Books Not Banned: Stories Under Threat, Communities in Action

Books Not Banned is more than just a panel — it's a rallying point for anyone who believes in the power of stories and the right to read them. Join us on October 9th at Lovestruck Books for an evening of thoughtful conversation, community advocacy, and a celebration of books that challenge, inspire, and sometimes ruffle a few feathers. Featuring author and advocate against book bans and soft-censorship, Federico Erebia, the ACLU of Massachusetts’ Liv Santoro, and moderator Meena Jain of Ashland Public Library, this event dives into the realities of book bans and the communities pushing back.

Come for the conversation, stay for the Q&A, tabling, and our special in-store displays — including Blind Date with a Banned Book! Let’s stand together for the freedom to read.

Admission is free, and all are welcome! Seating is limited (with standing room available), so be sure to grab your ticket soon. If the event fills up, you can join the waitlist — and if a spot opens, you'll have 24 hours to claim your ticket before it's offered to the next person.

ACCESSIBILITY

Check-in will take place at our front entrance on Brattle Street. If you have any accessibility needs, you're welcome to use our side entrance (located on the right side of the building), which is wheelchair accessible and has a ramp.

Guests who would benefit from priority seating or any additional assistance are encouraged to reach out in advance — just email us at [email protected]. We're more than happy to make arrangements to ensure you feel comfortable and supported. We’re always learning and looking for ways to make our events more accessible. If you have suggestions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

ABOUT THE PANELIST

Olivia “Liv” Santoro is the Deputy Field Director for Civic Education and Mobilization at the ACLU of Massachusetts. She primarily works with ACLU volunteers and community partners to engage them in civil rights and civil liberties advocacy at the state and local level. She also builds workshops and trainings to help people get the skills they need to be effective advocates in their community. Liv has been with the ACLU of Massachusetts for 8 years.

ABOUT THE PANELIST

Federico Erebia is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author, woodworker, and retired physician. His debut novel, (Levine Querido 2023), received numerous awards and other commendations. His work is included in Just YA, an Anthology for grades 7-12. He is a Read Your World board member; and SCBWI Impact & Legacy Fund steering committee member. He and his husband live near Boston, MA.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

Meena Jain is the director of the Ashland Public Library in Ashland, MA, and a lifelong romance reader.

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Did you know we have both a cafe and a bar? Our bookstore is home to George Howell Coffee & Wine Bar. Serving up delicious espresso drinks, artisanal pastries and more seven days a week starting at 8 AM. At noon the bar comes alive with wine, cocktails, sweet treats, cheese and charcuterie plates, and more! Seating is available indoors and on our covered patio. Want to attend free coffee classes? Visit George Howell Coffee Eventbrite page and look for events listed at “George Howell Coffee & Wine Bar” (our Lovestruck Books location) to stay in the loop!

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

Your presence at the Lovestruck Books event acknowledges that you have been informed of the potential to be documented as part of a video or photo release, and that you grant permission for your likeness to be included in publication of any footage.

Host or Publisher Lovestruck Books