[BRADENTON, FL] In response to the growing surge of book bans across the country, the Book Manufacturers Institute (BMI) is proud to support We Are Stronger Than Censorship, a bold new initiative that empowers readers and the publishing industry with a grassroots, community-driven response. The campaign, led by the IBPA and the EveryLibrary Institute, aims to restore access to quality printed books, particularly those published by independent presses.

Book bans create a chilling effect, forcing librarians and educators to avoid bringing in meaningful, relevant titles—even when they know those books would benefit students and patrons. Independent publishers, often mission-driven and focused on amplifying marginalized perspectives, have been especially hard-hit. Many have experienced sharp declines in sales to schools and libraries, threatening their sustainability and silencing important stories.

The We Are Stronger Than Censorship program is a proactive solution, designed to put those stories back into readers’ hands. To help meet this mission, BMI is calling on its members to contribute to a $16,000 fundraising goal. Once that goal is met, BMI will match the amount—doubling the impact and enabling the donation of 4,000 printed books to communities facing censorship challenges.

How Your Donation Helps:
$160 buys 20 books to respond to 10 local book challenges
$1,600 funds 200 books, addressing 100 book challenges

All donations are tax-deductible and processed through the EveryLibrary Institute, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your gift is not just a financial contribution—it’s a powerful statement that you believe in the right to read freely and in the value of printed books as vehicles for education, inclusion, and change.

Make your donation today and stand with us in supporting a future where every story can be told, shared, and celebrated.

To donate or learn more, visit:
https://www.wearestrongerthancensorship.org/bmi_challenge