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Join the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, SafeZone Utah, and our local LGBTQ+ and Allied booksellers,  Under The Umbrella, The King's English, The Legendarium & 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 June 2026, Utah is the U.S. State with the highest number of banned books – 35!

The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, SafeZone Utah and our independent book sellers have come together to 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:

 

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 KING'S ENGLISH

Uplifting Community One Book at a Time, since 1977

1511 South 1500 East SLC,UT 84105

801.484.9100

THE LEGENDARIUM

Purveyors of Books, Legends, and Local Roasts

349 East 900 South  SLC,UT  84111

385.222.7788

WELLER BOOK WORKS

Fiercely independent booksellers since 1929

607 Trolley Square SLC,UT  84102

801.328.2586

Donate funds

Monetary 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 our local independent booksellers

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.

UPCOMING BOOK GIVEAWAYS

SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2026 @SLC PRIDE

11a-1p |  400 West 400 North SLC, UT 84103 | LOOK FOR THE BOOKMOBILE!

TUESDAY JUNE 30, 2026 @SLCPL ANDERSON-FOOTHILL BRANCH

4p-5.30p | 1135 South 2100 East, SLC, UT 84108

CHECK BACK FOR MORE EVENTS TO BE LISTED AS CONFIRMED

 

QUESTIONS?

Need more information? Want to recommend your local bookshop or community event for inclusion in the campaign?

Contact liz.pitts@utahlgbtqchamber.org