Our public libraries are sacred communal spaces, where people congregate to learn, read, study, share, seek shelter and receive support for myriad issues. Like the printing press itself, the library is a monument to free speech and our librarians are trained to maintain physical collections while also fulfilling roles as social workers, teachers, listeners. 
Today, in many communities, school and public libraries and their workers are under constant scrutiny and attack for the duties they perform. Book bans are drastically on the rise, even as a majority of Americans don’t support them. Campaigns of misinformation are spreading and the result is fear-mongering and bans without comprehensive understanding of why; these actions erode the very essence of the First Amendment and highlight the dizzying effects of censorship. 
As a child, images of Nazis burning books left an indelible mark on me and informed my understanding of what a free society inherently is— it doesn’t ban and/or burn books. A free society welcomes and debates multiple points of view and accepts their right to exist. It is my choice as an individual to read or not read books of my choosing. It is my responsibility as a parent to discuss the ideas books communicate with my child, regardless of whether or not they align with our values. I never take for granted that all viewpoints are available to me if I seek them. I want this right to exist for subsequent generations in the form of a physical space: the library.
My education had substantial holes in it that were filled with knowledge gained through reading library books. The thought of curtailing access to this free stream of education enrages me, especially when it greatly affects those with the most limited resources. 
I fell in love with printing as a form of expression that I could control; letterpress in particular gave me the tools of a physical language that could spread thoughts and encourage actions important to me and others. As printers, we share this unique skill.

We can visually amplify issues that affect the disenfranchised & marginalized and be forthright in harnessing the power of the press. Join us!

Prints from the Free the Books series are available here while they last!

Artist unknown, circa 1935-43, silkscreen, from the Works Progress Administration

The worksheet includes prompts for printers to share their talents in the fight against censorship, as well as resources and inspiration. The mailing list will serve as a place to share updates and projects from the print community, as well as voices from the library. Let’s work, learn and print together!