April 2, 2025
3 Ways to Stand Up for Free Speech and Libraries
April 4, 2025
America is facing a broad assault on free expression and access to knowledge. Federal funding for schools, research, and libraries is being stripped away without the required legislation, and people protesting book bans and advocating for immigrant rights, transgender rights, diversity initiatives, and environmental justice are experiencing unprecedented attacks, harassment, and legal threats.
Organizations supporting these voices face defunding and dismantling. Journalists reporting on these issues and wrongdoings in the federal government now risk criminal prosecution, while peaceful protesters are targeted simply for expressing their views.
We can’t sit still while our rights are stripped away. Here are three concrete ways you can take action right now:
1. Join the Hands-Off Protests on April 5
This Saturday, April 5, join what’s expected to be the largest single-day protest since Trump’s inauguration, with demonstrations planned in all 50 states and more than 1,000 cities nationwide. Organized by Indivisible and supported by a broad coalition including the Women’s March, Public Citizen, Human Rights Campaign, MoveOn, the League of Women Voters, and major unions like AFL-CIO, UAW, and SEIU, these protests aim to send a clear message against the administration’s policies and DOGE’s massive agency layoffs.
More than 250,000 people are expected to participate, with events taking place at state capitals, federal buildings, congressional offices, Social Security headquarters, city halls, and public parks. A flagship march will occur at the Washington Monument in D.C., with additional international demonstrations in cities like London, Madrid, and Zurich.
The protests are targeting what organizers call “the most brazen power grab in modern history,” with a unified message: “Hands off our healthcare, our data, our jobs, our services!”
To find an event near you or to organize one in your community, visit the Hands Off website for more information.
2. Participate in Show Up for Freedom & Libraries During National Library Week (April 5–12)
National Library Week presents a perfect opportunity to celebrate and defend our right to read. From Saturday to Saturday, in communities large and small across America, people are showing up to support these vital institutions.
Libraries are more than just buildings with books—they’re community hubs where people of all backgrounds can learn, grow, and access information freely. In an era where budget cuts threaten these spaces, your visible support matters more than ever.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Host a Draw-In: Gather people at your library, local park, or community center with coloring sheets designed by Nate Powell. This simple activity creates a welcoming space for conversations about the freedom to read. Get these downloadable tools including drawing sheets, posters, and social media resources here.
- Send Support to Librarians: Print out or email postcards to your local librarians who are on the front lines of defending intellectual freedom.
- Display Visible Support: Download and post signs in your library, neighborhood, and favorite local businesses.
- Share on Social Media: Take photos of your participation and share them widely using the hashtags #righttoread, #drawntofreedom, and #UniteAgainstBookBans. Remember to tag your library and elected representatives!
- Alert Local Media: Use the template in the resource toolkit to notify newspapers, radio stations, and TV outlets about your activities.
If you know of an event happening in your community or can add your own, please submit your info here to receive a toolkit in the mail and commit to sharing pictures of our beautiful community support!
More than 500 people have already sent a digital postcard for their library and many more are expected. To volunteer, please complete this sign-up form.
3. Spread the Word Far and Wide
Your voice matters, whether it’s speaking to power or to your neighbors.
Contact Your Representatives: Call or write to your elected officials with a clear message like this: “I urge you to protect cultural and educational institutions from funding cuts. These institutions support essential services in our communities, preserve our cultural heritage, and represent our commitment to free expression. Their budgets amount to a tiny fraction of federal spending, yet their impact on our communities is immeasurable. I will be watching your position on this issue closely.” Use the 5 Calls App to direct you right to your congressional representatives and the issues you care about.
Use Your Writing Skills: Submit op-eds or letters to the editor to local and national publications. Share personal stories about how libraries and humanities programs have impacted your life or community. Explain what’s at stake when institutions defending intellectual freedom come under attack. Websites like the Op-Ed Project offer helpful ideas for where to place your pieces.
Mobilize Your Network: Send emails to friends, family, and colleagues. Post on neighborhood apps and community boards. You are probably well aware of much of this, and you know the stakes, but not everyone does. The more who know, the better.
Find Community Groups: Look into local organizations already mobilizing around these issues. You are not alone in this fight. Book clubs, parent groups, arts organizations, and civic associations may already be organizing responses.
Read more about our book ban advocacy here.
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