Freedom to Read
At LA County Library, we believe that reading is a fundamental right that empowers individuals, fosters understanding, and opens doors to countless opportunities.
Why the Freedom to Read Matters
Your Right to Explore: Reading is more than an activity. It’s a gateway to exploring different life experiences, diverse cultures, and the vast expanse of our world. It enriches minds and broadens perspectives, making it essential for personal growth and societal advancement.
Empowering Communities: Libraries are at the heart of this freedom. We are committed to providing access to a wide range of books, materials, research databases, and digital tools that support your right to read and learn. By offering these resources, we help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore new ideas and information.
How You Can Participate
This year, we’re celebrating your freedom to read with a range of engaging programs and activities in both September and October, including during Banned Books Week (September 22-28), and on the Freedom to Read Community Day of Action (October 19).
Stop by A Library: Drop by any of our libraries starting September 22 and share how you celebrate your freedom to read with one of our Freedom to Read displays. Share your thoughts on a post-it note and collect an “I Read Banned Books” sticker!
Join a Program: We’re offering a variety of interactive workshops, author talks, and activities designed to encourage dialogue and reflection on the importance of intellectual freedom and celebrating diverse perspectives. View the events list below to learn more about all of the exciting activities and events planned in September and October.
Featured Event
Heart & Hand Book Talk: A conversation with Aminah Mae Safi
Thursday, September 26, 6 – 7 pm
Join us for a thought-provoking event with Skye Patrick, County Librarian & CEO of LA County Library, as she hosts a Heart and Hand Book Talk featuring award-winning YA author Aminah Mae Safi. Aminah will delve into her body of work, which highlights the experiences and voices of diverse protagonists. Discover how her stories reflect a wide array of perspectives and why representation in literature is so crucial. Skye and Aminah will also explore the ongoing efforts to preserve the freedom to read and discuss the importance of diverse narratives in our libraries and communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into Aminah’s creative process and join meaningful discourse about the future of literature, inclusivity, and belonging.
Register here
Books Unbanned Digital Card
Your freedom to read is a fundamental right. To help support teenagers ages 13-18 years old in California, LA County Library’s Books Unbanned initiative offers free and unrestricted access to the Library’s entire digital eBook and audiobook collection on Libby, by OverDrive, which includes many frequently-banned titles. The Books Unbanned card allows 5 check outs at a time and is valid for one year.
Books Unbanned Reading Challenge: Celebrate the Freedom to Read!
In honor of Banned Books Week (September 22 – 28, 2024), we’ll be launching the Books Unbanned reading challenge for teens!
Participate online by logging one book you read and completing at least two suggested activities. You could win one of two Kindles! Prizes generously donated by LA County Library Foundation.
Check back here for more info.
Student Summits with PEN America
PEN America and LA County Library are partnering to host 2 Freedom to Read Student Summits during Banned Books Week! In workshops designed to discuss and counter growing threats to the freedom to read, high school students can meet new friends, meet youth advocacy leaders from PEN America and the Golden State Readers, hear from a special guest speaker, enjoy a catered lunch, and win books and prizes!
Saturday, September 21, 11 am – 3 pm: A C Bilbrew Library
Featuring award-winning author Sherri L. Smith
Learn More & Register
Saturday, September 28, 11 am – 3 pm: West Hollywood Library
Featuring a Drag Queen Teen Story Hour with Pickle
Learn More & Register
Two additional Student Summits held in honor of Media Literacy Week, on October 19 and October 26, will be announced soon!
Sponsored by LA County Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath, 3rd District, and Holly J. Mitchell, 2nd District. Giveaways provided by LA County Library Foundation.
Educational Resources
Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week (September 22 – 28, 2024) celebrates the freedom to read, which spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.
For more than 40 years, the annual event has brought together the entire book community—librarians, teachers, booksellers, publishers, writers, journalists, and readers of all types—in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular!
American Library Association
ALA’s mission is to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.
Anti-Censorship Resources
The National Coalition Against Censorship tracks book challenges in schools and libraries, as well as censorship of art, journalism, and other types of student expression in schools.
PEN America champions the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Their mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
PEN America Report – Banned in the USA: Narrating the Crisis
Recorded Library Programs Featuring Diverse Voices
Funded By
Inspired to support the incredible work done at LA County Library? Make a difference in your community and support services and programs that help residents thrive by making a charitable gift through LA County Library Foundation.
