Penguin Random House & School Library Journal Join PEN America, NCTE, NCAC, and FReadom to Create Original Poster Supporting the Freedom to Read

May 1, 2022 (New York, NY) – To show support for authors, illustrators, students, parents, librarians, and teachers, Penguin Random House and School Library Journal have partnered with PEN America, the National Coalition Against Censorship, the National Council of Teachers of English, FReadom, and Library Journal to create a poster that emphasizes the importance of free expression as book bans and challenges spread across the country. The poster is included in the May 2022 issue of School Library Journal and amplified by a social media campaign.

Titled “Open Books, Open Doors,” original artwork for the poster was created by award-winning artist Rafael López, illustrator of Just Ask by Justice Sonia Sotomayor and several other children’s books published by Penguin Random House. The vivid, colorful illustration features a child stepping into a larger-than-life book as they’re transported into a beautiful new world. The back of the poster outlines a call-to-action to visit the Penguin Random House Banned Books Resource Hub, which provides tools, materials, and organizations that educators, librarians, parents, students, authors, and illustrators can turn to in the face of book bans and challenges.

“At Penguin Random House, we believe reading is essential for an informed and engaged democracy. Even—and perhaps most especially—the youngest members of our society benefit by learning about the world through books that showcase a diverse range of perspectives and experiences,” said Madeline McIntosh, CEO, Penguin Random House U.S. “We’re proud to come together with School Library Journal and our vital partners to support the freedom to read.”

“We’re honored to stand with our partners through this important project to amplify the importance of the freedom to read,” said Etienne Veber, CEO of MSI, parent company of School Library Journal. “Fostering lifelong learning by connecting readers to high-quality books is at the heart of what we do. We support and believe in the power of reading widely and freely to engage readers of all ages and make a better world for all.”

In addition to distribution in School Library Journal, a limited run of printed poster copies will be available to educators, librarians, and parents at select industry events and retail locations throughout the summer. The 18x24 poster and social media assets are also available for direct digital download at slj.com/readfree.

About School Library Journal:

School Library Journal is the premiere publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens. A source of quality journalism and reviews for more than 60 years, SLJ produces award-winning features and news coverage on: literacy, best practices, technology, education policy, and other issues of interest to the school library and greater educator community. We evaluate a broad range of resources, from books and digital content to databases, in 6000+ reviews published annually.

About Penguin Random House:

Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission to ignite a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson. As of April 1, 2020, Bertelsmann is full owner of the company. With more than 300 imprints and brands on six continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital English- German- and Spanish-language trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide. With over 16,000 new titles, and more than 700 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 80 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.