San Francisco-based independent ad 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 in local school systems.  

The 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.  

Publishers HarperCollins and Penguin Random House have donated banned 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.”  

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.  

And 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, 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," 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.” 

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 organization. 

Duval County has banned nearly 200 books from its schools.