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Authors Against Book Bans-WA

@aabbwashington.bsky.social
104 followers 17 following 9 posts

The Washington regional chapter of the national Authors Against Book Bans organization, promoting the freedom to read.

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Freedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Libraries serve everyone, and protecting the freedom to read means trusting the trained professionals who build and maintain their collections. Anti-book ban legislation helps ensure decisions about what belongs on library shelves are guided by professional standards, not political pressure.
Freedom to read/anti-boon ban laws are a reminder that libraries represent the whole of a community, and that library workers are professionals who deserve to be respected as such. Kelly Jensen for book riot
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Freedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Independent reading gives kids something powerful: choice. Even when books explore difficult or controversial topics, young people deserve opportunities to encounter new perspectives, ask questions, and think for themselves. Let kids read, think, question, and choose. #FreedomToRead #LetKidsRead
young people who read for pleasure are 5 times more likely to read above grade level
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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Then and now, the freedom to read matters. When books disappear from shelves, readers lose more than stories–they lose the opportunity to question, learn, and decide for themselves. 📚 #WomensEqualityDay #ThenandNow #BannedBooks #FreedomToRead
The cycle continues
censored then, censored now

[Next]
*Side by side images of "Are you there God? It's me Margaret" by Judy Blume and "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris*

In the 1980s, a massive 
wave of book bans swept across libraries, targeting authors like Judy Blume and the late Robie Harris for their honest portrayals of growing up.

[Next]
*Side by side images of "The Handmaids Tale" by Margaret Atwood*

Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale faced challenges for its sexual content and portrayal of religion. 

Its vision of censorship, control, 
and lost freedoms made the book 
a target of censorship.

[Next]*Side by side images of "The Handmaids Tale" by Margaret Atwood,  "Are you there God? It's me Margaret" by Judy Blume and "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris** 

Today, history is repeating itself with terrifying precision, as a fresh wave of censorship resurfaces to target Judy Blume once again, alongside Margaret Atwood, Robie Harris, and Sara Paretsky.

