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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

In 2025, ALA documented 5,668 books banned from libraries. The highest number recorded in a single year. Here are the Top most frequently challenged books in 2025. ALA tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged overall. Learn more: www.ala.org/bbooks/frequ...

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Need new art for your library? The 2026 Banned Books Week posters are now available through the ALA Store. Freedom to Read Foundation is a member of the Banned Books Week Coalition, which sponsors the annual event. View the collection: alastore.ala.org/search/store...

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Dolly leaves behind a powerful reminder: books create possibility, and access to them matters. Her music made us sing. Her stories made us smile. And her commitment to reading will continue to inspire generations. #RIPDollyParton #FreedomToRead

Dolly Parton’s legacy lives on through books.
For decades, she turned her belief in literacy into lasting access, opportunity, and community impact.

She built a foundation for literacy.
Through the Dollywood Foundation, Dolly invested in education, scholarships, and programs designed to help children thrive.

She showed what access to books can make possible.
Dolly’s legacy is a reminder that literacy begins with opportunity, and that every child deserves the freedom to discover, imagine, and read.

Dolly Parton was a beloved storyteller, lifelong dreamer, and passionate champion for literacy. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations, one book at a time.

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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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Reposted by Freedom to Read Foundation

Humble @humblebundle.com · 20/08/2026

During a golden age of comics, the stars aligned and EC Comics lovingly adapted 25 classic Ray Bradbury stories, now collected in Home to Stay! The Complete Ray Bradbury EC Stories! The EC Comics Artists Library supports @ftrf.bsky.social | bit.ly/4zsIeu2

The EC Comics Artists Library | Humble Comics Bundle

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Libraries are for every generation, offering seniors welcoming spaces to read, learn, connect, explore technology, and access valuable community resources. #SeniorCitizensDay #BannedBooks #FreedomToRead

Physically access the library; read and receive information and use the resources made available to the public in the library.

Older adults are a growing group of library users who continue to value traditional library services and programs.

Access for all is important

The freedom to read belongs to everyone.

Great stories are meant for
every age and every stage.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Sunscreen? Check. Water bottle? Check. A great book? Absolutely. What's coming with you to the beach, pool, park, or backyard this summer? Tell us the one book that's earned a spot in your beach bag. 📚☀️ #SummerReads #BannedBooks #FreedomToRead

Beach Day Essentials

Sunscreen
Water Bottle
Blanket

A great book? Absolutely!

Tell us in the comments below, the one book that's earned a spot in your beach bag.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

The Freedom to Read Foundation is proud to welcome Sarah Lamdan as our new Executive Director. We look forward to this next chapter under her leadership. Please join us in welcoming Sarah to the Freedom to Read Foundation! #FTRF #FreePeopleReadFreely

I am honored to join the Freedom to read foundation. Intellectual freedom is fundamental to a free society, and I look forward to working with our trustees, partners and supporters to defend that freedom, protect the right to access information, and ensure that libraries remain places where everyone can explore ideas without censorship.

- Sarah Lamdan
FTRF Executive Director

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

As we celebrate 250 years of independence, we also recognize the enduring importance of the First Amendment, which has protected our fundamental freedoms since 1791. Since 1969 FTRF has worked to defend those freedoms in libraries and communities across the country. 🇺🇸 #4thofJuly #FirstAmendment

This Fourth of July, we celebrate 250 years since the birth of the United States. A few years later, the First Amendment was adopted in 1791, protecting freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Since 1969, FTRF has worked to protect First Amendment rights in libraries, standing against censorship and defending access to information.

The First Amendment helped define the freedoms that citizens would enjoy within it.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

LGBTQ+ books belong on our shelves all year long. In June, and every other month, we're celebrating stories that reflect the diversity of human experiences and the freedom of every reader to access them. #prideallyear #freepeoplereadfreely

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Congratulations to Deborah Caldwell-Stone, recipient of the Freedom to Read Foundation's Roll of Honor Award. Thank you, for your extraordinary service and dedication to the Freedom to Read Foundation. #ALAAC26 #FreedomToRead

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Join the Freedom to Read Foundation in a discussion exploring the legal battles that have shaped intellectual freedom and the challenges facing readers and libraries today. 📅 Monday, June 29, 2026 🕝 2:30–3:30 PM We hope to see you there! #ALAAC26 #FreedomToRead #IntellectualFreedom #RightToRead

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

For 150 years, you have shown what is possible when communities invest in knowledge, access, and opportunity. Thank you for championing libraries, defending the freedom to read, and inspiring generations of readers. Congratulations on 150 years of impact! #ALA150

Tested by Time. Driven by Purpose.

