# data[].attributes.headline
Agree on a single phrase / hashtag to unify all our public messaging 

# data[].attributes.subject
Agree on a single phrase / hashtag to unify all our public messaging 

# data[].attributes.headline
Create a private tracker that shows all legal efforts that can be accessed by key stakeholders

# data[].attributes.subject
Create a private tracker that shows all legal efforts that can be accessed by key stakeholders

# data[].attributes.body
Who are the plaintiffs, who has signed an amicus, what arguments are being used, etc

# data[].attributes.headline
develop core messaging that can be adapted for local communities

# data[].attributes.subject
develop core messaging that can be adapted for local communities

# data[].attributes.headline
Urban libraries and larger systems, check in with your area small & rural libraries to see how you can lend support.

# data[].attributes.subject
Urban libraries and larger systems, check in with your area small & rural libraries to see how you can lend support.

# data[].attributes.headline
Establish a Resource Clearing House (UABB)

# data[].attributes.subject
Establish a Resource Clearing House (UABB)

# data[].attributes.body
United Against Book Bans is a massive coalition that has individuals, groups, and organizations spanning the nation. Transitioning it to a Resource Clearing House for both practitioners and the public would be a good place.

# data[].attributes.body
Shared vocabulary

# data[].attributes.headline
Make a public heat map of adverse legislation, funding cuts, and censorship. The best disinfectant is sunlight.

# data[].attributes.subject
Make a public heat map of adverse legislation, funding cuts, and censorship. The best disinfectant is sunlight.

# data[].attributes.headline
one way for folks to report book challenges and bans

# data[].attributes.subject
one way for folks to report book challenges and bans

# data[].attributes.body
seems like there's at least five places folks should report a book ban or challenge - wouldn't it be easier to have just one and that we all share to a single form?

Make sure all the main organizations fighting book banning know about it: Contact EveryLibrary to get pro bono assistance through the Fight For The First campaign site; Email bookbanschallenges@gmail.com (that's We Are Stronger Than Censorship); fill out the form at https://pen.org/issue/book-bans/ (that's PEN America); send info to the American Library Association; and share with the National Coalition Against Censorship.

# data[].attributes.body
To co-organize panels and meet at the annual conventions of ALA and NCTE for info/knowledge sharing. Also, allow time for informal discussions too.

# data[].attributes.headline
make a SINGLE landing page of resources that ALL orgs share

# data[].attributes.subject
make a SINGLE landing page of resources that ALL orgs share

# data[].attributes.headline
Unify how State organizations report. They all do something different. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Unify how State organizations report. They all do something different. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Create a legislation tracker that is shared by all stakeholders

# data[].attributes.subject
Create a legislation tracker that is shared by all stakeholders

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brief descriptions, legislation status, who is doing anything about it, etc

# data[].attributes.headline
Spreadsheet of IF Friendly Press and Legal Clinics

# data[].attributes.subject
Spreadsheet of IF Friendly Press and Legal Clinics

# data[].attributes.body
Library Futures put this together: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xqs0Trf3NqHCAkCR6MLsH2BoDd4Sp_VwfzXAajS_fHI/edit?gid=0#gid=0

# data[].attributes.body
Offer contact info per state for reaching out when book challenges arise

# data[].attributes.body
Share assets and slogans for all groups to use

# data[].attributes.body
Make sure the general public understands these are not grassroot efforts to "protect" kids, but rather a coordinated efforts to control what messages and information people have access to. It sounds Orwellian but control the message, control how people think.

# data[].attributes.headline
shared clear goals; understand the strengths of each organization

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shared clear goals; understand the strengths of each organization

# data[].attributes.body
educating public on book bans, book challenges, silent censorship, etc. with simple and straightforward language to understand the scope of the problem

# data[].attributes.body
We all are experts in different parts of the 1st Amendment world. It would help us to know why we are tracking specific data, how it is used, and how we can refer and/or directly respond in a coordinated effort when help is needed. Identifying and clarifying our roles and responsibilities could help us all know how we harmonize and collaborate more effectively.

# data[].attributes.body
Customize messaging on laws for local groups to use for advocacy

# data[].attributes.body
I think we need a more equitable connection between data and personal narratives. Some organizations are really great at providing data, but then that can become the focus especially in news coverage. People can then either overly focus on the numbers or gloss over them as irrelevant. Losing the reality of what's happening.