[END]
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
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Katherine Applegate @kaaauthor.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
HR 7661 opens the door to nationwide book banning. Have you called your reps to ask them to oppose this dangerous bill? @5calls.org makes it easy: 5calls.org/issue/federa... #UniteAgainstBookBans @uabookbans.bsky.social @authorsabb.bsky.social
5calls.org
Oppose Nationwide Book Ban Bill H.R. 7661 ⭑ 5 Calls
Rather than prosecuting people involved in child sex trafficking, House Republicans are trying to “Stop the Sexualization of Children” by turning the …
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
On July 2nd national book banning bill HR 7661 was placed on the Union Calendar making it eligible for full consideration on the floor of the House. We don't KNOW if it will be, but the timing suggests they're trying to sneak it in during a relatively quiet time of the year. So it's time to act...
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Porter Square Books in Cambridge & Boston @portersqbooks.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
We're fundraising for @authorsabb.bsky.social around our virtual event on book banning on Thursday. Here's the info for the event! Fundraising info in thread!
portersquarebooks.com
How to Defend Books Panel & Fundraiser for Authors Against Book Bans
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Kristin Houlihan, Writer @kristinwrites.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Banning books is bad, plus volunteering and a link to join @authorsabb.bsky.social - did you know illustrators, translators, and narrators are invited to join too? #MondayBlogs #FreedomToRead kristinhoulihan.com/2026/07/12/b...
kristinhoulihan.com
Banning Books is BAD
That, to me, is an obvious statement but alas… There’s tons of info out there about the fact that book banning is on the rise in the United States. Proponents will tell you they’r…
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Book banners have NEVER been the good guys - www.bookbanpetition.us #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books #librarianship #lit
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
You can do this too!
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
It’s time to fight against book bans - www.bookbanpetition.us #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books #librarianship #lit
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Sign the petition against banned books at www.bookbanpetition.us
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
They want to regulate what you and your family are allowed to read - www.bookbanpetition.us #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books #librarianship #lit
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
No country has ever increased freedom and liberty by banning books - www.bookbanpetition.us #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books #librarianship #lit
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Don’t let the government regulate your reading www.bookbanpetition.us #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books #librarianship #lit
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Every signature matters. Every action sends a message. Every supporter strengthens the movement for libraries, readers, and intellectual freedom.
buff.ly
Fighting for Libraries on a National Scale!
Every signature matters. Every action sends a message. Every supporter strengthens the movement for libraries, readers, and intellectual freedom.
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Are you making candidate scorecards to help educate the voters in your district? If so, AWESOME! Here are the Representatives in the House who voted in favor of the deeply transphobic HR2616. Make sure everyone in your community knows how your Rep voted.
govtrack.us
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Since we've been bugging you to send postcards to your House Representative, we made this downloadable design for you to print your own. Print a few at home for your house or bring it to a local print shop for wider distribution. What to write?...
drive.google.com
HR7661 Postcard - Google Drive
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Here’s a script you and your readers can use: HR 7661 is a nationwide book ban bill that targets marginalized communities. It’s a blatant violation of the 1st amendment, and extreme government overreach. Please vote NO on HR 7661! Thanks, [YOUR NAME]
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Phil Bildner @philbildner.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
The ambassadors of young people's literature I know and respect relentlessly and vociferously defend book access. The ambassadors of young people's literature I know and respect are relentlessly and vociferously condemning, denouncing, and working to defeat HR 7661. Silence is complicity.
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Gina Perry @ginaperry.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Oppose H.R. 7661. #read #reading #library #libraries Sign now via @everylibrary.bsky.social action.everylibrary.org/hr_7661
action.everylibrary.org
PETITION: Don't Let the Federal Government Regulate Your Reading
Not one country's freedom and liberty has ever been increased by banning books.
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Updating this Skeet with some info because I'm being asked about it. HR 7661 isn't yet on the House calendar, and in fact, the House is currently not in session as representatives are working in their home districts (in theory). So here's what that means...
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Preeti Chhibber @runwithskizzers.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
lots of conversation about book buying on this site today, which is amazing!!!, but also let's do something to stand up against book-banning 1) call your reps and tell them to vote no on federal book banning bills HR 7661 & HR 2616 2) ilovelibraries.org 3) authors join @authorsabb.bsky.social
