When a book is challenged or banned in your community, you have the power to push back. School boards are elected bodies accountable to parents, students, and community members. Your voice matters in these decisions. This guide will help you effectively advocate for keeping books accessible in schools and libraries.
Book challenges are often decided at the local level. Showing up at school board meetings and speaking during public comment periods can make a real difference in whether books remain available to students.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to effectively challenge a book ban at your local school board:
Research the Challenge
- Find out which book(s) are being challenged and why
- Obtain copies of the formal challenge documents if available
- Read the book yourself so you can speak knowledgeably about it
- Research reviews from professional organizations (ALA, School Library Journal)
- Check if the book has won awards or is on recommended reading lists
Understand the Process
- Request a copy of your district's book challenge policy
- Learn how the review committee is formed and who serves on it
- Find out when public comment periods occur during board meetings
- Understand the timeline for the challenge decision
- Ask if you can submit written testimony in addition to speaking
Build a Coalition
- Connect with other concerned parents, students, and educators
- Reach out to local librarians who may have expertise to share
- Contact organizations like the ACLU or NCAC for guidance
- Create a group text or email list to coordinate attendance
- Assign speaking roles to cover different aspects of the issue
Prepare Your Statement
- Most public comments are limited to 2-3 minutes—practice timing yourself
- Focus on one or two key points rather than trying to cover everything
- Use specific examples from the book if addressing content concerns
- Share personal stories about how the book has positively impacted readers
- End with a clear ask: keep the book available
Attend the Meeting
- Arrive early to sign up for public comment
- Bring supporters to show community interest
- Dress professionally and remain calm and respectful
- Stay for the entire meeting if possible to show commitment
- Take notes on board members' questions and concerns
Follow Up
- Send thank-you emails to board members who supported keeping the book
- Write letters to the editor of local newspapers about the issue
- Share accurate information on social media
- Attend follow-up meetings as the process continues
- If the challenge succeeds, consider next steps like appeals or elections
Tips for Effective Advocacy
Stay Calm and Professional
Even when facing heated opposition, maintain a respectful tone. Board members are more likely to listen to composed, well-reasoned arguments than emotional outbursts.
Focus on Students
Frame your arguments around students' right to access diverse literature and the educational value of the challenged book. This keeps the focus where it belongs.
Know Your Audience
Research board members' backgrounds and past votes. Tailor your arguments to address their specific concerns or priorities.
Bring the Numbers
Coordinate with supporters to ensure strong attendance. A room full of people supporting intellectual freedom sends a powerful message.
Use Expert Voices
Quote reviews from professional library and education organizations. Reference awards and recognition the book has received from credible sources.
Emphasize Local Control
Remind board members that parents already have the right to guide their own children's reading—banning removes that choice from all families.
Document Everything
Keep records of all communications, meeting minutes, and decisions. This documentation may be important if legal action becomes necessary.
Think Long-Term
Win or lose on a single challenge, stay engaged with your school board. Building relationships over time increases your influence on future decisions.
Template Talking Points
Use these talking points as a starting point for your public comments. Customize them with specific details about the book being challenged and your personal connection to the issue.
On Students' Rights
- Students have a First Amendment right to access information and ideas, as established in Board of Education v. Pico (1982).
- School libraries are meant to be places of voluntary inquiry where students can explore diverse perspectives.
- Removing books denies students the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop critical thinking skills.
- Students from marginalized communities often see themselves reflected in challenged books—removal sends a message that their stories don't matter.
On Parental Rights
- Parents already have the right to guide their own children's reading choices.
- Banning a book removes that choice from all parents, imposing one family's values on the entire community.
- Many parents want their children to have access to diverse books, including those being challenged.
- Supporting access doesn't mean requiring anyone to read the book—it means preserving options for all families.
On Educational Value
- [Book title] has been recognized by [award/organization] for its literary merit.
- This book helps students understand [important theme: empathy, history, different perspectives].
- Educators and librarians—the professionals trained in this field—support keeping this book available.
- Challenging content, when age-appropriate, helps students develop critical thinking and prepares them for the real world.
On Process and Policy
- The district's own review policy should be followed before any removal decision.
- Books should be evaluated as a whole, not based on isolated passages taken out of context.
- Professional review committees, including educators and librarians, should make these decisions.
- Decisions should be based on educational criteria, not on political pressure or personal objections.
On Community Impact
- Book bans attract negative attention and can harm our district's reputation.
- Our community values education, diversity, and critical thinking.
- Students who feel excluded or censored may disengage from learning.
- We should be proud of a library that serves all students and prepares them to be thoughtful citizens.
When speaking, introduce yourself and your connection to the community (parent, teacher, student, taxpayer). Personal stories are powerful—share how books have positively impacted you or someone you know.
Organizations That Can Help
You don't have to fight book bans alone. These organizations offer resources, legal guidance, and support for communities facing book challenges:
American Library Association (ALA)
Tracks book challenges nationwide and provides resources for fighting censorship through their Office for Intellectual Freedom.
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)
Offers a free Kids' Right to Read Project that provides direct assistance to communities facing book challenges.
PEN America
Monitors book bans, conducts research on censorship trends, and advocates for freedom of expression in schools.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Provides legal resources and may take action when book bans violate constitutional rights.
EveryLibrary
Helps communities organize and campaign to support libraries and fight book bans at the local level.
Freedom to Read Foundation
Provides legal and financial support for libraries and librarians facing challenges to intellectual freedom.
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
Defends the First Amendment rights of comic creators and readers, including challenges to graphic novels in schools.
Unite Against Book Bans
A coalition of organizations that provides toolkits and coordinates advocacy efforts against book censorship.
Your Voice Matters
Every person who speaks up against book bans makes a difference. Board members notice when community members care enough to show up and share their views. Even if a particular challenge doesn't go your way, sustained engagement shapes future decisions. Don't be discouraged—keep advocating for students' right to read, learn, and think for themselves.