Updated 10/24/25
This October, Queens Public Library is celebrating Banned Books Week (October 5-11) and the Freedom to Read, all month long!
You learned about our special programs, our always-available eBook list, and our new Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card.
Now, here are more ways you can enjoy and support the freedom to read.
QPL's Freedom to Read Sticker Collection
Pick up your Freedom to Read sticker booklet at your neighborhood library and then fill it with these 10 unique stickers, located across our QPL locations starting October 4!
The stickers feature the artwork of the top 10 finalists from our 2025 Banned Books Library Card Design Contest.
You can find the QPL locations where each sticker is available by clicking here. (The list also appears in the sticker booklet.)
Have fun collecting your stickers and celebrating these talented artists!
Recreate the Freedom to Read Card!
We know you love the unique look of the Freedom to Read Special Edition Library Card, and the great thing about Sammi Wu's design is that you can recreate it yourself on the subway!
You and your friends can strike the same pose as the kids from the Freedom to Read Card, or put your own spin on it, and share your pictures on your social media channels, tag us @QPLNYC, and use the hashtag #FreedomToRead.
Plus, we have a special treat at participating QPL locations — a full-sized replica of the subway seat from the Freedom to Read Card!
If you find the Freedom to Read Card backdrop at these QPL locations, we hope you will take the time to recreate the card!
Bay Terrace (18-36 Bell Boulevard, Bayside)
Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica)
Corona (38-23 104 Street)
Douglaston/Little Neck (249-01 Northern Boulevard)
Elmhurst (86-07 Broadway)
Flushing (41-17 Main Street)
Forest Hills (108-19 71 Avenue)
Howard Beach (92-06 156 Avenue)
Jackson Heights (35-51 81 Street)
Long Island City (37-44 21 Street)
Peninsula (92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach)
South Hollis (204-01 Hollis Avenue)
South Jamaica (108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica)
Freedom to Read Art Exhibit at Central Library
The top 10 finalists from our 2025 Banned Books Library Card Design Contest will also have their artwork displayed at Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica) during the month of October.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the exhibit's Artist Talk and Reception on Saturday, October 11!
Even More Ways to Show Support
Visit the websites of the Banned Books Week Coalition, the American Library Association, and Unite Against Book Bans to find even more resources for supporting and protecting the freedom to read, during Banned Books Week and beyond.
If you have a special way that you're celebrating Banned Books Week and the freedom to read, we hope you'll share it with the staff at your local library, or with us on social media.
Finally, be sure to USE your freedom to read, all the time: borrow banned and challenged books from the Library!
Freedom to Read: Homepage | Freedom to Read: Booklist | Freedom to Read: Programs | Freedom to Read: Special Edition Card