The Declaration
We believe that access to literature and the ability to read is a right, not a privilege. Books are important for learning about the world, questioning ideas, and becoming more independent in your thinking.
We agree that no single group, government, authority, or ideology should decide what other people can or cannot read. A healthy, well-informed society needs the freedom to hear different points of view, even if they are controversial, uncomfortable, or difficult. When books become banned, this is impossible to be reached.
We recognize that at times, literature can show us real-life issues, including difficult topics, themes, and historical truths. Keeping people from reading these things does not help them. It instead stops them from thinking for themselves, understanding others, and being part of the world.
We are against controlling what people can read no matter what form it may take. Banning books from libraries, schools, and public facilities undermines the freedom to learn and makes it more difficult for people who are already silenced to be heard.
We support the role of libraries and educators as keepers of information, rather than gatekeepers of information. Their job is to give humans resources to explain and guide them, not limit their learning. We also believe that it is vital to read and discuss books openly. Being critical about what we read means having access to a book you may not agree with, allowing us to think for ourselves.
We commit to expanding access to challenged and frequently banned books, increasing awareness of censorship, and empowering communities to defend the freedom to read.
We believe that a society that bans books also limits minds, while a society that protects books protects freedom itself.