BISG Launches “Season of Giving: Give the Gift of Reading” Challenge
Every book banned is a story silenced — but together, the book industry can turn the page toward hope.
This Season of Giving, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) invites its members and the broader publishing community to join the We Are Stronger Than Censorship campaign to ensure that every reader has access to diverse, inclusive, and empowering stories.
BISG has launched a $16,000 Season of Giving Challenge to fund the purchase and donation of 2,000 books to offset 1,000 book challenges— helping restore access to titles that have been banned or challenged in communities across the United States.
Support the Freedom to Read: Your Gift Makes a Difference
By donating to the We Are Stronger Than Censorship campaign through BISG’s Season of Giving Challenge, supporters will help put books back into the hands of readers who need them most.
“During this Season of Giving, BISG is proud to support We Are Stronger Than Censorship. Together, we’re giving back in the most powerful way we know — by ensuring that every reader, everywhere, has access to the stories that inspire empathy, reflection, and understanding,” said Brian O’Leary, Executive Director of the Book Industry Study Group.
“When books are banned, what’s really being silenced are the voices, experiences, and truths that help us understand one another,” he continued. “With this challenge, every dollar raised, every book donated, is an act of courage and hope — a reminder that together, we can make sure every reader sees themselves reflected on the page.”
“We are not powerless in the face of censorship, and we do not have to play defense,” said Lee Wind, Co-Founder of We Are Stronger Than Censorship and Chief Content Officer for the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). “Since launching in September 2024, We Are Stronger Than Censorship has raised enough to offset 1,400 book challenges, meaning we’ve been able to buy and distribute 2,800 books so far.”
“The ultimate goal is to pull the brakes on the runaway train of book banning, by making the numbers work against the people so eager to block other people’s freedom to read.”
Wind continued, “We’re excited to have BISG put out this challenge to turbo-charge the program and offset even more book challenges. It’s the perfect initiative for this season of giving, and we’re grateful to BISG and the community for coming together to make this happen.”
Recognizing Leadership and Impact
Earlier this year, Lee Wind was named BISG’s 2025 Industry Champion, an honor recognizing individuals whose efforts have advanced the publishing industry as a whole.
Wind was celebrated for co-creating We Are Stronger Than Censorship, transforming the industry’s response to censorship into one of proactive generosity and inclusion.
“Lee’s work exemplifies innovation with purpose,” said Brian O’Leary at the time of the announcement. “In the face of rising book bans, he created a program that doesn’t just raise awareness — it takes measurable, hopeful action to make sure readers continue to see themselves in the books they borrow and buy.”
Wind’s recognition underscores the deep alignment between BISG’s mission to foster an inclusive publishing ecosystem and the campaign’s goal to restore access to the stories that strengthen our shared understanding.
The BISG Season of Giving Challenge
During the months of November and December, BISG members are challenged to collectively raise $16,000 to purchase and donate 2,000 banned and challenged books.
Every contribution — large or small — helps amplify voices that deserve to be heard. With the industry’s support, BISG and its partners can continue to empower readers, uplift authors, and stand united for the freedom to read.
Because when we give the gift of reading, we give the gift of understanding, empathy, and strength.
The EveryLibrary Institute, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, proudly serves as the fiscal agent for the We Are Stronger Than Censorship campaign.
Every donation is tax-deductible and goes directly toward buying and donating banned books to readers and communities across the country.
To donate or learn more, visit https://www.wearestrongerthancensorship.org/bisg_challenge.
About We Are Stronger Than Censorship
We Are Stronger Than Censorship's mission is to combat the rising tide of book banning and censorship by empowering readers, supporting independent publishers, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. The program is run by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the largest trade association of independent publishers in the U.S.
For more information, please visit www.wearestrongerthancensorship.org or contact Lee Wind at lee@ibpa-online.org.