For Immediate Release
Sept 19, 2022
CONTACT:
Silvia Lew
Co-Chair, Media & Publicity Committee
Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association
communications@apalaweb.org
APALA Statement Against Book Bans, Censorship, and Violence Toward Authors
The Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) strongly condemns the recent rise in censorship, intimidation, and violence toward authors and library workers. In light of the attack on historically targeted author Salman Rushdie, the current spread of banned books across the country, and this year’s upcoming Banned Books Week, APALA stands with authors, libraries, and library workers in defense of intellectual freedom and the right to read.
On August 12, 2022, author Salman Rushdie was brutally attacked just before a public lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. Dating back to the 1980s when his book, “The Satanic Verses,” led to both a ban on the book and an edict for the author’s death by the Iranian government, Rushdie has been a symbol of persecuted authors and banned books. APALA condemns this act against author Rushdie and the continuing acts of violence and intimidation toward authors and the libraries that continue to carry banned book titles.
APALA also condemns U.S. states that have enacted book censorship laws and local municipalities that have undertaken recent book banning efforts, many of which include banned book titles that directly target BIPOC and LGBTQ authors. This form of censorship not only restricts intellectual freedom, but allows for the continued oppression of historically marginalized voices. As a library association representing many historically silenced groups, APALA encourages all readers to be aware of the authors and their books that remain under the threat of censorship. APALA recognizes especially the impact on BIPOC and LGBTQ authors. We call on every voter to stand with their libraries to vote against book challenges and restore library funding.
We also call on every reader to understand the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) offers a primer on intellectual freedom resources. Learn more and stay up to date about libraries and library issues through ALA’s Policy and Advocacy website, EveryLibrary, and directly from your local public library.
This year, Banned Books Week will take place from September 18-24, 2022. Promoted by the American Library Association and Amnesty International, this annual awareness campaign brings recognition to books and authors under threat of censorship. In support of Banned Books Week, APALA is proud to be a partner organization of the Unite Against Book Bans—a campaign representing people from all walks of life who are united against book bans. APALA calls on all readers to participate in Banned Books Week by reporting book challenges to ALA’s Book Challenge Reporting portal.
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Founded in 1980, the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations to APALA are tax deductible and support our work for library services, programs, scholarships, awards, and grants related to library services benefiting Asian/Pacific Americans and Asian/Pacific American librarians.