Thousands of books continue to disappear from school shelves across the country, with nonfiction and books featuring LGBTQ+ people and people of color increasingly among the titles affected. In Colorado, Anythink Libraries is working to ensure those books remain accessible.

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Cover of Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, one of the titles available through Anythink Libraries’ Freedom to Read Collection, which provides free statewide digital access to books that have been banned, challenged or restricted in schools and libraries nationwide.

Cover of Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, one of the titles available through Anythink Libraries’ Freedom to Read Collection, which provides free statewide digital access to books that have been banned, challenged or restricted in schools and libraries nationwide.

During Banned Books Week, Oct. 4-10, Anythink is highlighting its Freedom to Read Collection, a free digital collection that gives Colorado residents ages 13 and older access to ebooks and audiobooks that have been banned, challenged or restricted in schools and libraries nationwide.

The effort comes as new data underscores the continued scope of book bans in the United States. PEN America’s 2026 Facts & Fiction: Stories Stripped Away By Book Bans report identified 3,743 unique titles banned in U.S. public schools during the 2024-2025 school year. More than 1,100 were nonfiction titles, with nonfiction growing from 14% to 29% of all banned titles in a single year.

Books representing historically marginalized communities also continue to be disproportionately affected. According to the report, 39% of banned titles featured LGBTQ+ characters or people, nearly 44% featured characters or people of color, and 22% addressed race and racism.

“Libraries exist to connect people with information, ideas and perspectives, and intellectual freedom is fundamental to that work,” said Mark Fink, Executive Director of Anythink Libraries. “The Freedom to Read Collection gives people the opportunity to encounter different viewpoints, ask questions and ultimately decide for themselves what they want to read.”

Anythink launched the Freedom to Read Collection in 2025 as the first collection of its kind from a Colorado public library. Unlike traditional digital library collections, access is not limited to residents of Anythink’s service area. The collection is available to eligible residents throughout Colorado, regardless of local library affiliation, and no traditional library card is required.

Readers create an account using their name and email address through The Palace Project app, with location verification used to confirm eligibility. The collection includes ebooks and audiobooks for adult, teen and youth audiences, including frequently challenged works, books representing diverse voices and lived experiences, and resources that promote civic understanding, such as the U.S. Constitution.

The collection was designed not only to respond to individual book challenges, but also to remove barriers between readers and information. By making the materials available digitally and statewide, Anythink provides another avenue for Coloradans to access books that may be restricted or unavailable elsewhere.

The Freedom to Read Collection is available at no cost through The Palace Project app for iOS and Android devices.

For more information about the Freedom to Read Collection and how to access it, visit anythinklibraries.org.

About Anythink Libraries

Anythink, an award-winning public library system, serves the residents of Adams County, Colorado via its eight branches, a bookmobile and upcoming Express Libraries in Reunion and Northglenn. With a mission to “Open Doors for Curious Minds,” Anythink is a catalyst for innovation and provides comfortable spaces, accessible resources and hands-on programming for all ages. Guided by values of creativity, optimism, compassion and lifelong learning, the library system is committed to representing the diversity of Adams County and creating a sense of belonging for everyone. Anythink’s digital resources are available 24/7 — including Anythink World, the library’s custom virtual experience platform in the metaverse. The library’s customer experience also extends to specialty spaces and hands-on programs like The Studio, the Nature Library and mySummer. Whether you’re exploring a new topic or mastering a skill, discover something new at Anythink. Learn more: anythinklibraries.org.

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