Amber Frey, a resident of Prattville, Alabama, was inspired to co-found Read Freely Alabama, an all-volunteer group dedicated to combating book bans in public libraries in the state after attending a city council meeting where concerns over books at the local library were discussed. Book bans have become a contentious issue across the U.S., with various states introducing bills aimed at restricting access to certain books, prompting organizations like Read Freely Alabama to fight against these measures.
Librarians in Alabama have felt intimidated and fearful due to the proposals for book bans and the potential consequences they might face if they do not comply with the restrictions. Efforts to remove books from libraries are seen as part of a broader social movement aimed at silencing marginalized voices.
Members of the public, including parents, overwhelmingly support the freedom to read, with a joint survey by EveryLibrary and Book Riot finding that 67% of parents view book bans as a waste of time and 74% believe they infringe on parents’ rights to make decisions about their children’s reading. The survey also found that 92% of parents feel their children are safe at public libraries.
The co-founders of Read Freely Alabama emphasize the importance of transparency and collaboration between librarians, parents, and the community to address concerns about book content in libraries. The group encourages people to engage with their local libraries, support them, and resist efforts to undermine trust in public institutions. Libraries are seen as vital public assets that provide essential services to communities and should be protected as such.
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