A coalition of advocates for the right to read and a group of authors are organizing a live telethon tomorrow to draw attention to issues surrounding freedom to read and the political landscape ahead of the elections. Show Up, Speak Up! Vote for the Freedom to Read is a variety program that will be streamed live on September 24 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM—and there will be no recording, so viewers must watch in real time.
The gathering results from the efforts of over 35 organizations dedicated to literacy and freedom of expression. The program’s lineup reads like a who’s who of prominent writers and fierce advocates for the right to read, featuring 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 centers on a call for engaged citizens to take action: “SHOW UP by making a plan to vote, then SPEAK UP by contacting our representatives and demonstrating our commitment to the Freedom to Read.”
Publishers Weekly spoke with several organizers behind the telethon, including Cheryl L. Davis, general counsel of the Authors Guild, who said the event aims to encourage people “to become aware of what’s happening in their communities” and to be educated “about the kinds of things to look for, and to use your voice, use your vote, to support causes.”
The telethon is free of charge, and interested participants can RSVP and find more information on the organizers’ website.
Image from Red Wine & Blue.