1876 - American Library Association was Founded

1967 - ALA established the Office for Intellectual Freedom

1927 - ALA and 14 European Countries established the IFLA

2026 - Celebrating 150 years of service

Thank you, ALA, for a century and a half of leadership, service, and dedication to libraries.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

📚 What happens when librarians become the front lines in the fight for the freedom to read? Dorcas Hand is featured in the first episode of OurStoryBridge Listens. A powerful conversation about censorship, access, advocacy, and why libraries matter more than ever. 🎧 Listen now: tr.ee/rnkSPGS2QH

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

This Pride Month, we celebrate LGBTQ+ stories and the fundamental right to access them. Libraries, books, and ideas belong to everyone. Because a more inclusive world begins with the freedom to read it🏳️‍🌈📖 #ReadWithPride #FreedomToRead #Pride #LibrariesForAll

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St. Joseph/ Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library @sjmaudlibrary.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Summer Reading at the Library Begins This Week! Kick-off SRP wJurassic Jamboree, Monday 2pm- 6pm Children's Story Time returns Wednesday at 10:30am with a BUBBLE PARTY! Friday is our LAST scheduled move matinee of the season at 1pm with a showing of "Life of Pi." This and more at your Library!

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Imagine being so threatened by a novel about women finding community and truth that you decide: “Nope. Too dangerous.” 📚 The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd has been challenged and banned for discussions of race, sexuality, and uncomfortable history.

Banning a book called The Secret Life of Bees sounds like someone declared war on honey.

Except the book isn’t really about bees.

[To the bottom left there is a jar of honey swarmed by bees]

[The secret Life of Bees book cover overlayed on a honeycomb]

It’s about grief, race, womanhood, belonging, and what happens when people start asking hard questions.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

The fight against censorship takes resources. Each year, the Freedom to Read Foundation awards 5 grants supporting organizations that defend the freedom to read and expand access to books. We’re proud to support Banned Books Week 2026 and this year’s theme: #LetBooksBe 📚 #BannedBooksWeek

Banned Books Week
Oct 4-10, 2026

Each year, the Freedom to Read Foundation awards five grants to support programs that fight censorship.

Each year, the Freedom to Read Foundation awards five grants to support programs that fight censorship.

These programs are on the front lines, responding to book bans, supporting libraries, and ensuring that readers can access the ideas and stories they choose.

This year’s theme, “Let Books Be”, is both a statement and a call to action.

These grants help libraries, schools, and organizations:
Expand access
Defend challenged materials
Promote intellectual freedom

Because the fight against censorship
doesn’t happen on its own, it takes resources, advocacy, and action.

That’s why FTRF is proud to support
Banned Books Week as a member of the Coalition.

Let Books Be
Protect the freedom to read

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

The Freedom to Read Foundation is proud to support this work as a member of the Banned Books Week Coalition. 📅 Oct 10: Let Freedom Read Day Banned Books Week (Oct 4–10) is a time to push back—and this year’s theme, Let Books Be, is a call to protect the freedom to read.

"The Freedom to Read Foundation is a proud sponsor of Banned Books Week 2026. Book bans are not isolated incidents, they are part of a growing, coordinated movement to restrict access to information.

In 2025, thousands of books were challenged, with the majority of bans driven by pressure groups and officials, not readers.

Access to information is a right.
Silencing stories silences people.

This isn’t just about books.

It’s about who gets to decide what stories are told, whose voices are heard, and what knowledge is accessible.

Banned Books Week Oct 4- 10 2026

Let Books Be

Protect the freedom to read

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

The First Amendment protects our right to speak, read, learn, and challenge ideas. On Law Day, it’s a reminder that these freedoms aren’t guaranteed without vigilance—they must be protected, exercised, and made accessible to everyone. #ReadingIsPower #FreedomToRead #ReadFreely

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Reposted by Freedom to Read Foundation

Humble @humblebundle.com · 01/05/2026

Chosen by the mystical horse-like being Companion Rolan, Talia is destined to become one of the Queen’s own elite guard. Arrows of the Queen and the Mercedes Lackey: Valdemar and Beyond book bundle support @ftrf.bsky.social.

humblebundle.com

Mercedes Lackey: Valdemar and Beyond | Humble Book Bundle

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Libraries are often the only free, accessible space in a community. But behind the scenes, many are struggling with aging buildings and limited funding. The result isn’t just worn infrastructure, it’s reduced access to essential services for the people who need them most. www.ala.org/news/2025/12...

