ABFFE Provides Tools for Banned Books Week

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) is providing a variety of tools for booksellers who want to join in the celebration of the freedom to read during Banned Books Week, from September 30 - October 6.

An Internet read-out from banned books will be the centerpiece of the celebration again this year. Last year more than 800 people posted videos of themselves on YouTube. Bookstores contributed more than 90 videos. ABFFE makes participation easy by providing both written and video instructions for producing and uploading videos.

ABFFE has also just released a free poster to help promote the read-out in bookstores. The poster, featuring the official logo of the read-out, provides a space where booksellers can indicate the date and time when customers will be filmed reading excerpts from their favorite banned books. Once the poster is downloaded, it can be taken to a copy shop and enlarged up to 13½ x 28 inches. ABFFE offers several other free Banned Books Week posters on its website.

In addition, ABFFE is holding a sale on T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, and bookmarks that can be used to promote Banned Books Week. Orders can be mailed, faxed, or placed through the ABFFE online store.  

The American Library Association also produces new promotional material for Banned Books Week every year. It sells posters, T-shirts, and other items through its website. Clip art of this year’s logo and other images can be downloaded for free.

To help bookstores promote their participation in Banned Books Week, the official Banned Books Week website will feature a state-by-state listing of stores and libraries that are mounting displays of banned books and hosting events. Stores can upload their information via a form on the website.

For further information about participating in Banned Books Week, contact ABFFE at (212) 587-4025, ext. 5, or via e-mail to info@abffe.org.