Resources
As an educator and author, I firmly believe that stories are a gift, and with this gift comes the responsibility to ensure their free and open access. To that important end, I’ve gathered the following resources. As you encounter additional sites along your own journey, please pass them along!
Library of Congress- the world’s largest library
Library of Congress/Education Resources- includes classroom materials and professional development to help educators use primary resources from the Library of Congress’ digital archives
https://www.loc.gov/education/
Dyer Library- a shameless plug for my local public library in Saco, Maine
https://dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org
American Library Association- advocates for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to books and information in all its forms
Unite Against Book Bans- an initiative of the American Library Association focused on opposing censorship
https://uniteagainstbookbans.org
Pen America- a nationwide community of writers, publishers, agents, and other writing professionals focused on championing the freedom to write
Pen America/Book Bans- tracking of book bans across the country (including current lists of banned books) and advocacy actions to fight censorship
Every Child a Reader- nonprofit that provides free books and educational materials, organizes book donations, and fights against book bans
National Education Association/Read Across America-resources for educators
https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america
International Literacy Association- organization for literacy professionals that advocates for children’s right to read and excellence in literacy education
https://www.literacyworldwide.org
International Literacy Association/Children’s Right to Read- free downloadable toolkit that includes literacy activities for various grade levels
https://www.literacyworldwide.org/get-involved/childrens-rights-to-read
Room to Read- nonprofit supporting global literacy and gender equality; site includes free digital resources
Copyright Alliance- represents the voice of the copyright community to advocate for policies to promote and preserve the value of copyright, and protect the rights of creators and innovators
We Are Higher Ed- a coalition of educators advocating for academic freedom and intellectual integrity
Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance- the amazing community of writing professionals in Maine; check out the long list of amazing workshops!
I welcome you to join in on the conversation on Bluesky! @bettebergeron.bsky.social