Eight Stories From Two Years of Books Unbanned

Almost exactly two years ago, on April 27, 2023, The Seattle Public Library took action against censorship and for the freedom to read. We joined Brooklyn Public Library in launching a Books Unbanned program that offers a free card to our digital collection of e-books and e-audiobooks to young people ages 13 to 26 from every part of the U.S.

Since that time, almost 16,000 teens and young adults have signed up for a SPL Books Unbanned card, and more than 10,000 have checked out a total of 440,000 e-books and e-audiobooks. Cardholders are from every state in the union and every territory. More than 5,800 have chosen to renew their cards in the past year. The Seattle Public Library Foundation supports 100% of the books available and it has tripled its level of support to keep up with the demand.

More impressive than the numbers, though, are the stories. At a time when the decline of literacy and reading for pleasure are making national headlines, Books Unbanned cardholders have shared thousands of stories that paint a very different picture. These young people have told us, over and over, that the ability to easily access a wide range of digital books has provided joy, representation, learning, escape and so much more.

Here are eight comments shared by renewing Books Unbanned cardholders that provide a sampling of what access can do.

8 comments from renewing Books Unbanned cardholders

“It’s been so great to get to read whatever I want. I like comics and manga and y’all have those. Our library doesn’t have as many books as I’ve wanted to read. Thank you!” – Age 13.5, Texas

“I can read books on my phone or listen to audiobooks without having to worry about my local library shutting down. My school library has been unreliable too. I’ve even read a few new series that I’d never heard of before.” – Age 14, Florida

“I use it borrow books that are not available at my local library or online. This is very important to me because my area is very rural and conservative. I’m gay and parents don’t know it. I use this card to find digital books and audiobooks that reflect me and help me to not feel alone.” Age 17, Ohio

“I’ve been using this card for mostly audiobooks! Specifically nonfiction, memoirs, and sci-fi. The library helped me get to a 2023 reading goal of 200 books as well, so it’s very important to me.” – Age 19, Texas

“I would much rather be reading than doomscrolling!! This helps me through the Libby app read more stories and entertain my brain in a healthier and more creatively fulfilling way.” Age 22, Maryland

“I’ve been checking out both books in Spanish and various queer works of fiction and nonfiction (along with a ton of Discworld lol). These queer books help remind me of my roots and I appreciate the library giving me access because I’m not sure when the next wave of book bans will hit me.” – Age 22, Nevada

“I enjoy the freedom of choosing what I want to read, rather than letting someone else decide what is or is not acceptable.” – Age 24, Wisconsin

“With the Books Unbanned card I have read more books in the past year than I have since middle school! Although I have a library card at my local library, my Books Unbanned card gives me access to a much wider range of book options.” Age 24, Connecticut

More information on Books Unbanned

Books Unbanned was started by Brooklyn Public Library in April 2022 to protect the right to read and fight censorship by offering a free library card for teens and young adults around the nation. The Seattle Public Library joined Books Unbanned in April 2023. Three more public libraries have since joined. You can see updates on the program and a 2024 report, “In Their Own Words: Youth Voices on Books Unbanned,” at www.BooksUnbanned.com.

The Library’s Books Unbanned program is generously funded by private support through The Seattle Public Library Foundation. People interested in supporting Books Unbanned can contribute through the Foundation’s Equity & Access Fund.

In March 2025, The American Library Association reported the top book challenges of 2024.