Write to your local library!

Book bans are rising, targeting stories by BIPOC and queer people. These attacks can feel overwhelming, but (as with most hate) these come from a vocal minority.

We can be just as loud!

Use the templates below to request and defend your favourite books. Trust me, librarians want to hear from you. They want to keep books on shelves. The more community support they have, the easier it is to do that.

To request a new book

Whether the book is coming out in the future, or you’ve noticed that your branch isn’t carrying a copy yet, this email helps encourage librarians to stock more, especially if they’re unsure about public interest.

  • Dear [name of your branch or library district],

    Thank you for all the work you’re doing to bring important stories to our community!

    I’m writing to request that the library stocks a copy of the [age range and genre of the book] [title of the book], by [author], which will be published by [publisher] on [date]. [I am/my kids are/my students are] excited to read it once it arrives!

    It means a lot to me to know that [marginalized identity targeted by bans, such as “Black”, “trans”, “Latin(o/e/x)”, etc., if applicable] authors and their stories are being supported by the branch. I know that book bans come from a very small but very loud minority—I’m writing to be an equally loud voice saying that we want to see new, diverse books on the shelves! These stories help marginalized people see their experiences, so they can picture a future off the page. Books like this also help teachers, librarians, and parents start important conversations with all their kids to build empathy and connection across our differences.

    Again, thank you for the time and energy you’ve put into making the world a better place, and standing up against hate.

    All the best,

    [signature]

  • Dear Toronto Public Library,

    Thank you for all the work you’re doing to bring important stories to our community!

    I’m writing to request that the library stocks a copy of the middle grade ghost story Something’s Up with Arlo, by Matteo L. Cerilli, which will be published by HarperCollins Canada on March 18th. I’m excited to read it once it arrives!

    It means a lot to me to know that trans authors and their stories are being supported by the branch. I know that book bans come from a very small but very loud minority—I’m writing to be an equally loud voice saying that we want to see diverse books on the shelves! These stories help marginalized people see their experiences, so they can picture a future off the page. Books like this also help teachers, librarians, and parents start important conversations with all their kids to build empathy and connection across our differences.

    Again, thank you for the time and energy you’ve put into making the world a better place, and standing up against hate.

    All the best,

    Matteo L. Cerilli (he/him)

To Defend a contested book

If you hear that a book is being targeted, even if it’s not by your branch, your local librarians might be getting nervous. Sending an email in defense helps them prove why it should stay on the shelves!

  • Dear [name of your branch or library district],

    Thank you for all the work you’re doing to bring important stories to our community!

    I’m writing because I saw that [name of region] has banned [title of book] by [author]. I want you to know that it means so much to me to see that your branch supports [marginalized identity targeted by bans, such as “Black”, “trans”, “Latin(o/e/x)”, etc., if applicable] authors and their stories by carrying this title, and I want you to know that it means so much to me to see that your branch supports Indigenous authors and their stories by carrying this title, and I hope you continue to do so to help more readers see themselves in the pages.

    I know that book bans come from a very small but very loud minority—I’m writing to be an equally loud voice saying that we want to see diverse books on the shelves! These stories help marginalized people see their experiences, so they can picture a future off the page. Books like this also help teachers, librarians, and parents start important conversations with all their kids to build empathy and connection across our differences.

    Again, thank you for the time and energy you’ve put into making the world a better place, and standing up against hate.

    All the best,

    [signature]

  • Dear Toronto Public Library,

    Thank you for all the work you’re doing to bring important stories to our community!

    I’m writing because I saw that an Ontario school board has banned The Barren Grounds by David A Robertson. I want you to know that it means so much to me to see that your branch supports Indigenous authors and their stories by carrying this title, and I hope you continue to do so to help more readers see themselves in the pages.

    I know that book bans come from a very small but very loud minority—I’m writing to be an equally loud voice saying that we want to see diverse books on the shelves! These stories help marginalized people see their experiences, so they can picture a future off the page. Books like this also help teachers, librarians, and parents start important conversations with all their kids to build empathy and connection across our differences.

    Again, thank you for the time and energy you’ve put into making the world a better place, and standing up against hate.

    All the best,

    Matteo L. Cerilli (he/him)

Support your favourites!

Even if your favourite book isn’t a contested title, and even if you don’t think it will be, showing support helps get ahead of the curve. Whenever you check out a great book (especially by a marginalized author), it never hurts to shoot your library an email just to say thanks for all they do.

  • Dear [name of your branch or library district],

    Thank you for all the work you’re doing to bring important stories to our community!

    I’m writing because I just read [title of book] by [author], and I wanted to let you know how much I loved it! I want you to know that it means so much to me to see that your branch supports [marginalized identity targeted by bans, such as “Black”, “trans”, “Latin(o/e/x)”, etc., if applicable] authors and their stories by carrying this title, and I hope you continue to do so to help more readers see themselves in the pages.

    I know that book bans come from a very small but very loud minority—I’m writing to be an equally loud voice saying that we want to see diverse books on the shelves! These stories help marginalized people see their experiences, so they can picture a future off the page. Books like this also help teachers, librarians, and parents start important conversations with all their kids to build empathy and connection across our differences.

    Again, thank you for the time and energy you’ve put into making the world a better place, and standing up against hate.

    All the best,

    [signature]

  • Dear [name of your branch or library district],

    Thank you for all the work you’re doing to bring important stories to our community!

    I’m writing because I just read Dead Girls Walking by Sami Ellis, and I wanted to let you know how much I loved it! I want you to know that it means so much to me to see that your branch supports queer Black authors and their stories by carrying this title, and I hope you continue to do so to help more readers see themselves in the pages.

    I know that book bans come from a very small but very loud minority—I’m writing to be an equally loud voice saying that we want to see diverse books on the shelves! These stories help marginalized people see their experiences, so they can picture a future off the page. Books like this also help teachers, librarians, and parents start important conversations with all their kids to build empathy and connection across our differences.

    Again, thank you for the time and energy you’ve put into making the world a better place, and standing up against hate.

    All the best,

    Matteo L. Cerilli (he/him)