NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York City public libraries rallied on Saturday in solidarity with communities across the United States to support #FreedomToRead, a national movement meant to combat book banning and censorship efforts.
In association with the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, rallies took place in front of the New York Public Library’s main branch on Fifth Avenue; the Brooklyn Public Library’s central branch at Grand Army Plaza; and the Queens Public Library’s Flushing branch.
According to the latest data from the ALA, U.S. book bans reached an all-time high in 2023, with attempts to restrict access in 49 states.
Library spokesperson Jennifer Fermino told 1010 WINS that restricting titles is an infringement on people’s rights.
“The freedom to read, the freedom to read what you want, intellectual freedom, this is a core of our democracy,” Fermino said.
Some of the most common books banned focus on teenagers, race or the LGBTQ+ experience. Alice, a French native who teaches the language on Staten Island, said that she doesn’t understand why these topics are being targeted by book banning legislation, a problem she didn’t encounter in France.
“It’s not in a nice way,” she told 1010 WINS. “Nothing is violent. Nothing is weird about those books. I don't get why they are banned."
The rallies included a variety of speakers, readings, banned book giveaways and performances to engage the crowd.
“We have to speak up. We have to join forces with the libraries around the country, with the librarians around the country, who are so courageously saying ‘no, no to book banning,’” president of the NYPL Anthony Marx said at the podium.
Mark told 1010 WINS that if someone finds content in a book inappropriate, they can avoid it, but it should not be kept from others.
“If you don’t want to read it, don’t read it,” he said. “If you find it offensive, don’t read it, but you know, don’t ban it for other people who may be interested in the subject.”
According to the ALA, pressure groups in 2023 focused on public libraries and school libraries, with the number of titles targeted for censorship up 92% and 11% from 2022, respectively.
Multiple student organizations participated in Saturday’s rallies, and some student activists were able to speak their piece on the dangers of book banning.
“The freedom to read is power,” student advocate Da’Taeveyon Daniels said at the Manhattan rally. “It shapes how we view the world we want to live in. And it’s how we make sure no one, no matter how hard they try, no one can silence us. So thank you all, and let’s keep turning the pages on banned books.”