The ABA Right to Read Handbook: Fighting Book Bans and Why It Matters (2024)

American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE) is the free speech initiative of the American Booksellers Association (ABA). ABA is a national trade association that supports and advocates for the success of independent bookstores. ABA provides members with education, networking opportunities, advocacy, resources, and technology. In turn our members, over 2,500 independent bookstores across the United States, support local schools through book fairs, donations and author visits; promote literacy; provide inclusive community centers; connect readers and books; add character to neighborhoods; champion and center diverse and new voices; and contribute to the local economy. ABFE is the bookseller's voice in the fight against censorship, promoting and protecting free expression in books and in literary culture, through legal advocacy, education, and collaboration with our allies.

Philomena Polefrone, PhD is a member of ABA's Advocacy team and point person for ABFE. A former bookseller, she was also a Lecturer at Columbia University, where she taught courses in writing, literature and activism, science fiction, and political philosophy.