Seattle Public Library's Books Unbanned Program Surpasses 1 Million Teen E-Book Checkouts
Since its inception in 2023, the Books Unbanned initiative by Seattle Public Library has achieved over 1 million e-book checkouts by young adults and teens, offering a total of 1.1 million e-books and e-audiobooks nationwide. This program provides free e-cards to individuals aged 13 to 26 who reside outside the library's service area, supported by nearly $900,000 in donations received since 2023. It aims to combat issues like local censorship, underfunding, rural isolation, and disability. Brian Lawrence, CEO of The Seattle Public Library Foundation, expressed his pride in this effort. Originally launched by Brooklyn Public Library in 2022, Seattle became a participant in 2023, joining a coalition that includes libraries from Boston, San Diego, LA County, and Long Beach. Banned Books Week 2026 is scheduled for October 4-10.
Key facts
- Seattle Public Library's Books Unbanned program has surpassed 1 million e-book checkouts by teens and young adults.
- Since launching in 2023, the program has facilitated 1.1 million e-book and e-audiobook checkouts.
- The program offers a free e-card to anyone aged 13 to 26 in the U.S. outside the library's service area.
- Donors to The Seattle Public Library Foundation have invested nearly $900,000 since 2023 to fund the program.
- Books Unbanned began with Brooklyn Public Library in 2022 and expanded to Seattle in 2023.
- The coalition now includes Boston Public Library, San Diego Public Library, LA County Library, and Long Beach Public Library.
- Cardholders come from all 50 states and several U.S. territories, with the most sign-ups from Texas, California, and Florida.
- Banned Books Week 2026 is scheduled for October 4-10.
Entities
Artists
- Brian Lawrence
Institutions
- Seattle Public Library
- The Seattle Public Library Foundation
- Brooklyn Public Library
- Boston Public Library
- San Diego Public Library
- LA County Library
- Long Beach Public Library
- American Library Association
- KOMO News
Locations
- Seattle
- United States
- Washington
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- Utah
- Idaho
- Alaska
- West Virginia
- Georgia