Teach Truth events at The Seattle Public Library spotlight the freedom to read and learn
release date: June 6, 2025
The Seattle Public Library invites you to join Teach Truth Days of Action programs on three Saturdays in June. Help us celebrate the freedom to read and learn through teach-ins, a documentary screening, story times, artmaking, and a silent-read-in and flash mob.
“We are so excited to participate in the national Teach Truth Days of Action, especially in this time of widespread censorship and misinformation,” said Emily Grayson, history librarian. “Youth deserve to see themselves reflected in books and to learn accurate history so they have the knowledge to create a more just society. Public libraries play a crucial role in upholding those rights.
All library events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required for any of the Library’s Teach Truth event. Details are below.
- "Defending the Freedom to Learn," Saturday, June 7, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Meredith Matthews YMCA, Seattle. Learn about Seattle’s 1966 student school boycott at the site of a former freedom school while making connections to the continued fight for liberatory education. Activities will include a teach-in with special guests, exhibits, and opportunities to create and connect with community.
- "Banned Together: The Fight Against Censorship.” Saturday, June 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Central Library, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. Watch the documentary "Banned Together," which follows students and their adult allies as they fight to reinstate 97 books suddenly pulled from their school libraries. The screening will be followed by an optional discussion.
- Freedom to Read Story Time. Saturday, June 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. High Point Branch. We will read inclusive picture books that celebrate the freedom to read. Parents and caregivers can learn about other books that have faced book challenges.
- #TeachTruth Day of Action at the Central Library: Saturday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Freedom to Read Story Time. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children’s Center, Level 1, Central Library. We will read inclusive picture books that celebrate the freedom to read, sing songs, and do art activities.
- Books Unbanned artmaking. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Teen Center, Level 3, Central Library. Decorate tote bags and bookmarks that celebrate the freedom to read and the Library’s Books Unbanned program.
- Silent Read-In and Flash Mob. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Living Room, Level 3, Central Library. Join us for a silent read-in featuring books that have been banned or challenged. If you want to participate in our silent read-in flash mob, wear all black, meet at 12:30 p.m. on Level 3, and join others to spell out phrases like "Fight Book Bans" and "Teach Truth."
- Freedom to Learn Teach-In. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Level 4, Room 1, Central Library. We'll share tips for gathering resources, gaining skills, and taking action in the fight to Teach Truth. Speakers will include local educatorJesse Hagopian, author of "Teach Truth: the Struggle for Antiracist Education."
In addition, the Magnolia Branch will host an interactive #TeachTruth pop-up display through the month of June.
The Seattle Public Library’s Books Unbanned program fights censorship and expands access by offering a free card to our entire digital collection of e-books and e-audiobooks to young people ages 13 to 26. Since 2023, almost 16,000 teens and young adults from every U.S. state and territory have signed up for a Books Unbanned card, and have checked out more than 440,000 e-books and e-audiobooks.
#TeachTruth, by the Zinn Education Project, is a commitment by educators to teach full and accurate U.S. history and current events, and to affirm the humanity of all students and staff. You can find other events around Seattle area or other regions at the Teach Truth Days of Action map.
About The Seattle Public Library
The Library believes that the power of knowledge improves people's lives. We promote literacy and a love of reading as we bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and empower community. Find more events at www.spl.org/Calendar.
Contact the Library’s Ask Us service by phone at 206-386-4636 or by email or chat at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.