The US Republican’s assault on literature has resulted in 1,477 books banned in first half of the US 2022-23 school year, an increase of 28% in six months, according to writers’ organisation, Pen America. 30% are about race, racism or include characters of colour; 26% have LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The bans have been most vicious in Republican states, such as Florida, but restrictions exist in over 30 states across America.
Venables Bell + Partners and the Little Free Library have launched the The Unbanned Book Club, an initiative that will provide communities in Duval County, Florida, access to books currently banned and challenged in the local school systems. The Little Free Library is a non-profit organisation that works to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access through a global network of free book exchange boxes.
Its Unbanned Book Club consists of a collection of custom-branded Little Free Libraries containing books currently banned and challenged in local schools. Publishers HarperCollins and Penguin Random House have donated these books free of charge.
“An unprecedented number of books have been banned and challenged in America in recent years, silencing authors with diverse viewpoints and eliminating the chance for readers to feel seen and represented in their stories,” stated Greig Metzger, executive director of Little Free Library. “At our core as an organisation, we are book lovers who believe deeply in the power of books to share unique ideas and perspectives and ultimately enhance our human experience, understanding, and appreciation for one another. The Unbanned Book Club aims to keep these voices and opportunities for connection alive. We’re grateful for the VB+P team’s leadership in bringing this effort to life and for HarperCollins and Penguin Random House’s generous support and donation of over 500 books for the Unbanned Book Club. We’re hopeful that together, along with involvement and support of citizens who feel strongly about these issues also, we can make a difference.”
Initial Unbanned Book Club libraries are distributed in Jacksonville, Florida. They will be managed in collaboration with 904WARD, a non-profit organisation committed to creating a community of inclusion for all Jacksonville residents.
Jacksonville is located within Duval County, a region that has banned and/or challenged over 150 books in local schools over the past two years. An additional 200 custom kits, including two banned books for distribution in Little Free Libraries and Unbanned Book Club branded materials, will soon be available for Little Free Library’s community members, with details posted on LittleFreeLibrary.Org.
“A core mission guides The Unbanned Book Club: When they ban books in schools, we un-ban them in the communities,” commented Byron Del Rosario, group creative director at VB+P. “With schools now out for the summer, there is an opportunity for local communities to embrace all literary voices and perspectives. This issue is vitally important, and we are honored to help make this initiative happen.”
“Penguin Random House believes that books, and the stories and ideas they hold, have the unique capacity to connect us, change us, and carry us toward a better future for generations to come,” added Skip Dye, SVP, director, library sales, and digital strategy, Penguin Random House. “Equitable access to books is core to our mission to create books for everyone, and it is why we are steadfast in fighting for the freedom to read and against all forms of censorship.”
A selection of banned and challenged books will also be available for purchase through Booksio, at unbannedbookclub.booksio.com, with 15% of proceeds going to the Little Free Library organisation.
Credits
Client: Little Free Library
Executive Director: Greig Metzger
Director of Corporate Partnerships: Sharon Gifford
Director of Communications: Margret Aldrich
Director of Programs: Shelby King
Director of Operations: Scot Wirth
Program Manager: Talia Miracle
Product Operations Manager: Dan Sheridan
Agency: Venables Bell + Partners
Chief Creative Officer: Will McGinness
Chief Growth Officer: Brittni Hutchins
Group Creative Director: Byron Del Rosario
Associate Creative Director: Ryan Hoercher
Copywriter: Breauna Abiad
Art Director: Haley Renschen
Designer: Pakkavadee “Polly” Graham
Senior Designer: Dani Saputo
Head of Integrated Production: Hilary Coate
Integrated Producer: Lexi Alaga
Associate Manager, Production & Post Operations: Madeline Fox
Business Affairs Manager: Christine Tom
People, Experience and DEI Manager: Brandy Kennedy
Production: Taproom Studios
Art Production Lead: Michelle Wells
Senior Studio Specialist: Jennifer Trull
Video & Audio Editor: Jason Bridges
Social Strategist: Destiny Thomas
Optimyst
Animator: Luke Davisson
Executive Producer: Sam Tarde
Music Composition: Jason Bridges
Colorbar Graphic Construction – Flip Book Printer: Steven Cross
Touchstone – Kit and Swag Vendor: Nancy Swan
