Photo by Pete Koloni

As a book lover who works in the book industry, I have a job that aligns with my love for reading—and I get to work with librarians! Witnessing the sharp rise in attempts to ban books nationwide in recent years, I have become a vocal supporter of the First Amendment in ways that I didn’t expect when I began in publishing in 1988.

Reflecting on my childhood, I realize there were moments that made me the advocate I am today. My struggles with reading, the educators and librarians who supported me, and the writers and artists who introduced me to new worlds and ideas all molded me. I am who I am because I have the freedom to read, and it is my mission to pass that on to future generations.

My family was wealthy in many ways when I was young, but not financially. The books in my life came from my school library and the small library in my Baptist church. Those were the places where I could learn and grow. In school, reading was difficult for me. I had a reading teacher who also worked as our school librarian. She was glad to see me enjoy books, and she always motivated me to read more. Books have been faithful companions, guides, and windows into different realities than mine. They have helped me understand the world, shaped my values, and enhanced my ability to empathize. Reading has allowed me to experience many different lives, face complex moral problems, and benefit from perspectives I would never have encountered otherwise.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Penguin Random House, where we publish books for all kinds of readers and believe that books can change people’s lives. For those who work in the industry, book banning is a direct threat to the essence of our work: to spread ideas, stories, and information. When books are banned, it infringes on the freedom of expression and reduces the diversity of voices that can be heard in public discourse. It stifles creativity and discourages authors from tackling sensitive subjects or writing about their personal experiences.

Book bans also have severe economic impacts on writers, artists, publishers, and bookstores. When books are banned from libraries and schools, it lowers their potential to connect with readers and, consequently, their sales opportunities. Bans and challenges have a broader chilling effect because few authors and publishers can afford to risk publishing stories that could face backlash and get pulled from shelves.

Diverse stories enhance empathy and understanding, affirm identity and experience, and inspire imagination and ambition among readers of all ages. Book bans limit access to a broad range of perspectives, marginalize readers, and create a culture of censorship. Seeing yourself reflected in the books you read can affirm your experiences and identities and enhance your ability to empathize with others. Representation in literature can validate the personal experiences of readers, particularly those from marginalized communities. When books are banned or challenged, it limits the discourse around complex issues, stifles creativity, and impedes the development of critical thinking skills—especially among young readers.

I will keep defending the freedom that our Constitution guarantees, whether I’m speaking in front of legislative committees or promoting and coordinating PRH’s work to uphold our First Amendment rights. My work in the book industry inspires me to fight for the principles of free speech and information availability.

It comes as no surprise to those in the library profession that books have the power to change people and society. That’s why I am a strong advocate for the right to read, explore, and understand the full spectrum of human experience. It is vital for the formation of personal identities and the progress of our society that those ideas can be communicated freely through books.

Skip Dye Is SVP, Library Sales and Digital Strategy, at Penguin Random House.

MORE FROM LJ ON THE IMPACTS OF CENSORSHIP

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It Gets Personal: Four Voices

BROOKY PARKS  l  Hard Victory for Equity

SKIP DYE  l  The Making of an Advocate

DR. CARLA HAYDEN  l  Renewing Our Commitment

AMANDEEP KOCHAR  l  Sharpening My Resolve

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