I wasn’t planning on posting today, but I stumbled across some United States book ban-related news that I thought might be interesting to many. If you live in the U.S., chances are you’re probably aware that book bans are a hot topic. However, this time it’s not all bad. In fact, this is good news.
For a limited time, individuals ages 13-21 can apply for a free Brooklyn Public Library card. This free Brooklyn Public Library card applies to anyone within this age range who lives within the U.S. It provides users access to BPL’s full eBook collection as well as their learning databases. For those who live outside of New York state, send an email to booksunbanned@bklynlibrary.org. Those who live in New York can apply here.
This opportunity is BPL’s “Books Unbanned” initiative resulting from an increase in efforts to remove books from libraries. BPL’s “Books Unbanned” site also provides information on how to donate if you want to support the freedom to read.
BPL offered this service to teens and young adults last year. I thought it had ended, but apparently they decided to keep it alive. So, if you already knew this, then great, and if you didn’t, well, now you know! This is great news for younger readers who find their reading choices oppressed by their local governments. In January 2023 the New York Times reported that 6,000 teenagers have requested library cards through the “Books Unbanned” program since it started in Spring 2022. And since its inception there have been 52,000 checkouts.
So, spread the word, because reading is fun, even more so when it’s free!
This article was originally posted on February 3, 2023 and last updated on February 2, 2023. For direct information about how to obtain a free Brooklyn Public Library card, visit their “Books Unbanned” website.
That is great news for young readers, since this book banning thing doesn’t seem like it’ll go away ever. 😩
I know, it’s so frustrating. But it was nice to see that 6,000+ youths have taken advantage of this program!
I thought it had ended too! I still think parents should at least be aware of what kids are reading but it’s a great program
I also agree that it should be up to the parents to decide what their own kids read. 🙂 What I don’t agree with, though, is when state or local governments decide for everyone what should be on library or school library shelves because libraries serve more than one sect of community.
shared on my facebook page ~ couldn’t find you to tag.
I got one for my daughter last year, so I am hoping I’ll be able to renew it for her.
Thanks so much! Yea, I’m not on Facebook, so that’d be why. 😉 But I appreciate you sharing this post to spread the word! I hope you’re able to renew it for your daughter, too. 🙂
[…] saw this on Bookstagram a bit ago, but Celeste’s post reminded me of it! As stated on the Brooklyn Public Library website, “For a limited time, […]