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Interactive power map of where decisions are being made and where grassroots organizing networks exist

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Interactive power map of where decisions are being made and where grassroots organizing networks exist

# data[].attributes.body
Requires maintenance, but more about what we have mapped than what we don't have mapped. Could be done more abstractly to not require continuous updating

# data[].attributes.headline
Spreadsheet of relevant state legislation w/ actions

# data[].attributes.subject
Spreadsheet of relevant state legislation w/ actions

# data[].attributes.body
All state legislation related to book censorship with actions, status, etc. Connected to legal spreadsheet with similar aims

# data[].attributes.body
We do need some short easy phrases. I always say the other side can be effective because it's very easy to just lie. Allowing them to distill things to simple messages. Without loosing integrity, we need some base level responses/phrases to use to distill our own points.

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We need this initiative to be actually funded and for people to be paid for their work.

# data[].attributes.headline
Central Data Repository that is transparent with how information is gathered

# data[].attributes.subject
Central Data Repository that is transparent with how information is gathered

# data[].attributes.body
Develop and share templates for bills that protect readers, publishers, authors, and library workers.

Make these templates available with a list of experts that can be consulted as library advocates seek to propose legislation in a proactive way.

Include social media templates to push the policy asks and legislation support forward.

# data[].attributes.headline
recognize the strength (and resources) from each group

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recognize the strength (and resources) from each group

# data[].attributes.headline
Hire a comms firm to quarterback a national messaging campaign - goal to reach audiences who don't commonly think about these issues -

# data[].attributes.subject
Hire a comms firm to quarterback a national messaging campaign - goal to reach audiences who don't commonly think about these issues -

# data[].attributes.body
Common group of researchers from different orgs that share their research and collaborate on projects. Avoid duplication of work.

# data[].attributes.body
And get buy-in from them. E.g. if it's frontline library staff, we'll likely have to do some education on both the issues themselves, as well as affective/attitudes to get folks actually bought in

# data[].attributes.headline
Need to spin up a robust ground game - develop chapters of supporters across the country of concerned community members. Need to create several options for people to take action at the local level. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Need to spin up a robust ground game - develop chapters of supporters across the country of concerned community members. Need to create several options for people to take action at the local level. 

# data[].attributes.body
That means being clear about what "winning" looks like. What are our goals? Drive awareness? For federal or state legislation? To fight against local legislation? Etc. Through the communications lens, what do we want to get attention for and what action do we want people to take?

Everything should flow from there.

For Communications we should have a small working group and wider stakeholder group. We need a single document that lists: Goals, Strategy, Assets, Core messages , Answers to opposing views (message box), Spokespeople, Surrogates, Key moments (these especially need to be identified!).

It is VERY hard to break through nationally, and also necessary to give local folks sufficient support. That requires organization and discipline! An example is banned books week: we had two lists, with two different stories. Nothing broke through in a critical election year. Better would be to have a single list, a single story, a memo that goes out ahead of banned books week outlining the message, who the spokespeople are, and rallying around opportunities for in person or online engagement and action.

We should also be building on existing assets and capacities (e.g. UABB's pledges and lists).

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Is there an intellectual freedom caucus?

# data[].attributes.body
Billboards, lawn signs, social media, national spokespeople, op-eds, traditional media, summits/conferences, town halls . . . Needs coordination and $ investment.

# data[].attributes.headline
I think we all have different understanding of "data" here -- what do we mean? the data collection of book bans is exceptionally time intensive/ labor intensive. there are two groups doing this kind of data collection, why is that a problem? 

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I think we all have different understanding of "data" here -- what do we mean? the data collection of book bans is exceptionally time intensive/ labor intensive. there are two groups doing this kind of data collection, why is that a problem? 

# data[].attributes.headline
^^ on data, we don't want to gather the same data twice. we could potentially come together to collect and report in a more efficient way. like sharing data submitted to each of the "report censorship" forms we have

# data[].attributes.subject
^^ on data, we don't want to gather the same data twice. we could potentially come together to collect and report in a more efficient way. like sharing data submitted to each of the "report censorship" forms we have

# data[].attributes.body
Shift away from a message about being "against" and craft messaging around what freedoms we're for, what we aspire to, find ways to remind people that many more people are for this freedom than against it. It's almost like reminding people that this is something that we are all pretty much in agreement on.

