Amber Frey and Angie Hayden were inspired to start Read Freely Alabama, a group that fights against book bans in public libraries after hearing concerns from parents in Prattville, Alabama. Book banning has become a trend in several states across the U.S., with legislators introducing bills to restrict access to certain books. Organizations like Moms for Liberty have gained attention for their efforts to limit books about race, gender identity, and sexuality. In Alabama, groups like Clean Up Prattville and Clean Up Alabama advocate for the removal of books they consider inappropriate or indecent.
Librarians in Alabama and throughout the U.S. are facing challenges as book ban proposals and legislation threaten their ability to provide diverse and inclusive collections. Organizations like Read Freely Alabama and Texas #FReadom Fighters are fighting back against these efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to a wide range of books for readers of all ages. Librarians are encouraging parents to engage with them in conversations about concerns regarding book content and to support public libraries as essential community resources.
Despite the challenges, a survey conducted by EveryLibrary and Book Riot found that the majority of parents see book bans as unnecessary and infringing on their rights to make decisions about their children’s reading. The American Library Association continues to advocate for the freedom to read and emphasizes the importance of public libraries as inclusive spaces that serve the needs of diverse communities. Librarians remain committed to providing access to information, supporting literacy, and fostering a sense of community in their local areas.
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