Libraries invited to join social media activity this Banned Books Week

This Banned Books Week, let patrons know that their words have power — especially their tweets.

During Banned Books Week (Sept. 24-30), the Office for Intellectual Freedom is inviting libraries and nonprofits to partner with it for the Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament, a Banned Books Week activity that encourages readers to discuss censorship online. Partners receive a digital toolkit, and partner libraries are entered into a drawing for intellectual freedom-themed prizes.

What is the Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament?

The Tournament encourages readers to complete any of the below eight action items by posting them on Twitter using the hashtag #RebelReader. The action items are designed to highlight library resources and the joys of unrestricted reading.

1. TAKE A SELFIE with a banned or challenged book
2. SHARE A VIDEO of yourself talking about censorship or reading from a banned or challenged book
3. POST A QUOTE from a favorite banned or challenged book
4. SHARE A STORY about an educator who helped you learn the power of words
5. TAKE A PHOTO of a completed ALA Banned Books Week coloring sheet
6. TAKE A PHOTO of yourself with any Words Have Power swag
7. SHARE A LINK to your library's homepage or book selection policy
8. TWEET SOME LOVE at a banned author from this list: twitter.com/OIF/lists/banned-authors/members

One completed action item equals one entry into a drawing for literary prizes, such as signed copies of banned books and Litographs posters. Prizes are randomly given away daily during Banned Books Week. Because some social media platforms have age restrictions, young readers may need to participate with the help of a parent or trusted adult.

What does it mean to be a partner? 

Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament partners encourage their patrons or members to participate in the Tournament using their own publicity channels. They’re also welcome to tailor the activity to highlight their own resources using the free Twitter Tournament Toolkit, provided by the Office for Intellectual Freedom.

What are the benefits of being a partner?

The title is not without its perks. Partners:

• receive a Twitter Tournament Toolkit, packed with resources to promote the activity. The toolkit includes customizable flyers, tweet samples, downloadable bookmarks and GIFs
• are featured on the Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament homepage, with their logo, website and Twitter handle
• receive tips, reminders and ideas on how to have a special Banned Books Week

Library partners are also entered into a drawing for intellectual freedom prizes: an Advocacy and Intellectual Freedom Bootcamp hosted at the winning library’s state conference, Intellectual Freedom Manual, Banned Books: Defending Our Freedom to Read and a $50 ALA Store gift card.

Where can libraries and nonprofits sign up to be a partner?

Libraries and nonprofits can sign up on the Rebel Reader at Your Library webpage. This page also has more details about the Tournament, including the Official Rules. Check out which libraries have already signed up for the Tournament on the Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament homepage.