(via Jon Martin, Program Manager - Chapter Relations Office)
Dear Chapter Leaders:
We are now under 100 days out from the November election. As libraries and the freedom to read remain under historic threat nationwide, we must seize this critical moment to protect the rights of readers and libraries as institutions.
As a Unite partners, you're among the first to hear about the forthcoming Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on October 19. We're hard at work planning a coordinated demonstration of national solidarity in defense of our freedom to read and need to count on your participation. Please mark your calendar and notify your colleagues TODAY!
Save the Date: Freedom to Read Community Day of Action
When: Saturday, October 19, 2024
What: Rallies to mobilize people to support libraries in their communities and to protect the freedom to read at the polls
Where: Libraries, bookstores, houses of worship, and other community hubs across the US
Who: Organized by the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Unite Against Book Bans, in collaboration with libraries and advocates nationwide
Please share this message to help us urge your constituents-library staff, booksellers, faith leaders, unions, parent groups, authors, students, activists, arts organizations, and others-to plan or join a community rally on October 19. Together we can galvanize a hopeful, inspiring, joyful message about the power of libraries.
On October 19, we will demonstrate that the freedom to read is an enduring, non-partisan American value that enjoys a broad base of support in our communities. And we will counter voter apathy and motivate citizens to vote in their local, state, and federal elections for pro-library and anti-book banning candidates. Please confirm your willingness to stand with us!
Confirm Your Participation
We can't wait to share all-new materials, customizable designs, local event support, and more with participants by September 17. In the meantime, Unite will mark tomorrow's 100-day milestone on social media, asking people to commit to being a freedom to read voter.
With thanks for your partnership,
The Unite Against Book Bans team
UniteAgainstBookBans@ala.org
2024 ELECTION COUNTDOWN CALENDAR
- September 17: National Voter Registration Day
- September 22-28: Banned Books Week
- September 28: Let Freedom Read Day
- October 7-11: National Voter Education Week
- October 19: Freedom to Read Community Day of Action
- November 5: VOTE for Libraries & Intellectual Freedom
Not an official Unite Against Book Ban Partner yet? Feel free to reach out to join. Partner List: uniteagainstbookbans.org/partners/
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Eric Edwards
Interlibrary Loan Librarian
Illinois State Library
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