Independent advertising agency Venables Bell + Partners has launched The Unbanned Book Club, an initiative that will provide communities in Duval County, FL access to books currently banned and challenged in the local school systems.
The Unbanned Book Club was created in partnership with Little Free Library, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access through a global network of free book exchange boxes. Utilizing its network, The 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,” said Greig Metzger, executive director of Little Free Library. “At our core as an organization, 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, FL. They will be managed in collaboration with 904WARD, a nonprofit organization committed to creating a community of inclusion for all Jacksonville residents.
Jacksonville is located within Duval County, FL, a region that has banned and/or challenged over 150 books in local schools over the past two years; however, similar restrictions exist in over 30 states across America. 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.
“A core mission guides The Unbanned Book Club: When they ban books in schools, we un-ban them in the communities,” said 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.”
Taproom Studios and Optimyst produced this video which promotes The Unbanned Book Club initiative. Animator on the flip book video was Luke Davisson of Optimyst.