ilovelibraries.org
I Love Libraries
There's never been a more important time to support our nation's libraries.
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Read Pen America's Fact & Fiction, their deep dive into book banning 2024-2025, where they found, among other things, "despite claims of 'pornography,' only 10% of banned titles included “on the page” sexual experiences."
pen.org
Facts & Fiction
The content of these books that are disappearing speaks volumes about the political and cultural attack on public education across the U.S.
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
People trying to remove books from libraries insist it's not a book ban. Everyone wants to ban a book, but no one wants to be a book banner.
buff.ly
Book Banners Don't Know What a Book Ban Is
People trying to remove books from libraries insist it's not a book ban. Everyone wants to ban a book, but no one wants to be a book banner.
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Earlier this week, the ALA released their 2025 Most Challenged Books Report. Thought top books are the headline, this is the data point that stands out to me, "92 percent of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers" not parents or teachers.
ala.org
American Library Association releases 2025 Most Challenged Books List as National Library Week Begins
State of America’s Libraries Report reveals 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, marking the second-highest total on record
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Library books are purchased with our own money. Why does Congress get to decide if I should be allowed to read them? Oppose H.R. 7661. Sign the petition at buff.ly/NO651Ng
action.everylibrary.org
PETITION: Don't Let the Federal Government Regulate Your Reading
Not one country's freedom and liberty has ever been increased by banning books.
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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Have you taken action for libraries yet today? There's no better way to celebrate #NationalLibraryWeek than by raising your voice #ForOurLibraries! Take action with us & tell your House Rep to REJECT censorship and PROTECT the freedom to read: ala.org/conferencesevents/take-action-for-libraries-day
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
On Monday, the House Committee on Rules will be hearing two bills related to gender and public school curriculum. These are not HR 7661, the national book ban bill, but one of them is about the use of materials the right deems "gender ideology" in classrooms–i.e., the onrap TO passing 7661.
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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
WNDB stands alongside over 100 grassroots and national advocacy organizations, publishers, booksellers, parent groups, and professional associations in opposition to H.R. 7661. Use the EveryLibrary action center to contact your representative(s): 📖 bit.ly/HR7661-action
Red graphic with a white note taped to the center that says “We Stand in Opposition to H.R. 7661”. Beneath the title is a subtitle that says, “A joint statement plus action items”.Statement in opposition to H.R. 7661: “The freedom to speak and to read is a fundamental principle of the United States of America. That is why we have joined together — parents, students, educators, library workers, authors, free expression advocates, booksellers, and publishers — to stand in support of our nation’s school-aged children and teens and in opposition to H.R. 7661. H.R. 7661, if passed, will compel nationwide book censorship. It confuses obscenity with identity and stigmatizes vulnerable young people, particularly trans children and teens, based on who they are. It will continue to drain funding from our already underfunded schools and libraries. And it will threaten the creativity and critical thinking that are vital to education in the U.S.”Statement in opposition to H.R. 7661: “A core principle of democracy, freedom, and liberty is that the government does not choose what people get to read and who they get to be. This country has a long history of protecting our freedoms. H.R. 7661 goes against this. Together, we say that this bill goes against the U.S. Constitution, local self-determination, access to books, and a society that is welcoming for everyone, no matter who they are. Our schools deserve better than this. Our children and teens — all of them, without exception — deserve better than this.  We urge the U.S. House of Representatives to vote NO on H.R. 7661 or, better yet, to not take it up for a vote at all.”
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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Want to take action against H.R. 7661? Use the @_everylibrary_ action center to urge your representative to vote NO, or better, yet, to not take it up for a vote. Find the action center at the link below (🔗 also in bio) 📖 bit.ly/HR7661-action
Red graphic titled, “Use the EveryLibrary action center to contact your representative(s).” Beneath the title text is a search bar containing the shortened URL “bit.ly/HR7661-action”, which will redirect folks to the EveryLibrary action center where they can sign petitions and directly contact their representatives. Below the search bar is a laptop screen displaying the landing page for EveryLibrary’s action center resource.
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
From librarian criminalization bills to evaluating sources when reading and sharing information, catch up with these previous book censorship stories. That, plus this week's roundup of book censorship news: bookriot.com/book-censors...
bookriot.com
14 Book Censorship Posts to Revisit: Book Censorship News, April 24, 2026
From librarian criminalization bills to evaluating sources when reading and sharing information, catch up with these previous posts.
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Authors Against Book Bans has joined dozens of other organizations, nonprofits, publishers, & stores to issue this joint statement opposing HR7661
A Statement In Opposition to HR 7661

