Seattle Public Libraries announced this week that its ‘Unbanned Books’ program has reached over one million electronic checkouts.
The press release, sent out on Thursday, explained that the program has allowed anyone aged 13-26 to check out books from an electronic library, regardless of where they are located.
Brooklyn Public Library started Unbanned Books in 2022, citing increased efforts to remove books from shelves in schools and libraries across the country. SPL was the second library to join, launching its own program with donor funding in 2023. Since then, the coalition has grown to include Boston Public Library, San Diego Public Library, LA County Library, and Long Beach Public Library — directly inspired by the success and encouragement of Brooklyn and Seattle.
The foundation has contributed nearly $900,000 in philanthropic funding to sustain and grow the program, the library says.
“I think about the kid I was, looking for a book that would tell me it was okay to be who I am. That’s exactly who this program is for. We’re proud to fund a program that puts a book in the hands of a young person who needs it, no matter where they live or what their local library can offer,” said Brian Lawrence, CEO of The Seattle Public Library Foundation. “I’m so proud that our donors have stepped up to provide 100% of the funding for more than 1 million checkouts. It says so much about our values as a community.”
According to BannedIndex, a real-time database of books banned in the United States, as of October 1, 45 of 50 states are impacted by book bans.
In Washington, 5 books are banned. In Florida, a law prohibits the reading of over 9,500 books.
Throughout the United States, 146 laws ban books. Alabama recently signed into law the ban of books that talk about diversity, equity, or inclusion. The law also jointly bans unisex bathrooms.
“My high school removed its library, and my local library branch is very small with a limited selection. This card will help me access more books,” a 17-year-old from West Virginia said about the Unbanned Books program.
Many of these bans focus on removing books with sexual content or content that acknowledges LGBTQIA+ relationships. This type of content is often framed as “harmful” to children.
“There are books I can’t read in my local state, and liberties taken away from me due to politics. I appreciate the ability to read what I choose. Thanks,” a 19-year-old from Washington said about the program.
“I think it is important to form your own opinions based on the knowledge and life experiences you take in. The fact that people are trying to prevent me from reading something is absolutely outrageous. I applied for this library card to expand my knowledge and come to my own conclusions about what is good for me. That is up to me to decide, not anyone else,” added a 20-year-old from Georgia.