Freedom to Read Foundation

_Bridge to Terabithia_ a timeless tale of friendship, imagination, and loss by Katherine Paterson! 🌳✨ This powerful story has touched hearts worldwide, despite facing censorship challenges. What’s your favorite part? Share with us in the comments! 📖💬

🎉 Celebrating the birthday of E.B. White, who gave us the timeless classic _Charlotte's Web! 🕸️📖

Despite being a heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty, this cherished book has faced censorship. Join us in appreciating the magic of words and the enduring power of this story.

Meet Alex Gino, genderqueer author of the award-winning _George_ (now _Melissa’s Story_). Their work has been a beacon of representation and inclusivity in children's literature.

+

This Pride Month, join us in defending the freedom to read! The Freedom to Read Foundation is dedicated to protecting our right to access diverse perspectives and stories, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. Your support can make a huge difference. Donate today and help us ensure that books and ideas celebrating all identities are available to everyone. Together, we can champion intellectual freedom and celebrate love in all its forms! 🌟❤️

https://www.ftrf.org/donations/donate.asp?id=6202

+

protections are with us all the time. And I’m starting to think this poster is too! Visit staff at for a free copy.

Visit staff at . See you there!

staff are heading to ! Visit us in the stacks for a free First Amendment poster!

Shining a spotlight on Nancy Garden, the author of the beloved _Annie on My Mind_ Her beautiful storytelling has touched hearts and championed LGBTQ+ voices. Her book led to the groundbreaking Case v. Unified School Dist., 908 F. Supp. 864 (D. Kan. 1995). The district court then held that the school board's action was unconstitutional because the "substantial motivation" in their removal decision was "their own disagreement with the ideas expressed in the book." Let's celebrate her legacy and the freedom to read! 🌈✨

Today we highlight the incredible Michael Willhoite, author of the groundbreaking _Daddy's Roommate_

His work has paved the way for LGBTQ+ representation in children's literature. Join us in the fight against censorship 🏳️‍🌈❤️

+

If you ordered a First Amendment poster from FTRF, it will be on the way! We’re sending posters to 350 libraries today! Order yours now on the FTRF.org First Amendment page.

If you ordered a First Amendment poster from FTRF, it will be on the way! We’re sending posters to 350 libraries today! Order yours today at, https://www.ftrf.org/page/firstamendment

Discover the transformative story of "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl," where a teen filmmaker's life changes forever after befriending a classmate with leukemia. This powerful book has faced challenges but continues to inspire. Support the Freedom to Read Foundation and help us protect access to life-changing stories. Donate today and stand with us for the freedom to read!
https://www.ftrf.org/donations/donate.asp?id=6202

+

🌈 Celebrate Pride Month with Freedom to Read! 📚 Embrace diversity, amplify LGBTQ+ voices, and celebrate the power of stories that unite us all🌟

+

Empowering trustees to champion intellectual freedom! Join us in equipping these guardians of access with the knowledge and tools to uphold First Amendment rights in libraries and schools. Together, let's pave the way for a more informed and empowered community.
https://www.ftrf.org/news/672971/FTRF-and-United-for-Libraries-Offer-Webinar-for-Trustees.htm

The Freedom to Read Foundation, Iowa Library Association and the American Association of School Librarians are defending students' First Amendment rights in two crucial cases before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Iowa. Laws like SF 496 threaten access to diverse viewpoints in school libraries. Let's uphold constitutional rights and empower school libraries to provide inclusive education. Stand with us to ensure every student's right to read and learn freely!

To read the full article click the link here: https://www.ftrf.org/news/671051/FTRF-Joins-Brief-Supporting-Students-Publishers-and-Authors-Challenging-Iowa-Book-Ban-Legislation.htm

Only one week left! Library school students & new professionals, don't miss out on the Conable Conference Scholarship. Get your conference registration, travel, housing, a stipend, and Freedom to Read Foundation membership covered. Dive into intellectual freedom! Apply now: https://www.ftrf.org/news/668674/2024-Conable-Conference-Scholarship-Applications-Open.htm

One week left! Apply now for a $1000 Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Programing Grant from the Freedom to Read Foundation to support Banned Books Week celebrations! Deadline: April 30, 2024. Don't miss out! https://www.ftrf.org/news/668781/Applications-Open-for-Judith-F.-Krug-Memorial-Fund-Programming-Grants.htm

Hey there, book lovers and defenders of the Freedom to Read!

We're thrilled to share the buzz and excitement from our time at the Texas Library Association Conference. We were honored to participate in this vibrant gathering of librarians, educators, authors, and readers, all dedicated to celebrating literature and advocating for the freedom to read.

As we continue our mission to defend the Freedom to Read, we invite you to join us in our efforts by making a donation: https://www.ftrf.org/donations/donate.asp?id=6202

Flashback to 1971: The FreedomTo Read Foundation stepped in to defend intellectual freedom and the work of Kirk Vonnegut. 📚 Their grant helped overturn the removal of _Slaughterhouse-Five_ from school libraries, marking the first of many battles fought for the right to access diverse literature.

Reflecting on history: In 1970, the Freedom to Read Foundation took a stand for intellectual freedom by supporting Joan Bodger and Marshall E. Woodruff. Let's acknowledge those who fought for our right to read without censorship. Donate to the Freedom to Read Foundation here: https://www.ftrf.org/donations/donate.asp?id=6202

We have a proud history at the Freedom to Read Foundation. From time to time, we'll be sharing some of it with you here. On November 20, 1969, the Freedom to Read Foundation was born, founded by passionate members of the American Library Association. Let's celebrate their tireless efforts in defending our right to access information.

Calling library school students & new professionals! Apply for the Conable Conference Scholarship by April 26. The Freedom to Read Foundation will cover your conference registration, travel, housing, a stipend, and a Freedom to Read Foundation membership. Focus on intellectual freedom as you move forward in your career. Click this link to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iCuChqOpP2nAXoPdimys_QH8ZGIiILICqf6h6sQRr5s/viewform?edit_requested=true

Calling all advocates of intellectual freedom! The Freedom to Read Foundation is now accepting grant applications to support Banned Books Week's celebrations! 📖💡

If you're passionate about promoting the freedom to read, creativity, and community engagement, apply for the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Programming Grants now! Grants of $1,000 are available to libraries, schools, universities, and non-profit organizations.

🌟 Show us your imagination, action plan, PR strategy, budget, and evaluation plan for a chance to make a difference. Apply by April 30, 2024, and honor the legacy of Freedom to Read Foundation founder Judith F. Krug. To learn more and apply click here: https://www.ftrf.org/page/Krug_BBW

On this Trans Day of Visibility, we honor the vibrant voices of transgender authors and their contributions to literature.

Despite facing bans, books like _The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish Swish Swish_ by Lil Miss Hot Mess, remind us of the importance of diversity in storytelling.

Their stories are essential in promoting empathy, understanding, and visibility for transgender people.

Let's embrace diversity in literature, making sure transgender voices are available to people who want to hear them.

ALA/NBC Banned Book Club to Discuss 'Hood Feminism' Join the American Library Association (ALA) and Chicago Today’s Banned Book Club for a discussion of Mikki Kendall’s “Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot” on Tuesday, March 26.

Unveiling the voices of resilience. Women authors speak out against book bans, advocating for the freedom to explore, imagine, and dissent.