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draw on the strength of each of us - see how it all dove tails to be the most productive

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draw on the strength of each of us - see how it all dove tails to be the most productive

# data[].attributes.headline
Simple, clear messaging to counter "groomer" type labeling, which is so chilling to getting people locally involved.  Are there counter terms or phrases that would appeal to a broad range of the public to refer to the people on the ground championing books and to the people pushing these bans that could possibly go viral and move the chilling in the other direction. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Simple, clear messaging to counter "groomer" type labeling, which is so chilling to getting people locally involved.  Are there counter terms or phrases that would appeal to a broad range of the public to refer to the people on the ground championing books and to the people pushing these bans that could possibly go viral and move the chilling in the other direction. 

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We need to tap into an emotional response!!

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We need to tap into an emotional response!!

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Facts aren't going to be effective against worldviews & cognitive dissonance

# data[].attributes.headline
what are the needs? how can we better collect and understand the needs. many here may already be ready to meet those needs

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what are the needs? how can we better collect and understand the needs. many here may already be ready to meet those needs

# data[].attributes.headline
remember the end user - how can we protect democracy 

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remember the end user - how can we protect democracy 

# data[].attributes.headline
Working groups for each of these three issues (the first being data / reporting on book bans / challenges)

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Working groups for each of these three issues (the first being data / reporting on book bans / challenges)

# data[].attributes.body
Would be great to understand if the group has any admission/values based criteria for joining, and/or any substantive ‘positions’ - or whether a self-described interest in fighting book bans is sufficient. Specifically important for c3s to know if any partisan groups are invited or involved.

On "positions" - an example would be, do we care about all book bans and challenges regardless of the politics, do we support the existence of a challenge process, etc.

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generally, think our messaging needs to be simple, use very straightforward language and be more repetitive so we break through in a more meaningful way - the "other side" tends to be much better at this IMO

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generally, think our messaging needs to be simple, use very straightforward language and be more repetitive so we break through in a more meaningful way - the "other side" tends to be much better at this IMO

# data[].attributes.headline
Restart Lawyers for Libraries! State/Regional workshops for CLE. 

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Restart Lawyers for Libraries! State/Regional workshops for CLE. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Broader Awareness of Bans and Challenges in ALL States

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Broader Awareness of Bans and Challenges in ALL States

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It seems like all of the publicity tends to focus on a handful of states. My state (Iowa) has a very broad and damaging book banning law but there is little national awareness of how bad things are here. At least 50% of the public that we encounter at events are unaware books are being banned from their schools. I am sure there are other states who are in similar positions.

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Legislative and legal efforts are simply beyond the scope of what we can handle right now. Aside from the ISEA and the ILA (and of course the current Penguin lawsuit), we're the only ones doing this work in Iowa. Do we need legislative efforts? Absolutely. But I have no idea where to start, no one to turn to, no funding, and no time to add a new focus.

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Google Docs or Google Folder as a central repository for Alliance Work

# data[].attributes.subject
Google Docs or Google Folder as a central repository for Alliance Work

# data[].attributes.headline
TIME the release of messaging to avoid confusion amongst the public. Maybe a Banned Books / Right to Read Messaging Calendar for the year?

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TIME the release of messaging to avoid confusion amongst the public. Maybe a Banned Books / Right to Read Messaging Calendar for the year?

# data[].attributes.headline
perhaps this discussion could be reframed on the positive: things we've done well as a collective -- build from where we are strong, rather than trying to respond to gaps first. 

# data[].attributes.subject
perhaps this discussion could be reframed on the positive: things we've done well as a collective -- build from where we are strong, rather than trying to respond to gaps first. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Prioritize silent censorship in data collection and public awareness campaigns

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Prioritize silent censorship in data collection and public awareness campaigns

# data[].attributes.headline
Craft messaging that expands our reach outside our core audience to reach the general public, including teens, who are particularly well adapted to create viral awareness campaigns

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Craft messaging that expands our reach outside our core audience to reach the general public, including teens, who are particularly well adapted to create viral awareness campaigns

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One central document that defines challenges vs. banned books vs. silent censorship

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One central document that defines challenges vs. banned books vs. silent censorship

# data[].attributes.headline
Prioritize silent censorship in data collection and public awareness campaigns

# data[].attributes.subject
Prioritize silent censorship in data collection and public awareness campaigns

# data[].attributes.headline
More unity in annual convenings like ALA and NCTE

# data[].attributes.subject
More unity in annual convenings like ALA and NCTE

# data[].attributes.headline
center access -- for students, for library patrons -- to books, ideas, information

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center access -- for students, for library patrons -- to books, ideas, information

