08/05/2023

The Australian book industry is united.

Access to high-quality, trusted reading material is more important to our society than ever before.

Reading helps us to understand the world around us, increasing our tolerance, empathy and connection to our community. Public libraries play an essential role in ensuring that all Australians have  access to books and information.

There is no place for the actions taken this week by some members of Cumberland City Council, who chose to remove a book featuring same-sex parenting from library shelves. They have let themselves down, and they’ve let their community down.

We call on all those who value reading and libraries to speak up publicly, and sign the Equality Australia petition in support of the freedom to read.

We endorse the statement of the Australian Library and Information Association on this matter, and wholeheartedly support them and their colleagues.

Supported by the Books Create Australia partners:

• Australian Publishers Association
• Australian Library and Information Association
• BookPeople
• Australian Society of Authors