About the Event
In this time of deepening political divides, library staff across the country are facing an overwhelming number of book ban attempts. In 2023 alone, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,247 efforts to censor books and other resources in libraries—an increase of 65% from the year before. In total, 4,240 unique book titles were targeted, many of them representing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices and experiences. We expect the trend to continue, and even in liberal New York, we are starting to see schools push back on books we have used in our programs for years.
At our “Liberate Literacy” 2025 annual benefit, we are honoring:
NYC Councilman Yusef Salaam, banned book author and member of the Exonerated Five, for his ongoing efforts to liberate oppressed voices through the literary arts, leadership, and advocacy.
Ibi Zoboi, award-winning author and education activist, for her commitment to using her platform to offer marginalized children and teens a space in literature.
National Coalition Against Censorship, for providing over 40 years of direct intervention for people and groups facing censorship in their communities. And promoting freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression.
If you can't attend in person, consider making a donation or purchasing a ticket for a teacher.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Atlantic Group, Phillip Anderson, Taylor Bond, Robin Canter & Sally Susman, Kirkland & Ellis, Alvin & Michelle Butler, Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation Sheenam Chadha, D&S Davidson Family Foundation, Jisha & Seth Dymond, Susan Elman & Joseph Ronson, Sean Gilleran, Barbara & William Haney, Kate Jonas, Josef Menasche, Seidman Family Charitable Trust, Stinson Parks III, Paul Sipio, Blair Thetford, Brian & Michelle Trauman, Derry Wilkens, Wilkens Family Fund, and Ian Woolley.
All proceeds support literacy programs in Title 1 NYC schools.
Help the cause by attending the event or making a donation.
240 West 47th Street, New York, NY
Tickets
Purchase your tickets before the event
Individual
$300.00Admits one to the event. If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Ticket for a Teacher
$300.00Buy a ticket for a teacher. If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
E-Journal congratulatory greeting
$200.00One line of congratulatory text (10-15 words) to appear in a group with others. Please note: Does not include tickets. If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Quarter-page e-journal ad
$300.003.5" wide by 2" high with a resolution of 300 dpi or higher Please note: Does not include tickets If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Half-page e-journal ad
$500.003" wide by 4" high with a resolution of 300 dpi or higher Please note: Does not include tickets If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Full page e-journal ad
$1,000.006" wide by 4" high with a resolution of 300 dpi or higher Please note: Does not include tickets If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Audio Book Sponsorship
$2,500.00Quarter-page ad in e-journal Mention in social media post Listing in annual report If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Manuscript Sponsorship
$5,000.00Quarter-page ad in e-journal Sponsor listing on invite, program, and website Social media mention Listing in annual report If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Leather Bound Sponsorship
$10,000.00Half-page ad in e-journal Small-sized logo and mention on sponsor list program Exclusive social media post Newsletter mention Volunteering opportunity of your choice Listing in annual report If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Limited Edition Sponsorship
$15,000.00Half-page ad Logo and mention on sponsor list in eJournal Medium logo and mention on sponsor list in invitation and on website Exclusive social media post Newsletter mention Recognition from the podium Volunteering opportunity of your choice Listing in Annual Report Reserved table with Prosecco If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
First Edition
$25,000.00Full-page ad Logo and mention on sponsor list in eJournal Medium logo and mention on sponsor list in invitation and on website Exclusive social media post Highlight in newsletter Recognition from the podium Volunteering opportunity of your choice Listing in annual report Reserved tables with Prosecco If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Rare Book
$35,000.00Full-page ad Logo and mention on sponsor list in eJournal Large logo and mention on sponsor list in invitation and on website Exclusive social media post A feature story with logo in newsletter Recognition from the podium Volunteering opportunity of your choice Listing in annual report Reserved tables with Prosecco If you prefer not to pay the online service fee, please email Christy Hood at chood@behindthebook.org to pay by check.
Activity
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- Donors
Alan Weil donated $500.00 and generously covered the transaction fee
Tristan Nadal donated $50.00 and generously covered the transaction fee
CRAIG MICHEL purchased a ticket
Jana Schottenstein donated $100.00 and generously covered the transaction fee
Robin Canter purchased a ticket