# data[].attributes.body
i understand this is part of the problem but if folks are looking for resources/ information, it's likely out there already -- maybe a listserv to help field some of these information/ resource needs would be a good start?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
EveryLibrary is monitoring state legislation during the 2024 session that would limit Americans' freedom to read and think for themselves. Of most concern are proposed laws that would allow for criminal prosecution of librarians, educators, higher ed. faculty, and museum professionals.
In 2024, we are paying the most attention to state legislative initiatives in eight categories:

1. bills that would criminalize libraries, education, and museums (and/or the employees therein) by removing long-standing defense from prosecution exemptions under obscenity laws and/or expose librarians to civil penalties;

2. bills that change obscenity and "harmful to minors" definitions that preempt established First Amendment rights;

3. bills that would establish book rating systems, leading to segregation or expulsion of materials by topic or viewpoint;

4. bills that mandate restrictive library policies, esp. prescribing collection development or materials challenge policies;

5. bills that would limit access to school library databases;

6. bills that create onerous parental control/notification requirements that lead to segregated materials or limit free speech;

7. bills that limit or outlaw the teaching of "divisive concepts";

8. bills that lead to defunding or closure of libraries

On a positive note, we are also tracking "right to read" bills that offer protections to libraries/librarians, as well as other positive bills.

We do more than monitor bills. EveryLibrary is an active and engaged partner with over 75 grassroots groups, many state library associations, and other coalition partners, helping them create and field effective legislative advocacy strategies. We provide partners with free access to a suite of digital advocacy tools including our Action.EveryLibrary.Org site, FightForTheFirst.org, and SaveSchoolLibrarians.org. If you would like to talk about how EveryLibrary can assist your state library association or advocacy group, please contact our team today.

2024 Legislation of Concern
This page is based on a dynamic search of legislation and is being continually updated.
Click on State to see bill information and "Take Action" links

Spread the Word!
Sign in if you'd like new recruits to be credited to you.

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EveryLibrary is monitoring state legislation during the 2024 session that would limit Americans' freedom to read and think for themselves. Of most concern are proposed laws that would allow for criminal prosecution of librarians, educators, higher ed. faculty, and museum professionals.

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empower frontline librarians for being messengers, advocates, and cultivators

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empower frontline librarians for being messengers, advocates, and cultivators

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series of coordinated op-eds in a major publication. variety of voices, presenting multiple cases for the freedom to read, but all aligned toward the same goals

# data[].attributes.subject
series of coordinated op-eds in a major publication. variety of voices, presenting multiple cases for the freedom to read, but all aligned toward the same goals

# data[].attributes.headline
Center those most impacted - students/readers, authors - what do they need and shape messaging to support them. Students and parents can't wait for lawsuits ... they need help now.

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Center those most impacted - students/readers, authors - what do they need and shape messaging to support them. Students and parents can't wait for lawsuits ... they need help now.

# data[].attributes.headline
Teach orgs that collect data how to talk about the other orgs data in clear and constructive ways. How does our data together tell a wider story - how is it in allignment. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Teach orgs that collect data how to talk about the other orgs data in clear and constructive ways. How does our data together tell a wider story - how is it in allignment. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Collecting data is meaningless without a use for that data. How does the collection of titles matter in terms of helping awareness, etc. Adjust accordingly.

# data[].attributes.subject
Collecting data is meaningless without a use for that data. How does the collection of titles matter in terms of helping awareness, etc. Adjust accordingly.

# data[].attributes.headline
Understand we must talk about the grooming calls head on. Sex content is appropriate and important in books for young people. Without speaking positively and proactively about sexual content, we lose the messaging argument - always. Defend the right of young people to understand their bodies, have the knowledge to defend their bodies, and the belief that pleasure is appropriate and acceptable for their bodies - all messages currently twisted and weaponized against literature.

# data[].attributes.subject
Understand we must talk about the grooming calls head on. Sex content is appropriate and important in books for young people. Without speaking positively and proactively about sexual content, we lose the messaging argument - always. Defend the right of young people to understand their bodies, have the knowledge to defend their bodies, and the belief that pleasure is appropriate and acceptable for their bodies - all messages currently twisted and weaponized against literature.

# data[].attributes.headline
Stop thinking about this as a battle over books - but instead a fight about how we deal with knowledge and expertise and who gets to tell their story in the American cultural fabric.

# data[].attributes.subject
Stop thinking about this as a battle over books - but instead a fight about how we deal with knowledge and expertise and who gets to tell their story in the American cultural fabric.