Massachusetts Authors Against Book Bans
Massachusetts Authors Against Book Bans is a state affiliate of Authors Against Book Bans, book creators fighting for our freedom to read. #MassFreedomToRead massfreedomtoread.org www.authorsagainstbookbans.com
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansICE cannot be reformed. It must be abolished.
- Our primary goal this year, is getting the Freedom to Read bill passed! It's been passed in the Senate & now we need to move it out of the House. Sign up for your newsletter for updates & action items: www.massfreedomtoread.org
- We can't sit back and assume being in a blue state will protect the rights of educators, librarians, and students to read a wide and diverse array of voices. We need to pass the right to read legislation out of the House & get it signed ASAP
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansMake sure to put AABB merch on your holiday list this year! You'll help support the freedom to read AND avoid getting yet another pack of tube socks.* *Ok, we can't gurantee that 2nd part, but the 1st part is still legit & we do have some great merch.
- Got friends & family coming over for the holidays this year? Prep postcards with a stamp & a message to support the right to read legislation that's currently in the House for them to send to their Representatives.
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansWhat can your #GivingTuesday donation to AABB accomplish? A few examples: $25: One regional leader email address for coordinating local action $50: 250 stickers for a national conference $500: Travel for one author to speak to state legislators Little things that add up to big wins
- We've been a little quiet as the House, our next focus is on vacation. While we wait for the next stage you can also support our efforts by donating to Authors Against Book Bans.
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansMore than 1,800 banned titles in the 2023–2024 school year contained sex-related content. In a new interview, bestselling YA author @malindalo.bsky.social explains the necessity of reading those works in full before considering pulling them from shelves: pen.org/malinda-lo-i...
- Our next goal is getting the freedom to read bill out of the House. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter for updates & actions. www.massfreedomtoread.org
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansCongratulations MA! #FreedomtoRead bill with protections for authors now moves to the House! Call your MA reps! Great work @massaabb.bsky.social ! malegislature.gov/PressRoom/De...
- UPDATE! An Act Regarding Free Expression passed the Senate yesterday WITH ALL OUR AMENDMENTS! Huge thank you to everyone who contacted your Senators on this tight timeline! Stay tuned for when this moves to the House. HOORAY!
- One more bump for the deadline today! Let's make sure we have the best law possible!
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansI know @jocomerford.bsky.social supports this but I emailed her anyway! Constituents' voices are important.
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansAction needed from Massachusetts voters! #FreedomToRead @authorsabb.bsky.social
- Yay Massachusetts! Amendments added to the bill, "An Act Regarding Free Expression." They make the bill even stronger. Please contact your STATE Senator & urge them to support the bill with these amendments. Directions: preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webvi... #ReadFree #FReadom #AuthorsAgainstBookBans
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansHey, local friends! If you care about keeping MA school libraries safe from the right wing book-banning contingent, please take five minutes to contact your senator before Wednesday.
- UPDATE! Several senators have filed amendments that, if passed, will significantly strengthen the bill! Please urge your senator to vote for Amendments 1, 4, 5, 6, and 18. This must be done before Wednesday, so the sooner the better. More details...1/5
- Amendments 1 & 5 Limit who can challenge books to those who live in the district served by a public library or have a student in the school...2/5
- Amendments 4 & 18 include book creators in those who can challenge a book ban. (This was a big one for us!) 3/5
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View full threadA huge THANK YOU to everyone who contacted their Senators over the weekend! Positive change like this doesn't happen on it's own but IT DOES HAPPEN! 5/5
- One more bump of this! We'd don't have to settle for a bill that does pretty good work. We can push for gold-standard protections.
- URGENT Call to Action: The Senate version of the S.2696 is moving out of committee BUT this version does not include any protections for book creators and only contains weak first amendment protections. The timing is tight: please email your senator before Wednesday, Nov. 12! More info:
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansThe MA Senate will be voting on An Act Regarding Free Expression on Thursday 11/13. This Boston Globe article touts this as a positive development, but while the protections for libraries are welcome, this version of the bill strips all protections from authors. www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/08/m...
