This virtual library restores banned books for free reading.

This virtual library restores banned books for free reading.

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At an unprecedented level, academic freedom in America is under threat.

Book bans have increased across the country, with challenges facing books doubling in 2022 compared to the previous year. Freedom to read and learn is in question, however, as a creator 1619 project, Nicole Hanna-Jones, says, “It’s easy to find joy in the midst of these book bans because…communities and especially young people are fighting, demanding and desperate for the freedom to read and learn.”

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Where you can read banned books for free.

Among the many communities and libraries fighting for this basic right is the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), which created the Banned Book Club in July 2023, affirming the belief that “readers everywhere should have access to these books.” should have access to what they want. Read on.” Powered by the Palace Project, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to library resources and books, the Book Club has worked to repeal restrictions and restore access to every piece of literature that has The question has been raised in America.

Virtual libraries established by DPLA use GPS-based geo-targeting to track and record banned books by location. In places where certain books are banned, Banned Book Club provides free access to these books. The club’s list of banned books is based largely on a database compiled by Dr. Teslin Magnusson for the Avery Library. Users can also report a book ban to the organization.

In honor of National Banned Book Week, which runs from October 1st through the 7th, the Banned Book Club has announced its presence in the state of Texas, which is being dubbed the Banned Book Capital of the nation. In the past year, Texas has had the most attempts to ban or outright ban books, many of which have focused on sexuality, gender identity, or race. To make a statement, the organization has created traveling billboards that have been placed in front of landmarks such as the University of Texas, the state capitol in Austin, and the Llano County Public Library — the latter sitting at the center of an ongoing battle against free. speech

A truck outside the state capitol in Texas.


Credit: Banned Book Club.

“Whenever a book is banned from a library, we’ll help get it back,” reads the Banned Book Club website. “Our mission is to provide anyone who is in a library with restricted access to a digital version of a book.”

For users, the process begins with a simple virtual library card, which opens the door to a wide-ranging library with a simple focus. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Download the Palace Project app.

It is available on the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Find the Banned Book Club.

A screenshot of The Palace Project app's list of libraries.


Credit: Palace Project.

Step 3: Click on the Settings icon at the bottom right.

Here, “Restricted Book Club” should appear.

Step 4: Create your library card.

Click on “Create Card” at the bottom of the Banned Book Club page and complete the instructions.

A screenshot of the app displaying the library page.


Credit: Palace Project.

Step 5: Verify your email.

You will receive an email from the app asking you to click on a verification link.

Step 6: Return to the Palace app and log in using the library barcode number and your password.

The number was provided via a confirmation email.

Step 7: Download your first book, and start reading.

You can check up to five topics at a time. Each book can be checked out for up to 21 days.

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