Right to Read

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

From the start of Banned Books Week (October 1) through Election Day (November 4), visit our Right to Read exhibit at the library. After exploring the exhibit, pick up a limited-edition postcard, write or draw your message, and add it to our display.

For this year's postcard campaign, we’re focusing on two categories of messages:

• Advocacy = Push for change. We encourage you to write to lawmakers, agencies, and school boards to urge them to protect access to books and oppose censorship.
• Support = Lift up allies. Consider sending a note to librarians, educators, authors, and cultural institutions to thank them for defending the freedom to read.

Not sure where to start? We’ll provide examples of where your postcard might be sent (for example, “support” messages to specific libraries facing book ban efforts, etc.) at the local, state, and national level. You don’t need to address the cards yourself. CHPL staff will group and batch mail them to where they will make the most impact.

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 2024 below.

In addition to the postcard campaign, here are more ways to support the right to read:

• Check out and read banned books.
• Share facts and resources on social media.
• Write op-eds or letters to the editor.
• Speak up at local 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. 

• Resource Overview - National Coalition Against Censorship
• Banned Books List 2025 - PEN America
• Addressing Challenges: We Need Diverse Books  
• Get Involved | Banned Books 

Not sure what to write? These organizations provide templates and guides:

• Examples of Letters of Support  
• EMAIL YOUR REPS: Don't Ban Books in the United States
• Write Your Legislators About Banned Books Right Now With This Template
• A Template for Talking with School and Library Boards About Book Bans