Brooklyn Public Library Welcomes Every American Teen to Its Resources Amid Censorship

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In recent times, the reading habits of American teenagers have drawn unprecedented attention from adults. This surge in interest has been fueled by the alarming trend of censorship, driven by issues like homophobia and racism prevalent in various governing bodies across the U.S. Fortunately, librarians are stepping up to counter this wave of book bans. According to the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom, there were “729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021,” impacting 1,597 titles, marking a record high in two decades. Notably, many of these challenges targeted award-winning classics like Maus and The Bluest Eye, with a significant number featuring LGBTQ+ narratives and BIPOC protagonists. In fact, half of the ALA’s top ten challenged books of 2021 included queer content, highlighting works such as Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give and Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which center on characters from diverse backgrounds.

The common thread among these titles? They are exceptional stories that resonate even with reluctant readers, captivating them and fostering empathy. Unfortunately, some conservative adults persist in their attempts to remove these vital narratives. While high-profile censorship incidents make headlines, many others go unreported. The ALA points out that its list of banned books only scratches the surface, revealing that between 82-97% of book challenges remain undocumented and unnoticed.

So, what can open-minded and curious teen readers do until they reach college or venture to the big city? The Brooklyn Public Library has come to the rescue with its innovative Books Unbanned program. This initiative allows any U.S. resident aged 13-21 to apply for a free e-card, granting access to a vast collection of 350,000 ebooks and 200,000 audiobooks, including many titles facing censorship elsewhere. Interested teens can simply reach out to the library for their e-card.

Additionally, the library offers creative solutions to combat censorship. Through the Brooklyn Bookmatch program, teens can receive personalized book recommendations from their peers, and local youth can become advocates for reading freedom by joining the Intellectual Freedom Teen Council. All ages can explore frequently challenged titles on the Books Unbanned list, reaffirming their right to access diverse literature.

For further insights, check out our other blog post here about the importance of choice in literature, and for those interested in home insemination options, you can find useful information at Make A Mom, a trusted source on this subject. For an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit CDC Pregnancy.

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In summary, the Brooklyn Public Library’s efforts ensure that every American teen has access to a wealth of literature, particularly in the face of censorship. By providing free resources and fostering community engagement, they champion the importance of diverse voices in literature.

Keyphrase: Brooklyn Public Library Teen Access

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