Access to books has always been more than just entertainment, it’s a lifeline for many readers. Yet, across the United States, the number of challenges and bans on books continues to rise, often targeting stories about LGBTQ+ communities and people of color.
According to the American Library Association (ALA), nearly three-quarters of censorship attempts in 2024 were not initiated by individual complaints but by organized groups and even government entities. These pressures are threatening the very foundation of intellectual freedom.
Recognizing this, Sourcebooks, one of the largest independent publishers in the country, has announced an even stronger commitment to stand against censorship and to protect the Right to read.
Standing Firm on Access to Stories
“We won’t stand by while authors’ stories are erased,” said Todd Stocke, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director at Sourcebooks. “As publishers, it’s our responsibility to connect readers with the books that help them feel seen and inspired.”
The publisher has launched multiple internal and external initiatives, including the Right to Read Taskforce, which was formed in early 2025. The Task Force brings together employees, authors, and industry leaders to strategize on keeping books available despite coordinated censorship campaigns.
Building a Movement, Not Just a Catalog
Dominique Raccah, CEO and Publisher of Sourcebooks, emphasized that this fight goes beyond publishing books. “Our work is about defending the freedom to learn and to make choices for ourselves. That freedom is the very essence of democracy.”
To push this mission forward, Sourcebooks has:
- Joined four new coalition letters and legal actions defending intellectual freedom.
- Increased support for organizations like the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) and American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE).
- Sponsored events such as the Banned Book Awards with the Eleanor Roosevelt Foundation.
- Hosted internal discussions with leaders, including Philomena Polefrone (ABFE) and Lee Rowland (NCAC), to engage employees in the movement.
Why This Fight Matters Now
The scale of censorship is alarming. In 2024 alone, 2,452 unique book titles were targeted for removal from schools. At the same time, essential cultural programs faced steep cuts, over $27 million in grants for libraries, museums, and the arts were canceled this past May.
“These book removals are not about protecting children, they’re about controlling narratives,” said Audrey Barsella, Senior Communications Manager at Sourcebooks and leader of the Right to Read Taskforce. “We’re fighting for people of all ages whose right to choose what they read is being taken away.”
A Call to Action for the Book Community
Sourcebooks is urging everyone, from authors to readers, educators to booksellers, to join in protecting the Right to read. Helpful resources include Unite Against Book Bans, the ABA Right to Read Handbook, and the ALA’s Banned Books for Kids initiative.
“Stories build empathy and shape the future,” Stocke added. “That’s the power of books, and we’ll never stop fighting for it.”
Raccah echoed that this is a defining moment for the creative community. “Sourcebooks has never stood on the sidelines, and we won’t now. We will continue to champion authors’ Right to tell their stories and defend the librarians and booksellers who spark a love of reading in their communities. The time to act is now.”