As the number of books being challenged in schools and libraries continues to rise and federal budget cuts threaten the programs that support libraries nationwide, it’s more urgent now than ever that we publishers remain dedicated to protecting the right to read. Last year, PRH’s Intellectual Freedom Taskforce introduced the Banned on the Run 5K fundraiser and activity challenge as a way for our community to come together and take action.
This past June, we brought back Banned on the Run and in three weeks, Penguin Random House and Sourcebooks employees collectively raised over $40,000 for the Freedom to Read Foundation!
These donations will directly fund the foundation’s efforts to protect the First Amendment through advocacy, litigation, and education.
“We believe in books—and when that belief is challenged, we show up,” said Phil Stamper-Halpin, Director of Author Development and organizer of Banned on the Run. “Hundreds of colleagues across the PRH and Sourcebooks communities proved that this year. I hope we’re just getting started.”
The campaign culminated in a community walk and celebration on June 11 at the PRH headquarters in Manhattan, where PRH CEO Nihar Malaviya congratulated a group of over 150 passionate NYC-based employees for their efforts and reiterated our collective commitment to protecting the right to read. Colleagues also gathered remotely for their own Banned on the Run celebrations across the US.
BOTR Community Walk in NYC
Also, in attendance at the NYC celebration was Sophia Sotilleo, Vice President of Freedom to Read Foundation. She asked us to share the following statement with our Banned on the Run community:
“The energy surrounding the run was incredible, and we’re deeply grateful to every staff member who participated. Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm—and PRH’s generous matching gift—we can make an even greater impact in the fight against censorship and in defending the First Amendment right of every American to access information. Together, we’re helping to ensure that ideas, knowledge, and diverse perspectives remain available to all.”