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Plant today, breathe tomorrow 🌱 Every tree we grow is a step toward cleaner air, healthier communities, and a greener future. This Arbor Day, let’s put roots in the ground and hope in the sky.

GROW
GREEN,
LIVE
CLEAN

PLANT A TREE TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Stories help readers see themselves, understand others, and feel less alone. For neurodiverse young people, that visibility can be life-changing. But when books are challenged or removed, those stories (and the voices behind them) are at risk of disappearing.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

The Public Library Association conference is almost here and we’re celebrating the library community with a sale. Enjoy 30% off at librarygiftshop.org 📅 April 1–4 Because supporting libraries should look good on you. #ReadingIsPower #BooksAreMagic #FreedomToRead #ReadFreely #BooksNotBans

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

In the 1930s, women rode through the mountains of Kentucky delivering books to families. This program, supported by the Works Progress Administration under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, helped bring literacy to remote communities during the Great Depression. #WomensHistoryMonth

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Behind every banned book battle, there’s someone willing to say no. No to censorship. No to intimidation. No to removing stories from shelves. These librarians changed history by protecting access to ideas — even when it cost them. Their fight isn’t over. And neither is ours.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

As Black History Month comes to a close, we highlight the remarkable legacy of Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. from empowering communities through the Rainbow Push Coalition to inspiring youth and championing global justice. 📷 photo credits: Rainbow Push Coalition, AARP

Honoring Jesse Jackson Reverent Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. (1941-2026)

As founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he worked to expand educational access, economic opportunity, and inclusion across social and cultural divides.

His work extended internationally through humanitarian missions promoting nonviolent dialogue and helping resolve global crises.

Deeply committed to uplifting future generations, he focused on youth mentorship, education advocacy, and advancing dignity and fair treatment for workers worldwide.

A legacy defined by service, unity, and the enduring belief that hope becomes powerful when people work together.

Free People Read Freely (R)

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Students lose opportunities to see themselves reflected. Readers lose the chance to engage with complex truths. Communities lose access to conversations that literature helps us have. Silencing stories doesn’t protect people, it narrows their world. #BlackHistoryMonth

LEARN AND UNLEARN

Read books and challenge what you thought you knew.

Books by Black authors are disproportionately challenged in schools and libraries.
Stories about race, identity, and lived experience are often labeled “controversial” simply for
being honest.

From classics to contemporary titles, books by Black writers have long faced censorship efforts.
The message behind many of these challenges is clear: some perspectives are treated as optional instead of essential.

The freedom to read means allowing individuals to explore ideas, ask questions, and form their own understanding.

Intellectual freedom protects access to books that inform, challenge, and inspire — including those that make us uncomfortable.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

What happens before a book reaches the shelf matters. Watch now and join us for a conversation on February 26. This video from CALS explores how the journey of a book protects First Amendment rights and access to information for all. www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5ea... www.ftrf.org/news/720401/...

Webinar
The Journey of a Book: How Books go from Publisher to the Public

A webinar with Nate Coulter and the Freedom to Read Foundation

Nate Coulter, Executive Director of the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), wanted a way to share how the journey of a book, from creation, to purchase, to waiting on a shelf for a reader, protects the First Amendment rights of everyone who comes to our public libraries.

We encourage librarians, library workers, library trustees and anyone interested in the freedom to read to join us for this short, and informative, event.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

This Black History Month, we celebrate Black voices and reaffirm the Freedom to Read. Protecting access to these stories means protecting the right of every reader to learn, reflect, and think for themselves. #BlackHistoryMonth

Read BOOKS BY BLACK AUTHORS

here’s a list of memoirs definitely worth reading

Defending the Freedom to Read means showing up for these voices, supporting libraries and educators, and speaking out when access to stories is threatened.

Because the right to read includes the right to read stories that some would rather avoid.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Protecting the freedom to read means defending the right of every reader to encounter the full complexity of our shared history. This Black History Month, we stand against censorship and for the voices that help us tell the truth about our past and imagine a more just future. #BlackHistoryMonth

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

The Librarians is heading to living rooms across the country and is sharing a powerful message far and wide. Catch this important documentary on PBS, February 9. www.pbs.org/independentl...

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Reposted by Freedom to Read Foundation

American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

New: Yesterday the Administration filed notice to appeal a recent decision in federal court which halted actions to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS grants are still in place while the court hears the appeal. The appeals process will take time. 1/2

Show up for our libraries. ALA American Library Association.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A leader who showed the world the power of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith in justice. At FTRF, we carry that spirit forward by believing in progress, unity, and building a future where everyone has the chance to rise.

19th of January

Martin Luther King Jr Day

The time is always right to do what is right

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The uglier the sweater, the bigger the bragging rights. Today’s the day—show off those festive disasters! 🤶🎁 #FTRFgetsUGLY

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Dust off the sparkles, the snowflakes, and the wonderfully tacky threads–Ugly Sweater Day is almost here! Get ready to bring your boldest holiday chaos. #Christmas #FTRFGetsUgly

December 19th is the Ugly Sweater Day

Join us on Dec 19th in your best UGLY SWEATER and use the hashtag #FTRFGetsUGLY

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Indigenous stories carry generations of strength, knowledge, and truth. Support the Freedom to Read Foundation to keep those stories accessible. Your donation helps protect the right to read for all: tr.ee/gb_gsTycXY

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

We appreciate your support. Your donation helps protect the right to read for all.

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Reposted by Freedom to Read Foundation

Judi Moreillon, PhD @judimoreillon.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

It's #GivingTuesday! I gave to @teachingchange.bsky.social and @ftrf.bsky.social. #Education and #IntellectualFreedom go hand in hand. #TLSky #EduSky. Let's make sure the young people we serve experience their #FirstAmendment rights and are empowered to take action in their schools/communities!

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

A cozy confession: yes, we bring a book to Thanksgiving dinner… just in case. Swipe to see which type of holiday reader you are. 🍁✨

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Here's your chance to support the stories that inspire, challenge and empower us. When you donate to the Freedom to Read Foundation, you help safeguard open access to books and uphold the rights of every reader. Your gift on Dec. 2 keeps library shelves full of possibility. www.ftrf.org/page/donate

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

The freedoms we cherish, including the freedom to read, think, and speak openly — are safeguarded by those who have served. On Veterans Day, we express our gratitude to all who have defended these rights and the democratic principles that sustain them. #VeteransDay

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Stories shape understanding. Limiting access to them limits our freedom to learn. HB 900 would have silenced countless voices — from classic authors to today’s storytellers — by forcing schools to pull books that mention sex or relationships. That’s censorship, plain and simple.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

The fight for the freedom to read continues. In November 2023, the Freedom to Read Foundation and AASL filed an amicus curiae brief supporting a challenge to Texas law HB 900, which threatened the First Amendment rights of booksellers, publishers, authors, and students. tr.ee/4XlSHYFTGw

Students in Texas would not have been allowed to read or borrow books that merely touch on the topics of sex or relationships regardless of the work’s literary, scientific or artistic value.

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025 a Federal judge in Waco, Texas declared that House Bill 900, also known as the READER Act, violates the constitution.

A copy of the final order can be accessed through the link in our bio.

The ruling makes a lower court's temporary injunction, that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals later upheld, permanent.

In November of 2023, the Freedom to Read Foundation and the American Association of School Librarians filed an amicus curiae brief in the Fifth Circuit that supported the request by the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and two Texas bookstores to halt enforcement of the Texas law HB900.

The brief argues that the law violates the First Amendment rights of booksellers, publishers, authors and students. See a copy of the amicus brief through the link in our bio.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Books have been banned. Voices have been silenced. This award celebrates those who refuse to let censorship win. Carrying her spirit forward, we celebrate champions of free expression🏆 Join us alongside @eleanorrooseveltcenter on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT 7:00 PM EST

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

This en banc decision ignores and upends long-standing precedent meant to safeguard a diversity of ideas in public institutions. For the people who rely on these books, this isn't abstract–it affects access, knowledge, and community. #ConstitutionDay

LITTLE V. LLANO COUNTY

A three-judge Fifth Circuit panel affirmed that removal of books based on content was unconstitutional.

Texas residents sued after 17 books—many about LGBTQ+ identities, race, and sexual health—were pulled from public library shelves.

A district court ordered the books restored, and a Fifth Circuit panel initially agreed that removing them violated the First Amendment.

Part of the court went further, declaring that library collection decisions are “government speech” and not subject to review.

The dissent warned this decision undermines decades of precedent and opens the door to censorship in public libraries across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, with the case now potentially headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The First Amendment protects our right to read, learn, and access ideas without government censorship. When that right is weakened, we all lose.

Follow the Freedom to Read Foundation for updates on Little v. Llano County.

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

This Suicide Prevention Month, let’s fight to ensure every young person can access the support, community, and information they deserve to not just survive, but thrive💜 #SuicidePreventionDay

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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

600 typewriters. 21 cages. One message. First shown on the site of the Nazi book burnings in Berlin, and now continuing its journey around the world. Seen here at the ALA, the work reminds us: the fight for free expression is far from over. #FreedomToRead #WritersBlock #SherylOring #Censorship

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