Books Unbanned Library Card

Books Unbanned – Civic Feature
A national program providing free digital library access to young people across the U.S.
Books Unbanned promo image
Overview

Books Unbanned is a bold initiative by Brooklyn Public Library to counter censorship and increase access to diverse books for young readers. This program allows teens and young adults ages 13–21 anywhere in the United States to get a free digital library card—giving them access to a wide array of e-books and audiobooks, including many titles being challenged or banned across the country.

Action Center
Engagement Level
Why It Matters

With book bans rising across the country, young people are increasingly being denied access to stories that reflect their identities, histories, and experiences. Books Unbanned combats this suppression by providing national access to a rich, diverse catalog of materials—empowering the next generation to read freely, learn critically, and resist censorship.

Alignment with The Change Lab

This initiative aligns strongly with the pathways of Civic Literacy & Education, Freedom of Speech & Expression, and Youth Leadership & Voice. It also promotes broader cultural belonging and supports narrative power through equitable information access.

Pathways
Quick Facts
Host Library: Brooklyn Public Library
Location: Brooklyn, NY (Nationwide Access)
Eligibility: Ages 13–21 in the U.S.
Access: Free digital card to eBooks and audiobooks
Keywords: Book Bans, Youth Access, Digital Library, Censorship, Free Speech, Civic Literacy, Inclusion, Narrative Power
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