Grab a book and a lounge chair and head to the library for Let Freedom Read, a statewide read-in to celebrate the freedom to read.  “Libraries across the nation and in Massachusetts have experienced a surge in book challenges,” said James Lonergan, Director of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. “We may not agree on what to read, but hopefully we can all agree that the freedom to choose what we want to read is a vital part of a democratic society. Libraries across the Commonwealth develop collections that meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve. Everyone is welcome to find a good read from their library and join the celebration,” he added.

We will be outside on the lawn weather permitting or in the Coolidge Museum. Light refreshments will be served. 

Digital participation is also welcomed. Download an eBook or audiobook through https://cwmars.overdrive.com/ and use #LetFreedomReadMA to post pictures to social media. For a complete list of participating libraries go to libraries.state.ma.us

According to the American Library Association, there were 45 book challenges in Massachusetts in 2022 affecting 57 titles. That’s more than the past 9 years (2013-2021) combined which totaled 38 challenges. Nationwide, ALA reported 1,270 book challenges in 2022, up significantly from 350 in 2019. The Massachusetts Library Association, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System, and the Massachusetts School Library Association recently released a statement in support of libraries and intellectual freedom. Individuals can show their support by signing on at tinyurl.com/supporting-libraries.

Let Freedom Read is supported by your local library and the Joint Task Force for Intellectual Freedom with members from the Massachusetts Library Association, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System, and the Massachusetts School Library Association.