How to Participate
During September 30 through October 7 (Banned Books Week) libraries across the Commonwealth will celebrate the freedom to read with a Statewide Read-In. Everyone is welcome to come together on the library lawn (or another designated area) and read anything they want.
Here’s how your library can join us:
1. Pick a date during the week of September 30 through October 7. The duration of the event is up to you. Some libraries will host a read-in for an hour, some two.
2. Consider where you will have the Read-In. Offer the event in a space that is accessible to all. Consider a rain date or an alternate space inside.
3. Register your event at tinyurl.com/lfr-ma-2023 so that it appears on the statewide portal at libraries.state.ma.us
4. Digital participation is also welcome! Encourage participants to download an eBook or audiobook and use #LetFreedomRead to post pictures to social media.
5. Print and post promotional materials such as posters and flyers available through the MBLC Awarehouse.
6. Promote the event with the template news release and social media. ALA also has downloads available: social media, banned book lists, statistics and more.
7. Invite your community! Be sure to include local VIPS, legislators, Veteran’s Affairs, police and fire, clergy, school officials, the senior center, local bookstores, the YMCA, clubs that meet regularly at your library…you get the idea. Everyone!
8. Invite local media.
9. Use the #LetFreedomRead and post photos from your event on social media.
10. Be prepared for questions. The MBLC has a crisis communications toolkit with fact sheets, sample scripts for staff, tips for working with media, and more. United Against Book Bans also has helpful talking points.
Other things to consider:
- Since it’s a fall event, consider having cider and donuts, or apples for people to enjoy
- Invite a local community member or VIP to do a “Welcome” or opening remarks
- Have a table of books that represent all points of view and different interests for people to choose from
- Take library card signups
- Host a storytime for the little ones in a designated area as the event is happening
Brought to you by the Joint Intellectual Freedom Task Force (members from MLA, MBLC, MSLA & MLS)