The freedom to speak and to read is a fundamental principle of the United States of America. That is why we have joined together — parents, students, educators, library workers, authors, free expression advocates, booksellers, and publishers — to stand in support of our nation’s school-aged children and teens and in opposition to H.R. 7661. 

H.R. 7661, if passed, will compel nationwide book censorship. It confuses obscenity with identity and stigmatizes vulnerable young people, particularly trans children and teens, based on who they are. It will continue to drain funding from our already underfunded schools and libraries. And it will threaten the creativity and critical thinking that are vital to education in the U.S.
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Freedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Want to stand up for the freedom to read? With legislation like H.R. 7661 shaping the future of access to books, contacting your members of Congress is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard. Your voice matters, and it helps shape the policies that affect our libraries and schools.
GO to usa.gov/elected-officials and call your rep. "Hello my name is [your name], and I'm a constituent from [your city/zip code]. I'm calling to urge [rep/senator name] to support the freedom to read and oppose efforts to ban books or restrict access in schools and libraries. Access to diverse books and ideas is essential for education, critical thinking, and a healthy democracy. Decisions about what individuals read should not be dictated b political pressure. I also ask that you support funding for libraries and protect the role of trained librarians in our communities. Thank you for your time, and I would appreciate knowing the representative's position on the issue."
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Phone calls to reps are still the best way for citizens to influence legislation. If you've avoided the phone thus far, use this tool from @everylibrary.bsky.social to help oppose H.R. 7661. If you do that today, you can take the rest of the weekend off! :)
action.everylibrary.org
CALL YOUR REPS: Stop the Federal Book Ban Bill!
Your voice matters, and together we can help protect the freedom to read.
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Join thousands of library supporters taking action nationwide. Follow us and help defend libraries, books, and the freedom to read. #FundLibraries #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books #FreedomToRead #SupportLibraries #LibraryAdvocacy
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
An Interactive Approach Helps Librarians Protect Intellectual Freedom. Library Futures developed a game to help librarians protect the right to read. Here's what it is, why it was developed, and how to try it out: bookriot.com/library-futu...
bookriot.com
An Interactive Approach Helps Librarians Protect Intellectual Freedom: Book Censorship News, April 3, 2026
Library Futures developed a game to help librarians protect the right to read. Here's what it is, why it was developed, and how to try it out.
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Freedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Want to stay informed and take meaningful action for the freedom to read? Join the Freedom to Read Project newsletter for original articles, censorship news from across the country, and practical tips to get involved. Twice a month updates. www.freedomtoreadproject.org/join #FreedomToRead
Join our newsletter for resources, industry news, and tips. Twice a month emails.
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Manipulating the Law: Dismantling the Miller Test and Exploiting the “Government Speech” Doctrine. This piece is a collaboration between myself and @sarahlamdan.bsky.social of the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom, and we hope it's helpful. bookriot.com/manipulating...
bookriot.com
Manipulating the Law: Dismantling the Miller Test and Exploiting the “Government Speech” Doctrine: Book Censorship News, March 27, 2026
The Miller Test and "government speech" doctrine have become tools by book banners, but they're being used to steal your rights.
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Happy Friday! Your assignment for the weekend: Tell a favorite author how much they mean to you. Find 'em on socials, hit up the contact form on their website, email their agent. It's rough out there & these little moments of connection & validation help us keep our heads up. Thank you!
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Libraries change lives. Follow us to stay informed, take action, and help defend the freedom to read across America. Together we can protect and fund the libraries our communities need. #RightToRead #SupportLibraries #LibraryAdvocacy #FundLibraries #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Love libraries? Follow us and join a national movement defending the freedom to read and fighting for library funding everywhere. Your voice matters. Follow and take action today. #FreedomToRead #SupportLibraries #FundLibraries #LibraryAdvocacy #library #libraries #read #reading #book #books
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Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Be sure to share your Right to Read signs & pics (with alt-text if course!) from today's #NoKings with us!
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Maureen Johnson @maureenjohnsonbooks.com · 19/03/2026
Hard to overstate how bad this is. This would be *national legislation to aid book banning*. The time to call your reps and say you are against HR 7661 is NOW.
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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Call your House Rep, tell them to OPPOSE HR 7661. ☎️ Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121 (2/2)
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Steve Lieber @stevelieberart.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Nationwide book banning bill HR 7661 is BAD. Find out more here, including what we can do to help stop it: bookriot.com/hr7661-advan...
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curiosityjones @curiosityjones.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Absolutely NOT okay with me: a federal book ban bill coming to vote in the US House of Representatives. Protect students’ right to read. Urge your rep to oppose HR 7661. Banning books that teacher-librarians have chosen for students does not protect children. 5calls.org/issue/federa...
5calls.org
Oppose Nationwide Book Ban Bill ⭑ 5 Calls
Rather than prosecuting people involved in child sex trafficking, House Republicans are trying to “Stop the Sexualization of Children” by turning the …
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kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
The nationwide book ban bill is now entering the House of Representatives for consideration. Here's everything you need to know about HR 7661, including next steps to take in helping defeat this anti-LGBTQ, anti-intellectual, pro-voucher bill before it goes any farther: bookriot.com/hr7661-advan...
bookriot.com
The Nationwide Book Ban Bill Moves to the House: How to Take Action Now
The nationwide book ban bill, HR 7661, has progressed out of committee and into the House. Here's what you need to know to take action.
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Unite Against Book Bans @uabookbans.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
On March 17th, a House Committee voted in favor of H.R. 7661, a book banning bill using a vague definition of “sexually oriented” materials. Tell your Representative to oppose H.R. 7661 and support the right to read: app.oneclickpolitics.com/campaign-p…
Tell your representative to oppose H.R. 7661. The House Committee on Education and Workforce has advanced H.R. 7661. This bill threatens to block funding promised to schools in order to give politicians the power to censor school materials based on ideology. Unite Against Book Bans.Rather than supporting government censorship, Congress should invest in literacy education. The Right to Read Act (S.3365/HR 2889) offers a better path to support children, parents, and educators.The Right to Read Act:: Supports well-staffed and well-resources school libraries; strengthens evidence-based literacy instructions; and protects library workers. Tell your Representative to vote NO on HR 7661 and to support the Right to Read Act instead!
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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
ALA is disappointed that the House Committee on Education & Workforce moved forward dangerous federal book banning legislation yesterday. HR 7661 contains vague, confusing, and overly broad language, inviting government censorship. More from ALA: www.ala.org/news/2026/03... (1/2)
ala.org
'Dangerous' bill inviting government censorship passes House committee
The American Library Association condemns the March 17, 2026, passage of H.R. 7661 by the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
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