Join the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, SafeZone Utah, BrainFood Books and Utah's Black, Indigenous, Trans, Queer and Allied booksellers: Under The Umbrella, The King's English, The Legendarium, Crowne Books, Ken Sanders Rare Books & Weller Book Works as we collect banned books to give away at community events throughout the state.

As organizations who understand that freedom of expression is the foundation of our democracy; and, that LGBTQ2SIA+ and BIPOC representation in literature is critical and lifesaving, and because books are our business, we have launched this campaign to counter the vocal minority in Utah today which is working to limit information about the lived experiences of our LGBTQ+ and BIPOC community members. Under the guise of moral rightitude, certain individuals believe that the centering of their ideals and experiences and the consequent erasure of marginalized people is justified and right. This is simply not true. What is true, is that we are stronger when all people have access to the information they need to determine the best paths for themselves.

What is also true…

As of September 2026 - 44 titles have been removed from all Utah public schools!

As of October 2026 - Read Between the Bans has given away 671 books in community.

The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, SafeZone Utah, Brain Food Books and our independent book sellers will center, celebrate, and amplify vital LGBTQ & BIPOC stories through this campaign which will run until there are no more banned books in Utah!

Here's how you can help:

Make a monetary donation today!

Donations to this campaign will be used as follows:

10% of funds raised will be used for campaign operational costs. 90% of funds raised will be used to purchase books directly from the local independent booksellers involved in the campaign. Books purchased with these funds will be titles on the Utah Banned Books List; and, will be given away at community events throughout the year

Buy banned books!

For your own enjoyment, for gifts, or to donate back to our banned book giveaways; buy banned books from our local independent booksellers. You can purchase books online directly from the shop(s) of your choosing - just click a logo below and shop away or visit these amazing businesses in person.

UNDER THE UMBRELLA

A safe, sober and accessible space celebrating queer stories

511 West 200 South Suite 120 | SLC,UT 84101 | 801.922.0923

THE LEGENDARIUM

Purveyors of Books, Legends and Local Roasts

349 East 900 South | SLC,UT 84111 | 385.222.7788

CROWNE BOOKS

Literacy is Liberation

Virtual Shop - Brick & Mortar Opening Soon | 801.494.9936

THE KING'S ENGLISH

Uplifting community one book at a time, since 1977

1511 South 1500 East | SLC,UT 84105 | 801.484.9100

WELLER BOOK WORKS

Fiercely independent booksellers since 1929

607 Trolley Square | SLC,UT | 801.328.2586

KEN SANDERS RARE BOOKS

Come Explore

209 East 500 South SLC,UT 84111

801.521.3819

Upcoming community event book giveaways:

DAVIS AND/OR TOOELE COUNTY 2026 EVENTS (TBD)

PAST GIVEAWAYS:

SLC Pride - June 28, 2026 | KRCL Day in the Park - August 29, 2026 | Pride of Southern Utah - September 26, 2026

Ogden Pride - October 3, 2026

Events will be listed as scheduled thoughout the year and thoughout the state!

COMMUNITY BOOK GIVEAWAYS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR PREMIER COMMUNITY PARTNER:

Questions? Need more information? Want to recommend your local bookshop or community event for inclusion in the campaign? Contact liz.pitts@utahlgbtqchamber.org

Read Between the Bans!

Support Utah's local independent book sellers & LGBTQ+ community