Indiana Freedom to Read

10/22/2026

We’re proud to see Indiana Freedom to Read Committee Co-Chair, Emily Bedwell, featured by the ACLU of Indiana in a powerful look at the long history of book bans and the communities most often affected by censorship.

Emily reminds us of an important distinction: parents have every right to make reading decisions for their own children, but those individual choices should not determine what every young person is allowed to access.

Read today: https://bit.ly/4z6glHS

Depending on the decade, different content is targeted, but book bans have been with us for a very long time.

10/08/2026

Hoosiers believe that choice matters.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 98% of Hoosiers believe parents should have the right to choose materials for their own children.

reminds us that every family should have the freedom to make their own choices. Libraries provide access to a wide range of materials, while parents decide what is right for their own children.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY

10/08/2026

Another great opportunity to celebrate tomorrow at Ujamma Community Bookstore in Indianapolis in partnership with Indiana Faith Voices for Justice! Check it out.

We are very excited to partner with for Banned Books Week!

Our very own in-house agitator Dr Adam Henze will be hosting a roundtable discussion on the current Indiana legislation on book banning and censorship!

We will also be talking about some of the key titles that have been challenged, both historically and today.

This free discussion takes place on Thursday, Oct 8th at 5 pm. Light refreshments will be provided!

Plus we are having a flash sale on Banned Books all week! Lets get rowdy with literacy, y'all!

10/06/2026

🛸 The "Censor Ship" is getting closer! 👽

We're continuing to power up with knowledge, this time by taking a look at the second most challenged book of 2025: "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" by Steven Chbosky. This book was reported as challenged 33 times, according to the American Library Association.

📚The Perks of Being a Wallflower's Book Resume:
A coming of age novel about Charlie, a freshman in high school who is a wallflower, shy and introspective, and very intelligent. He deals with the usual teen problems, but also with the su***de of his best friend.

You can read a selection from this book, or a variety of others, at the Banned Books Read-In on Saturday, October 10. It's in conjunction with Indiana Freedom to Read!

Did you get yesterday's question right? If you said 1982, you'd be correct! Let's see how well you do on today's bit of trivia: how many challenges to Patricia McCormick's "Sold" were reported in 2025? Answer to be revealed in tomorrow's post! 👀

10/06/2026

This , we are excited to continue sharing the Indiana Library Federation - ILF Public Polling Results.

Did you know? Hoosiers overwhelmingly oppose criminal penalties for librarians over objectionable materials.

Hoosiers oppose criminalizing librarians.

During Banned Books Week, it's worth noting that Hoosiers support librarians and the important work they do. Libraries help communities access information, explore ideas, and make informed choices.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 88% of Hoosiers oppose criminal penalties for librarians over objectionable materials.

Learn more about the poll at: https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY

10/05/2026

Banned Books Week is here! Join readers, libraries, bookstores, and advocates across Indiana as we celebrate the freedom to read and stand against censorship. From read-ins and book discussions to community conversations, there are events happening all week across the state. Find one near you and make your voice heard.

📚 Indiana Banned Books Week Events

October 4-10
1. Evansville (Vanderburgh County) – Fahrenheit 451 Student Project Display at North Park Branch

October 5 [TODAY]
1. Decatur (Adams County) – Right to Read-In, 5-7:15 p.m.
2. Greensburg (Decatur County) – Banned Books Week Event, 5:30 p.m. Register: https://greensburglibrary.libcal.com/event/17378871

October 6
1. Indianapolis (Marion County) – Indianapolis Public Library Read-In, 12 p.m.
2. Indianapolis (Marion County) – Cat's Cradle Discussion, 6 p.m. Register: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblenortheastindiana/event/1007366/

October 7
1. Oxford (Benton County) – Oxford Public Library, 12 p.m.
2. Merrillville (Lake County) – Read-In, 6 p.m.

October 10
1. Goshen (Elkhart County) – Fable Books Read-In, 10 a.m.
2. Zionsville (Hendricks County) – Banned Books Week Read-In, 1-3 p.m. Register: https://hmmpl.org/libcal/
3. Whiteland (Johnson County) – Read or Discuss Banned Books, 3 p.m.
4. Bloomington (Monroe County) – Sold Book Discussion, 3 p.m. Register: https://calendar.mcpl.info/event/17181030
5. Terre Haute (Vigo County) – Investigating Area 680: A Banned Books Read-In, 3 p.m. Details: https://vigocounty.librarycalendar.com/index.php/event/banned-books-read-70683
6. Bloomington (Monroe County) – Boozy Book Fair & Banned Books Discussion, 6-9 p.m. More Info: https://wonderlab.org/boozy-book-fair/

10/02/2026

We couldn’t agree more!

Check out the latest polling results about Hoosiers’ opinions on libraries.

Learn more about the poll at https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY.

Public and school libraries reflect and serve the whole community.

According to the 2026 Indiana Library Public Opinion Polling Project, 97% of Hoosiers agree that freedom of speech is a core library value.

Did you know? Indiana libraries support the freedom to explore ideas by connecting readers with collections, research tools, local history, and resources representing many perspectives.

Learn more about the poll at https://bit.ly/3TtsFSY.

09/30/2026

Indiana readers have a new opportunity to celebrate literature and free expression through events hosted by IU's Ray Bradbury Center. Learn how the Center is promoting reading, writing, and intellectual freedom right here in Indiana.

Read more: https://ow.ly/4zaA50ZLYQe

IU Indianapolis hosts Festival 451 Indy to promote literacy and honor Ray Bradbury. Programs include workshops and a new play.