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Unite Against Book Bans Expands Resources to Combat Censorship

In February 2024, Unite Against Book Bans, an initiative led by the American Library Association (ALA) aimed at resisting censorship, launched its Book Résumé Database. This platform provides easy access to summaries of books that have faced bans or challenges. Just one year later, the database boasts approximately 600 downloadable summaries, created by UABB in collaboration with over 50 publishers. With an ambitious goal set to create 1,000 résumés by the end of 2025, the initiative is laying the groundwork for broader access to challenged literature.

To propel this objective forward, the ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom is teaming up with the Unite to Read Project at Ohio State University. Funded by a two-year, $500,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation, this partnership is designed to enhance community outreach regarding the freedom to read. Key figures involved include Printz Honoree Ashley Hope Pérez, the author of the frequently contested 2019 novel Out of Darkness, who is also the principal investigator on the grant.

Eric Stroshane, assistant director for the Office of Intellectual Freedom, has been integral to the development of the Book Résumé Database. He emphasizes the significant support it offers to librarians and library administrators, especially when they encounter challenges related to book censorship. By utilizing legal precedents and First Amendment principles, he assists librarians in defending their selections to governing bodies. Accessible résumés serve as essential resources, saving time and bolstering the rationale behind keeping particular books available, Stroshane noted.

The concept of a book résumé can be likened to a detailed book report. Each résumé typically includes a synopsis, publication details, reviews, awards, and links to relevant media coverage. This information showcases the book’s merits, particularly in instances where it has been challenged based on its themes, the author’s identity, or misleading quotes leveraged to fuel criticism. Stroshane highlights that these résumés restore the true context of the contentious passages being cited against a book.

Collaborative Efforts to Build the Database

Résumé Builders

The idea of book résumés isn’t entirely new. Skip Dye, SVP of library sales and digital strategy at Penguin Random House, acknowledged librarian Martha Hickson for her pioneering contributions to this concept. Notably, the National Council of Teachers of English has developed a similar initiative known as Book Rationales.

In building the résumé database, Dye envisioned a collaborative effort where publishers could share resources related to their titles. This collaboration includes key figures like Carmela Iaria, VP and executive director of school and library marketing at PRH, and Mary Van Akin, director of school and library marketing at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. They, along with partners such as School Library Journal and TeachingBooks, have contributed to the initiative. Dye humorously noted that achieving agreement on a template was a noteworthy feat, reflecting a rare moment of consensus among publishers.

Van Akin remarked on the unprecedented nature of this collaboration, stating that although the industry often struggles to unite, the shared goal of combating censorship has galvanized their efforts. She emphasized the importance of assisting library personnel, who often face overwhelming challenges in protecting the books they support. A collaborative database simplifies the process, allowing librarians to gather necessary data without navigating multiple publisher websites.

Iaria added that the database prioritizes titles that have faced censorship, using current data from ALA, PEN America, and communications from authors and agents to track challenges in real time. Titles facing scrutiny, particularly those where authors are actively engaged in advocacy, are given special attention. However, newly published or smaller independent press titles may lack sufficient information for comprehensive résumés, making them more challenging to document.

Pérez echoed the sentiment regarding the ongoing need for resources, particularly as certain classic titles may not have readily available reviews. She remarked on a proactive approach to identify at-risk books, reinforcing that the effectiveness of the résumés relies on access to reviews and supporting data.

Strengthening Community Involvement

Grassroots Organizing

While many publishers are backing the creation of book résumés, the UABB team aspires to make the résumé process more community-centered. Stroshane expressed hope that, as the initiative progresses, more publishers will join the effort to create comprehensive résumés for their challenged titles.

Dye, who has defended banned titles in school districts and legal proceedings, finds value in using book résumés as supporting documents. A collective endeavor within UABB enhances the credibility of the database, particularly as it is seen as non-promotional and distinct from traditional marketing materials.

The Unite to Read Project, under Pérez’s leadership, plays a crucial role in furthering these efforts. The resources from the Mellon Foundation are not solely aimed at résumés but also focus on community-driven initiatives to address the void left by publishers. This includes planning a series of educational programs centered on the freedom to read.

Pérez views book résumés as foundational tools for advocating for literature that faces censorship. By ensuring these books are treated with the respect they deserve, the résumés serve to facilitate discussions, support banned book clubs, and ultimately work to reintegrate challenged books into public access. Her emphasis on recognizing the diverse needs of readers underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for all community members.

As Iaria indicated, the partnership with Pérez and the Unite to Read team represents a significant evolution for the UABB initiative. With a focus on grassroots development and future expansion, the project is prepared to meet the urgent demands of the current landscape of book censorship.

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