Not everyone will agree on everything, but if we read, reason and think, books will help us to a better future. Reading is not just a privilege in this country, it's a right. Let's keep it that way. If you think there is room for more than one opinion . . . We believe the free exchange of ideas cannot be taken for granted.
Free speech is as intrinsic to a democratic society as it is to our own livelihoods.
Our member stores have also led local campaigns in their own cities and neighborhoods to raise awareness around censorship concerns. We believe free speech cannot be taken for granted. Without the First Admendment, publishers are not free to choose which books to publish, booksellers are not free to choose which books to order, display and sell, and readers are not free to decide which books they wish to read. Without freedom of speech, not only books but the very commerce of ideas would be stifled. One excellent source of information is the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression page on the internet devoted to free speech news .