We Stand With The Librarians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2025THE SPINE BOOKSHOP STANDS WITH RUTHERFORD COUNTY LIBRARIANS IN OPPOSITION TO BOOK BANS AND ANTI-LGBTQIA+ LEGISLATION Smyrna, TN

The Spine Bookshop stands in full support of the librarians of Rutherford County and their opposition to the book bans and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation decision made last night at the Rutherford County Library System board meeting. This decision is a direct attack on intellectual freedom and the right of every individual to access diverse stories and perspectives.Librarians are the backbone of our communities, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can find books that educate, inspire, and reflect the richness of the human experience. The recent ruling not only undermines their essential work but also seeks to silence LGBTQIA+ voices and other marginalized communities.“We refuse to let censorship and discrimination dictate what stories can be told,” said Lindsay Schultz, owner of The Spine Bookshop. “Our librarians are standing up for the right to read, and we are standing with them. Every person in Rutherford County—no matter their age, background, or identity—deserves access to books that represent the full spectrum of human experience.”In response to this decision, The Spine Bookshop is taking action by:Expanding our banned and challenged book selection, ensuring these important stories remain accessible.Partnering with local organizations to support intellectual freedom and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.Hosting community events to educate and engage readers on the impact of censorship.We urge the Rutherford County community to join us in supporting our librarians, standing against censorship, and advocating for inclusive literature. Let’s ensure that our libraries and bookstores remain places where all voices can be heard.For more information, or to get involved.

Please contact:

Lindsay Schultz Owner

The Spine Bookshopthespinebookshop@gmail.com

Thespinebookshop.com

615-768-9833

Banned Book Brigade

 

In order to make banned books more accessible, we invite you to participate in our initiative by either donating a banned book directly or making a monetary donation to support the purchase of banned books. These books will then be made available for free, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with a wide range of literature without barriers or restrictions. By contributing to this cause, you'll play a vital role in promoting intellectual freedom and celebrating the power of diverse stories.