Right to Read

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The freedom to read is under attack as libraries across the country face coordinated campaigns to remove books from shelves, dismantle displays, & cancel programs. This autumn, we’re advocating for your Right to Read at Chapel Hill Public Library, around the state, and beyond—and we’d like you to join us.

  • Take part in our Right to Read postcard writing campaign and write a lawmaker or school board member to urge them to oppose book bans, or send an author, teacher, or librarian a message of support.
  • Check out and read banned books! 
  • Attend one of our events during Banned Books Week. See all upcoming events here.
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    Spread the Word

    • From the started of Banned Books Week on September 22, through Election Day on November 5, stop by the library to view our Right to Read exhibit and pick up limited-edition postcards.
    • Use these postcards to send a powerful message to North Carolina legislators, send a message of support to educators and authors, or send a card to friends, family, and fellow readers to share about the dangers of censorship.
    • Write a card, drop it in the box at the library and we'll mail it out for you! Last year, we mailed more than 250 postcards as part of our Right to Read effort.
    • Send a card? Receive a card? We'd love to see it. Tag us on social media and spread the word!
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    Addresses of North Carolina Lawmakers
    Addresses of North Carolina Libraries
    Addresses of Banned Authors
    Addresses of North Carolina School Districts
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      Read Banned Books

      The American Library Association tracks censorship and challenges to intellectual freedom across the nation. Each year, they publish a list of the top 10 most frequently challenged books—meaning, the top 10 books that individuals and groups have tried to censor. You can see the top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023 below.

      Stop Book Bans

      Beyond reading banned books and writing post cards, how can you get involved in the fight against book bans? Here are a few more ways:

      • Write op-eds for your local news media
      • Share statistics on social media
      • Speak up at school board meetings
      • Support organizations fighting against censorship

      The American Library Association estimates that up to 97% of book challenges go unreported. If you know of book challenges near you, don’t let them happen in darkness. Report challenged books:

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