In New York, the Public Library is taking a stand against censorship by giving the entire country free access to its collection of commonly banned books.
"The recent instances of both attempted and successful book banning—primarily on titles that explore race, LGBTQ+ issues, religion, and history—are extremely disturbing and amount to an all-out attack on the very foundation of our democracy," Tony Marx, President of The New York Public Library wrote on their website.
"Knowledge is power; ignorance is dangerous, breeding hate and division. All people have the right to read or not read what they want—we are all entitled to make those choices. But to protect those freedoms, the books and information must remain available. Any effort to eliminate those choices stands in opposition to freedom of choice, and we cannot let that happen."
For a limited time, readers across the country can access digital copies of books like The Catcher in the Rye, Speak, King and the Dragonflies, and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, the library has announced.
The books will be available through May for people 13 years of age and older.
A digital library card can be obtained through the New York Public Library's website.
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