- Local elections are happening all over Massachusetts next week, including for school boards! You know what happens when you assume, right? Do your research now to make sure you're voting for candidates that support the right to read
- Have you signed up for the Mass Freedom to Read Coalition newsletter yet? That's the best way to stay up to date on efforts to pass the Freedom to Read legislation in Mass
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansHello ##BookSky Your assignment this week! Adopt an upcoming election! That could mean, volunteering for your preferred candidate, making candidate score cards for a race, or making a donation. Focus is important to effective activism & preventing burnout! Reply with your adoption so we can amplify!
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansThanks to The Tufts Daily for covering #MassFreedomToRead and An Act Regarding Free Expression! www.tuftsdaily.com/article/2025... @massaabb.bsky.social @authorsabb.bsky.social @danaalisonlevy.bsky.social
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansReposting this video from the summer because every now & then it's important to remind yourself what is at stake. Have a great weekend!
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansThey’ll have postcards you can fill out supporting anti-book banning legislature in Massachusetts!
- If you're at the Boston Book Festival this weekend, make sure to visit us at the Beacon Press Booth 55
- In August, S.2328 the freedom to read bill moved to the Senate Committee for Ways and Means where it's been sitting for a hot second. If you're state Senator is on the committee reach out to urge them to move the bill forward
- Earlier in October the House version of An Act Regarding Free Expression was passed on to the House Committee on Ways and Means. If you're Representative is on the Committee tell them to keep the ball rolling! List of committee members here: malegislature.gov/Committees/D...
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansThe @freedomreadproject.bsky.social has put together a guide for talking to your legislators about protecting the right to read. You don't always get a face to face so you need to make the most of it when you do!
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansBREAKING: A court ordered the Department of Defense to stop censoring educational materials discussing race and gender in schools on military bases. Books removed from the schools must be returned to the shelves immediately.
- As we all continue to word on passing the Right to Read bills before the state legislature, what else would you like to see from the MA chapter of AABB?
- Would you like to host of postcard writing party to support Mass's right to read legislation? If so, we'll provide the postcards! Just fill out this form: airtable.com/app3MTRqolF2...
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansBanned Books Week may be over but the fight for the freedom to read and the first amendment continues. I talked with author/artist Mike Curato (FLAMER) about his experiences as an often-banned creator in Massachusetts and beyond. #massfreedomtoread @massaabb.bsky.social @authorsabb.bsky.social
- #HBOutoftheBox: In support of "An Act Regarding Free Expression" (S.2328/ H.3594) in MA, author @malindalo.bsky.social asked author/illus @mikecurato.bsky.social #5Qs about #bookban challenges to his #graphicnovel FLAMER: "We all deserve to be seen and understood fully" www.hbook.com/story/five-q...
- Are you attending a #NoKings protest in Mass on Saturday? If you bring a Right to Read sign, share a picture with us! We'll repost all pics with alt-text so the Skyline is full!
- Do you know if your state representatives support the right to read legislation? If so have they made any public statements? Seems like they should
- Not sure how you can best help protect the right to read? United Against Books Bans has put together this fun quiz to help you figure out what type of advocate your are!
- Can't believe we let NEW YORK deliver a Right to Read bill to their governor before we did! :)
- Are you an author or illustrator living in Massachusetts & want to help pass right to read legislation here? Join Authors Against Book Bans and then connect with the Massachusetts chapter. You'll have access to a discord with tons of resources & get newsletters with action items, info, & more.
