A group of right-to-read advocates and authors are hosting a live telethon tomorrow to draw attention to freedom to read issues and candidates before the midterms. Vote for the Freedom to Read is a variety show that will be live-streamed on September 24 from 2:00-4:00 PM—and it won’t be recorded so you’ll have to tune in live. The event is the combined effort of more than 35 organizations dedicated to literacy and freedom of expression.
The show’s line-up is a who’s who of cool authors and right-to-read advocates, including Judy Blume, Ann Patchett, Jerrold Conners, Jerry Craft, Alan Gratz, Shannon Hale, Adib Khorram, Ellen Hopkins, Sarah MacLean, Don Martin, Edward Underhill, comedian Kat Radley, and Maris Kreizman. The event is built around a call for concerned citizens to activate and advocate: “SHOW UP by making a plan to vote, then SPEAK UP by calling our representatives together and sharing our commitment to the Freedom to Read.” Publishers Weekly spoke with a few of the organizers behind the event, including Authors Guild general counsel Cheryl L. Davis, who said the event hopes to drive people “to be aware of what’s going on in their communities” and to be educated “as to the kinds of things to look for, and to use your voice, use your vote, to support causes.” The event is free, and you can RSVP and read more on their webpage.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
