Book Riot – Libraries, Apply for Books Unbanned Programming Funding Now – “Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) launched its Books Unbanned program in 2022 in response to an unprecedented rise in book bans nationwide. The program offers teens unrestricted access to their entire digital collection, supports the right for teens to read what they want, and builds a network of advocates nationwide that champion the freedom to read.  Now, Books Unbanned wants to help you build your own local teen freedom to read advocates with funding to support the effort. Libraries nationwide are invited to apply for one-time funds to launch programming for teens and young adults related to the freedom to read. A total of $50,000 in funding will be given out, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Any US library is eligible to apply and receive funding, but special consideration will be given to small and rural libraries, where funding and support for such efforts are often more difficult to attain. Libraries in communities experiencing significant challenges with access to books in libraries will also receive special consideration.  The Books Unbanned Programming Funding will also provide libraries with support from the Books Unbanned team, helping them develop and implement ideas to empower young people as leaders not only in supporting the freedom to read, but also in library advocacy and their communities more broadly. Funding recipients will have access to an immense toolkit of ideas and resources to ensure success…”