Freedom to Read Toolkit for Children and Families

Brooklyn Public Library Freedom to Read Toolkit for Children and Families
Launching Banned Books Week 2025 – Available in Print and Online

I’m proud to share the upcoming launch of the Brooklyn Public Library Freedom to Read Toolkit for Children and Families, a project I created in collaboration with BPL’s Books Unbanned, Unite Against Book Bans, and the National Coalition Against Censorship.

Designed for families with young children (ages 2–8), this illustrated activity guide helps spark meaningful conversations about the importance of diverse stories, the impact of book bans and challenges, and how we can all take action to protect the freedom to read. The toolkit includes engaging activities, conversation prompts, and age-appropriate advocacy tips that support emotional expression and deepen understanding of intellectual freedom.

Our collaborators—leading voices in the Freedom to Read Movement—brought essential insight to the development of this project, including contributions from Pat Scales (Author of Banned Books for Kids), Unite Against Book Bans, and the National Coalition Against Censorship. A big thank you to Laurie in our Marketing and Communications department for her beautiful design and patient editing.

The toolkit will be released during Banned Books Week 2025, both as a free printed resource and in a digital format. To receive a digital copy in time for Banned Books Week, sign up here.