this year. We owe everything to those who helped us! Thank you! ⚓️🩷📚
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Thank you folks from the national leadership team who have spent an outsized amount of time and energy helping and supporting us in tiny RI! @authorsabb.bsky.social
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Rhode Island Authors Against Book Bans @aabbri.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Journalists who stepped away from their working roles to speak for the importance of freedom of speech & freedom of the press @phileil.bsky.social @steveahlquist.bsky.social @mikeryan.bsky.social Thank you!
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