This month’s poster features a quote by the inimitable Judy Blume, an ardent advocate for fighting book bans and censorship.
Check out the pdf worksheet to get you started in the battle against book banning. It’s full of resources for reading and research, a list of actions to consider as you ink up, and some inspirational prompts. We’re always open to suggestions and feedback and will be growing the list over time. Please share any actions you take so we can amplify them via this newsletter and beyond!

The Memeing Librarian is taking the issues facing libraries (and the patrons who love them) to the internet in the best way: memes! But jokes aside, she dishes out a ton of info about actions (good and bad) affecting book bans across the country, as well as issues around censorship and great book recommendations. She wrote the following to share with us:

Right now there is a concentrated, deliberate, and nationwide effort to remove access to information. Libraries face threats of being completely defunded and shut down. Those who are pro-censorship want certain books inaccessible to everyone, and they want librarians to face criminal charges for providing access to these books. 
It is critical that we disrupt this growing anti-intellectual and pro-censorship movement. Here are a few basic ways we can do that:

-Support your library at the polls. Vote in your local and state elections. Run for office, if you feel called to do so. The pro-censorship crowd is gaining traction because they have won positions in local, state, and federal elections. It is time we do the same.

-Discuss this issue with your community. Studies show that once they hear both sides of the debate, most people agree that multiple perspectives should be on library shelves. Post on your social media and write letters to the editor.

-Remember that it is never about the books, but rather the people behind the books. Creating a community of support and acceptance is critical. Read books by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors. When speaking to people, use their preferred pronouns. Don’t uphold white supremacy. 

-If you are a library worker and in a position to do so, make sure your policies are as robust as possible. Make it a thoughtful and long process to challenge a book, not just a process anyone can do at any time they feel like it. 

I truly believe if we all work together, we will disrupt this censorship takeover. From my experience, librarians (and library-lovers in general) are tough as nails and are more than able to win this fight. Thank you all for everything that you do.

Paul and Christy Nesja from Nesja Press had been thinking about creating a print about the recent and troubling increase in book bans, but had not yet landed on a creative solution. The prompts sent for Free the Books refueled their creativity, and “Brain on Books” was born! 

Christy hand carved linoleum to create the images of the brains and the stack of books. This was run through our Vandercook SP15 with a split fountain of orange and magenta inks. All type was printed in a second run of black ink using a lock-up of metal and wood type and ornaments. Paper is 65 lb. French Pop Tone, Pink Lemonade.

Thinking ahead…
Find me (Jen) leading a Shop Talk session with PiP on June 26th! I’ll be sharing more about Free the Books and creating the space you need to take your print activism to the next level. This is a casual conversation and PiP welcomes everyone to attend and contribute.
If you’re a librarian attending the ALA conference here in Chicago, we’ll be in the studio and you’re welcome to come by! Just give us a shout about the time that works for you.
Check out this grant from Franklin Furnace to create an artists book edition around the theme of book banning!

Book bans are being instituted across the country at an alarming rate. As purveyors of print and avid supporters of both free speech and our public library system, this is an issue we take to heart and now, to the press!