Almost four years ago, I , along with several colleagues, responded to attacks on the freedom to read in Texas and cofounded a grassroots group to fight censorship. We would have been shocked to know that this fight would have still been going on four years later. As those who know me know, I've dedicated my time the last four years to this effort, speaking at conferences, doing webinars, helping advocates on the phone, meeting with other advocates, serving on committees, listening to school board meetings at dinner, and speaking at legislative hearings, all mostly on my own budget. I've done it as a labor of love, because I profoundly believe in the freedom to read and the power of libraries to serve their communities.

But with this fight continuing for the indefinite future, I've decided maybe it's time to ask for a little help(sheepishly). Donations would help me pay fees for conferences where I speak, purchase stickers and cards for our grassroots group, and defray costs of rides to the capitol and other travel to advocate for students' freedom to read.

Our grassroots group doesn't take in donations and while some of this GoFundMe would be used for items for that work, it also is primarily aimed at the broader work that I'm doing to support the first amendment.

It's hard to ask, but I guarantee it'll be put towards a good cause. I've been blessed with supportive friends and family the last several years and amazing colleagues and thankful they've kept me(and many of us!) going because this fight has been so long. Thank you for your support, even if you just read this. And please keep calling your elected officials in support of libraries and check out books at your library!

Thanks, Carolyn