Overview

• Former President Barack Obama has spoken out against the rising tide of conservative-led efforts to ban books, particularly those written by or featuring marginalized communities.
• Obama emphasized the importance of engaging with different perspectives and denounced attempts to censor books as 'profoundly misguided.'
• Libraries across the country have been on the front lines fighting against book bans, with some facing threats of violence and intimidation.
• In solidarity with libraries, Obama has appeared in TikTok videos promoting book access and diverse viewpoints.
• Obama acknowledged many banned books focus on people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups.