The Book Industry Study Group has launched a $16,000 Season of Giving Challenge to fund the purchase and donation of 2,000 books to offset 1,000 book challenges--helping restore access to titles that have been banned or challenged in communities across the U.S. During November and December, BISG is inviting its members and the broader publishing community to join the We Are Stronger Than Censorship campaign to ensure that every reader has access to diverse, inclusive, and empowering stories.
"During this Season of Giving, BISG is proud to support We Are Stronger Than Censorship. Together, we're giving back in the most powerful way we know--by ensuring that every reader, everywhere, has access to the stories that inspire empathy, reflection, and understanding," said BISG executive director Brian O'Leary. "When books are banned, what's really being silenced are the voices, experiences, and truths that help us understand one another. With this challenge, every dollar raised, every book donated, is an act of courage and hope--a reminder that together, we can make sure every reader sees themselves reflected on the page."
Lee Wind, co-founder of We Are Stronger Than Censorship and CCO for the Independent Book Publishers Association, commented: "We are not powerless in the face of censorship, and we do not have to play defense. Since launching in September 2024, We Are Stronger Than Censorship has raised enough to offset 1,400 book challenges, meaning we've been able to buy and distribute 2,800 books so far."
"The ultimate goal is to pull the brakes on the runaway train of book banning, by making the numbers work against the people so eager to block other people's freedom to read." Wind continued, "We're excited to have BISG put out this challenge to turbo-charge the program and offset even more book challenges. It's the perfect initiative for this season of giving, and we're grateful to BISG and the community for coming together to make this happen."
The EveryLibrary Institute, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, serves as the fiscal agent for the We Are Stronger Than Censorship campaign. Every donation is tax-deductible and goes directly toward buying and donating banned books to readers and communities across the country.