1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Despite organized pressure campaigns seeking to remove books from libraries and schools, all individuals should have the freedom to choose what they read for themselves and their families. Censorship infringes on this fundamental right and deprives communities of diverse perspectives essential for learning and growth. Libraries are vital public institutions that provide equitable access to information and resources reflecting our society's varied voices and experiences. Banning books narrows worldviews and impedes intellectual exploration. The recent surge in attempted book bans, with nearly half targeting works by or about LGBTQIA+ persons and people of color, is alarming. These concerted efforts disproportionately silence already marginalized voices. Organized censorship campaigns undermine the core purpose of libraries - connecting people to ideas through uncensored materials. I urge you to protect intellectual freedom by standing firmly against all efforts to censor library collections and curricula. Our communities deserve unrestricted access to a wide range of viewpoints and stories. Libraries foster discovery, spark critical thinking, and promote understanding by offering resources that reflect our pluralistic society. Denying this access through censorship does a disservice to us all. Ensure libraries remain beacons for free thought and expression by defending the freedom to read.