Your elected representatives at every level of government have the power to influence policies that affect book access in schools and libraries. From local school board members to state legislators, these officials are accountable to you—and they want to hear from their constituents. Speaking up about book banning is one of the most effective ways to protect intellectual freedom in your community.
Elected officials pay attention to constituent feedback. A thoughtful email, phone call, or letter can influence how they vote on issues affecting book access. Many representatives have said that hearing from even a handful of constituents on an issue shapes their position.
Who to Contact
Different representatives have jurisdiction over different aspects of book access. Understanding who controls what helps you direct your advocacy effectively.
School Board Members
Locally elected officials who oversee public school policies, including library book selection and challenge procedures.
Examples:
- School board trustees or directors
- Board of Education members
- School committee members
When to contact:
When books are being challenged in your district, when reviewing library policies, or when new board members are considering book-related policies.
City & County Officials
Local government officials who may influence public library policies and funding.
Examples:
- City council members
- County commissioners
- Mayor or county executive
- Library board appointees
When to contact:
When public libraries face budget cuts, book challenges, or policy changes affecting collection development.
State Legislators
State representatives and senators who vote on laws affecting schools and libraries statewide.
Examples:
- State representative or assemblyperson
- State senator
- Education committee members
When to contact:
When state bills are proposed that would restrict books, mandate content ratings, or change how book challenges are handled.
Governor & State Officials
The state's chief executive and appointed officials who implement education policies.
Examples:
- Governor
- State superintendent of education
- State board of education members
When to contact:
When executive actions or state-level policies threaten book access, or to advocate for pro-reading initiatives.
Federal Representatives
U.S. Congress members who shape national education policy and can draw attention to censorship issues.
Examples:
- U.S. Representative (House)
- U.S. Senator
- Education committee members
When to contact:
When federal legislation affects school funding tied to book policies, or to request congressional attention to censorship trends.
Find Your Representatives
Use these tools to identify and find contact information for your elected officials at every level of government.
USA.gov Representative Finder
Find your U.S. senators, representatives, and state legislators by entering your address.
Common Cause Find Your Rep
Comprehensive tool to find federal, state, and local representatives with contact information.
Ballotpedia
Detailed information about elected officials at all levels, including school board members.
Vote Smart
Search for officials by zip code and access their voting records, positions, and contact info.
National Conference of State Legislatures
Find your state legislators and track state legislation affecting education and libraries.
Your School District Website
Search "[Your district name] school board" to find board member names, contact info, and meeting schedules.
Keep a list of your representatives and their contact information handy. When an issue arises, you'll be ready to act quickly. Many advocacy organizations send alerts when legislation is pending—sign up for their newsletters.
Tips for Effective Communication
How you communicate with representatives matters as much as what you say. These strategies will help your message have maximum impact.
Be a Constituent
Always mention that you live in their district. Representatives prioritize feedback from voters they represent. Include your address in written communications.
Be Specific
Reference specific books, policies, or bills by name. Vague complaints are less actionable than concrete concerns about a particular issue.
Be Personal
Share your own story or your family's connection to the issue. Personal narratives are more memorable and persuasive than abstract arguments.
Be Respectful
Maintain a professional, courteous tone even if you disagree strongly. Angry messages are often dismissed; thoughtful ones get attention.
Be Concise
Keep messages focused on one issue. For emails and letters, aim for one page. For phone calls, prepare a 30-second summary of your position.
Make a Clear Ask
Tell them exactly what action you want: vote yes/no on a bill, attend a meeting, issue a statement, or review a policy. Don't leave them guessing.
Follow Up
If you don't receive a response within two weeks, follow up. Persistent (but polite) constituents demonstrate that an issue has staying power.
Say Thank You
When a representative takes action you support, send a thank-you note. This reinforces positive behavior and builds relationships for future advocacy.
Best Communication Methods
Template Letters & Talking Points
Use these templates as starting points for your communications. Personalize them with specific details about your situation, the books or policies in question, and your connection to the community.
Letter to School Board Members
For: Local school board about a book challenge
Dear [Board Member Name],
As a [parent/educator/community member] in [School District], I am writing to express my concern about the challenge to [Book Title] in our school libraries.
I believe students benefit from access to diverse literature that reflects different experiences and perspectives. [Book Title] has received recognition from [awards/professional reviews] and addresses important themes of [themes]. Removing this book would limit students' ability to engage with [relevant topics] and develop critical thinking skills.
I urge you to follow the district's established review process and to consider the educational value of this book as a whole, rather than isolated passages. Parents who object to specific books already have the option to restrict their own children's access without limiting choices for all families.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further. Thank you for your service to our community and your consideration of my concerns.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone/Email]
Customize the bracketed sections with specific details about your situation.
Letter to State Legislators
For: State representatives about book-related legislation
Dear [Representative/Senator Name],
As your constituent in [City/District], I am writing regarding [Bill Number/Name], which would [brief description of what the bill does].
I am concerned that this legislation would [specific concerns: restrict access to books, create burdensome processes for libraries, impose viewpoint-based restrictions]. Our schools and libraries serve diverse communities, and policies should protect the freedom to read—not limit it based on political pressure.
Students benefit from exposure to a wide range of ideas and perspectives. Restricting access to books does not make controversial topics disappear; it simply removes opportunities for guided learning and discussion in educational settings.
I respectfully ask that you vote [NO/YES] on this bill and support policies that protect intellectual freedom for all [State] residents.
Thank you for considering my views. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone/Email]
Customize the bracketed sections with specific details about your situation.
Phone Call Script
For: Any elected official (brief, for phone calls)
Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I'm a constituent from [City/Zip Code].
I'm calling about [specific issue: the book challenge at X school / HB 123 / the library budget]. I [support/oppose] [specific action] because [one brief reason].
I'd like [Representative Name] to [specific ask: vote no on this bill / speak at the board meeting / support library funding].
Can you tell me the [Representative's] position on this issue? Thank you for your time.
Customize the bracketed sections with specific details about your situation.
Key Talking Points to Include
- First Amendment: Students have a constitutional right to receive information, as established in Board of Education v. Pico (1982).
- Parental choice: Parents can guide their own children's reading without restricting access for all families.
- Professional review: Librarians and educators are trained professionals who select materials based on educational criteria.
- Student impact: Many challenged books feature characters from marginalized communities; removal sends a harmful message.
- Community values: Our community values education, critical thinking, and preparing students for diverse perspectives.
Additional Resources
These organizations provide tools, training, and support for effective civic engagement on intellectual freedom issues.
Unite Against Book Bans
Advocacy toolkit and action alerts for fighting book censorship at every level of government.
EveryLibrary
Resources for organizing and advocacy campaigns supporting libraries and opposing book bans.
ACLU Know Your Rights
Information about your rights when engaging with government officials and attending public meetings.
League of Women Voters
Nonpartisan civic engagement resources and voter information tools.
Your Voice Has Power
Democracy works when citizens participate. Every email, phone call, and letter to an elected official adds to the record of public opinion. Even if you don't get the outcome you want immediately, consistent engagement builds relationships and shapes future decisions. Representatives remember constituents who show up repeatedly—be one of them.