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansHad to move today's Worcester Public Library + Worcester Cinema screening of @thelibrariansfilm.bsky.social to the main area of the building because the Banx Room wasn't big enough! Stop by between 2 and 4 pm for postcard writing screenprinting, and more w/ @massaabb.bsky.social! #BannedBooksWeek
- The Worcester Public Library hosts Cookies, Coffee & Controversy on Sat 10/11 from 2-4PM We'll be there to discuss Freedom to Read legislation and the impact of book challenges in Massachusetts. #BannedBooksWeek
- High Five Books in Florence, MA presents Snacks & Social Justice Fri Oct 10th 5:30pm - 7:00pm #BannedBooksWeek
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansIt is a beautiful fall day in Camberville today! Which means it's a great day to walk around adding banned books to Little Free Libraries for #BannedBooksWeek (It's probably nice enough where are you too!) Find ones near you here: littlefreelibrary.org/map/
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansI was interviewed recently for a #BannedBooksWeek event I'm helping out with in my capacity as co-leader for @massaabb.bsky.social by @worcestermagazine.bsky.social Here's the link to the article I'm quoted in: www.worcestermag.com/story/entert...
- Lovestruck Books in Harvard Square hosts Books Not Banned: Stories Under Threat, Communities in Action Thursday Oct 9th 6:00 PM-8:00 PM #BannedBooksWeek
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansGreat thread on supporting Banned Books Week!
- Hello #BookSky Are you still figuring out what you're doing for #BannedBooksWeek We'll help! Here's a framework for you: 1 Event or 1 Organization or 1 Person Here's what we mean...
- Readers of all ages are invited to drop in at the Westwood Public Library between 6 and 8:30pm on October 8 to browse our selection of banned books, nosh on some snacks, and settle down for some silent reading. #BannedBooksWeek
- Share widely. Contact your electeds. Get this legislation over the finish line.
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansHello #BookSky Are you still figuring out what you're doing for #BannedBooksWeek We'll help! Here's a framework for you: 1 Event or 1 Organization or 1 Person Here's what we mean...
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansIt's banned books week and so I'm legally obligated to bully you, a person who has ever had their name on a book, into joining @authorsabb.bsky.social. docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... We fight the source of book bans with calls to action, partnership w everyone in the game, and offer training.
- Will you be in or around Webster tomorrow? The Gladys E Kelly Public Library is hosting a Banned books Read In in their Community Room from 6-7:30PM #BannedBooksWeek
- Tomorrow! Join Belonging Books in Hyannis for a Banned Books Read In at 5PM #BannedBooksWeek
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansIt's #BannedBooksWeek We had our Right to Read event last week, but there's tons of other stuff happening in Mass & around the country. Follow @massaabb.bsky.social & @authorsabb.bsky.social for events, actions, & other info!
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansIt's #BannedBooksWeek! Stopped by Next Chapter books in Quincy to write postcards to my local reps. If you're in town, stop in. They'll have cards all week and cover the postage! @authorsabb.bsky.social @massaabb.bsky.social
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansAABB is proud to join this coalition of groups fighting for the freedom to read. Nothing gives us more hope than the understanding that while the fight may be daunting, we are not in it alone. 1/3
- Listen, obviously, Massachusetts is pretty awesome, but that doesn't mean we're completely immune to all of the broader cultural forces. 46 titles have been challenged or removed from shelves in Mass from 2022-24. That's exactly 46 too many. Here's a list of all too familiar titles
- Good Morning #BookSky You made it to Friday! What did you do this week to help get right to read legislation passed in Massachusetts?
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansPublishing Professionals Against Book Bans, a new resource-sharing community affiliated with Authors Against Book Bans and geared toward industry insiders, will host its first virtual town hall, “Book Bans and the Art of Protecting Authors,” on October 28.
- Ahead of Banned Books Week, we put together a quick fact sheet for you. Being informed makes you a more effective advocate. Check it out & bring this info to municipal meetings, elected officials, & candidates
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansStop in to help pass right to read legislation! And make sure to follow @massaabb.bsky.social for updates & info about protecting freedom of expression in MA.
- Our postcard station @portersqbooks.bsky.social is set up! Just pop in, fill out a postcard to support Right to Read legislation in MA using the provided resources, & leave it with the Booksellers. We'll take care of mailing it in!
