The following is from the Unite Against Book Bans Action Toolkit:
Attending Library and School Board Meetings
Most book ban battles are being fought on the local level at library board, school board, and city council meetings. That makes attending these meetings one of the most critical actions you can take to fend off book bans. Make sure local officials know you support the library and access to books of all kinds by attending, listening, and speaking out against censorship.
Government and board websites often post calendars and agendas for upcoming meetings, and some also livestream them. Even if book bans or collection policies aren’t on the agenda, many boards and councils allow comments on issues of concern from any community member.
Our partners at PFLAG have created a helpful guide for speaking at library and school board meetings. The below has been adapted from their Plan to Testify at Local Board Meetings guide.
Things You Need to Know
Before you head to a board or city council meeting, you’ll need to know the following:
- When and where will the meeting take place?
- The policy around public comments:
- Where do public comments fall in the agenda?
- How long do you have to speak during public comments?
- Do you have to register ahead of time to make a public comment?
- Are there any rules for the contents of comments?
- Is there a dress code or a code of conduct attendees are expected to follow?
Important Things to Consider
- Safety in numbers: gather supporters and encourage them to attend the meeting.
- Prepare your remarks ahead of time so you know what you’re going to say. Make use of the talking points in the UABB Action Toolkit.
Be Informed
Understanding why a book is being challenged is critical to speaking in its defense. As you make a plan to attend and speak at the meeting:
- Read the book that is being challenged.
- Understand what specifically about the book is making it a target for restriction or removal.
- Research other instances where the book has been challenged in other communities and the outcomes of those challenges.
At the Meeting
- Introduce yourself: Mention that you are a constituent and any ties to your community.
- Introduce and discuss the issue: Raise the topic you are there to discuss (book ban, library policy, library program, etc.).
- Make it personal: Why does it matter to you? Does this issue affect your child? Yourself? Your community? Make sure you relate what you are asking for to a personal experience and a local need. Use your emotion to your benefit.
- Make the ask: Ask for the board to reject any proposed censorship and uphold the First Amendment.
- Thank them: Thank the board or officials for listening to and considering your comments.
Be Ready for the Next Meeting
Keep track of and make a plan to attend future meetings, and make sure your local network knows about them. Consistently showing up is key!