Readers across the US can check out banned books from New York Public Library

According to the American Library Association, more attempts were made to ban books in 2021 than any other time since it started tracking bans two decades ago. And most of the titles being removed from schools and public libraries deal with racism, gender and sexuality.

To fight that censorship and "to make sure no perspective, no idea, no identity is erased," the New York Public Library is allowing people across the US to digitally check out a selection of unbanned books at no charge.

In partnership with publishers Hachette, Macmillan and Scholastic, NYPL is offering immediate access to four titles that have been banned or challenged. No need for a library card and no wait times or late fees — people just download the library's free e-reader app, SimplyE, and go to the Books for All Collection. The initiative runs through the end of May 2022.