Banned Books Week is October 1–7, and once again, it is time to further the call to action, not a cause for celebration. The battle against book banning and other censorship attempts is most intense and arguably most important at the local level, and the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) has launched a network to help those who want to create or join an organization that fights for intellectual freedom in their community.

The Kids’ Right to Read Network (KRRN; ncac.org/kRRN) is a network of local groups that are fighting for young people’s freedom to read. It already includes the Florida Freedom to Read Project, Citizens or Truth and Justice (FL), and Annie's Foundation (IA), among other organizations.

“The goal of KRRN is to bring together the local groups that are fighting in school and library districts across the country,” NCAC executive director Christopher Finan said in an announcement. “We are also urging everyone who cares about the freedom to read to start a Kids’ Right to Read group in their community.”

KRRN will host monthly meetings where groups can share information and gain access to resources provided by NCAC and its participating organizations.

Those resources include:

• Offering social media platforms as a “lifeline” for members to remain in contact with each other and build continuity.

• Sharing general talking points and replicable letters.

• Training and workshops on op-ed writing, letter campaigns, and other skills as needed.

• Access to experts to speak on book challenges, including authors, editors, lawyers, and other volunteers.

• Support with media strategies, both local and national, including providing access to national media.

• Help understanding local school board policies related to book ­challenges.

• Assistance developing school board strategies and tactical plans to prevent and/or reverse book bans.

• Support building attendance at school board meetings.

Anyone interested can start a local affiliate or join an already established one by going to ncac.org/KRRN.