- Our postcard station @portersqbooks.bsky.social is set up! Just pop in, fill out a postcard to support Right to Read legislation in MA using the provided resources, & leave it with the Booksellers. We'll take care of mailing it in!
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansSecond, we've partnered up with @massaabb.bsky.social to host a read-in and postcard writing campaign from 2 to 4 pm! Come have a snack, grab a challenged book, and let your legislators know you won't stand for book bans in Massachusetts (or beyond)! mywpl.libnet.info/event/14690008 3/
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book Bans1/3 Quick thread & a nationwide action! The Department of Education has launched the America 250 Civics Coalition & some of the worst book banners are part of the coalition. You can see the formal announcement from the Department of Ed here:
- Banned Books Week starts next week & there are a ton of events happening all around Massachusetts. Find one near you here:
- Tonight! Join us @portersqbooks.bsky.social in Cambridge at 7PM for a presentation & workshop in support of Mass's An Act Regarding Free Expression. RSVPs (which are very helpful) and more info here:
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansI will be there with @danaalisonlevy.bsky.social @ellyswartzbooks.bsky.social @beaconpress.bsky.social @massaabb.bsky.social to tell you about An Act Regarding Free Expression, currently under consideration in the MA legislature, and tools to contact your reps portersquarebooks.com/event/2025-0...
- Legislation to protect the right to read in Mass has been in progress for THREE YEARS. Help push it over the line by sending postcards to your state representatives
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansBoston area folks who care about the freedom to read: Tomorrow, Tuesday 9/30 at 7 pm, come to @portersqbooks.bsky.social Cambridge for a workshop on how YOU can support legislation to protect libraries, schools, and authors in Massachusetts portersquarebooks.com/event/2025-0... #bannedbooks
- Hey #Massachusetts #Bluesky Tell us your story about book challenges or bans, what the freedom to read means to you, or how much you love your librarians. By sharing your story, you help us build a stronger movement to defend every person’s freedom to read.
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansMassachusetts friends, here is an organization for you to check out!
- The #MassFreedomToRead to read website is now live! Sign up to receive updates, learn about upcoming events, share your story. Help protect the right to read in MA! www.massfreedomtoread.org
- The #MassFreedomToRead to read website is now live! Sign up to receive updates, learn about upcoming events, share your story. Help protect the right to read in MA! www.massfreedomtoread.org
- Massachusetts! Join Mass AABB members at Porter Square Books next Tuesday for a workshop on book bans in general AND the pending Freedom to Read legislation in Mass! Be the Change Workshop: Act to Support the Freedom to Read | Porter Square Books share.google/9FcTfsQZy4Ve...
- We are so excited about this news out of Florida! It also shows why it's important to encode the Miller Test in freedom to read legislation: so schools and libraries know they must use that test before deciding if a book is obscene. #MassFreedomToRead
- “None Of These Books Are Obscene”: Judge Strikes Down Much of Florida’s Book Ban Bill This is a big win for intellectual freedom and will have big implications in other ongoing lawsuits and future laws aiming to ban books. bookriot.com/penguin-rand...
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansWhen we fight, we win. The vast majority of ALL Americans disagree with book banning. So grateful to be a part of @authorsabb.bsky.social (and esp @massaabb.bsky.social) so that we can fight for everyone's right to read freely!
- “It’s a complete knockout. There’s not a single issue that the court did not side with the plaintiffs on.” www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/13/j...
- We are so thrilled for everyone in Rhode Island who will have their freedom to read protected by this new law!
- Stonewall Book Award-winning author @alexgino.bsky.social speaks about why they support Massachusetts' Freedom to Read legislation: because books gave them "language to describe who I was, and knowledge that there were other people like me." #MassFreedomToRead
- Reposted by Massachusetts Authors Against Book BansLove to see it. And also I want this book it looks truly adorable.
- Kelly Linehan, vice president of the Massachusetts Library Association, stated that “The library's role is not to endorse specific viewpoints. But to provide access to the full spectrum of ideas, even and especially those that some may find uncomfortable.” 👏 www.wbur.org/news/2025/08...
