​Join the Movement
Seek Truth. Read Freely. Resist Censorship.
Welcome to a space where banned books are not hidden—but honored. At Pine Street Church, we believe stories have power. They expand empathy, confront injustice, and awaken our shared humanity. In a time when voices are being silenced across our nation, we are creating a sacred space for those stories to live, breathe, and be shared.
WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS
Across the country, a wave of censorship is threatening access to literature that centers Black voices, LGBTQ+ identities, immigrant journeys, and historical truths. Books that challenge systems of oppression or offer affirming representation are being pulled from shelves—often under the guise of “protection.”
But we know:
  • Books build bridges across difference.
  • Books open minds and hearts.
  • Books change lives.​
The Freedom Shelf is our act of spiritual resistance. It’s our way of saying: knowledge matters, inclusion matters, truth matters. We are committed to curating, sharing, and blessing these banned books because they deserve to be seen and read—not silenced.
“Censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance.”  
–  Laurie Halse Anderson
The Freedom Shelf – Banned Book for the Common Good Project is our response. It is an act of faith, love, and justice. By creating a curated library of banned and challenged books—both in our Little Free Library and our church bookshelf—we commit to resisting censorship, amplifying marginalized voices, and cultivating a community of deeper understanding.

The Freedom Shelf (Inside Pine Street Church)
A thoughtfully curated library located in our parlor. These books are available for reflection, discussion, and deeper spiritual engagement—especially during church events and study groups.

Little Free Library (Outside the Church)
Our public-facing bookshelf invites anyone in the Boulder community to take or leave a banned book. It is a visible sign of our commitment to open dialogue, free expression, and compassionate inclusion.

Banned Book Blessing

On October 5, 2025, Pine Street Church will launch this project with a special Banned Book Blessing. We invite everyone to bring a book from our curated list of banned and challenged titles, or another book that speaks to freedom, justice, and inclusion. During worship, we will bless these books, honoring their power to teach, transform, and build bridges of compassion.

After the blessing, participants will be invited to:
  • Place their books into our Little Free Library          (for the community)
  • Add books to the Freedom Shelf inside the church (for deeper study and reflection)
This is more than a book drive; it’s a movement to protect stories that shape us for the better. We encourage you to take part, share your own reflections on banned books, and help us ensure that voices silenced elsewhere can speak freely here. “Seek Truth. Read Freely. Resist Censorship.”
Check out our [100 Banned Books Wish List] and bring a copy to the church—or purchase it through our partner bookstore.
Support the Freedom Shelf as a library steward, help us organize reading circles, or assist with cataloging books.
Do you know a title that should be on our shelves? Help us keep our collection alive and relevant. Let us know!
​Make a Donation
If you can’t bring a book, consider making a financial contribution to support book purchases, shelf maintenance, and program events. [Give here] to help keep the Freedom Shelf growing.
Book Blessing Sunday
Join us on Kickoff Sunday October 5, 2025 as we bless the first round of donated books during worship. You’ll have the chance to place your book on either our outdoor shelf or church library.
Book Lists & Resources
Little Free Library – Current Titles: [TBA]
Indoor Freedom Shelf – Current Titles: [TBA]

Resources for Research and Reading:
Top 100 Most Challenged Books – ALA
Book Censorship Database – EveryLibrary

Our 7 Categories:
  1. Racial Justice & Black Voices
  2. LGBTQ+ Identity & Experience
  3. Immigrant & Refugee Stories
  4. Women’s Rights & Feminist Classics
  5. Historical Truth Tellers
  6. Religious Inclusion & Spiritual Diversity
  7. Challenged Children’s Books
How to Order a Book for the Freedom Shelf
You can help stock our shelves—both outdoors and inside the church—by purchasing a banned or challenged book from our 100 Banned Books Wish List.
Order from Our Local Partner –
​Trident Booksellers
Support local and order directly from Trident, our partner bookstore in Boulder
Order from Another Source
Prefer a different retailer?
​You can also purchase from:
  • Bookshop.org – Supports independent bookstores nationwide
  • Amazon – Convenient shipping options
  • Your favorite local bookstore anywhere in the country
Once your book arrives, bring it to the church or ship it directly to: 

Pine Street Church
1237 Pine St.
Boulder, CO 80302
Meet the Freedom Shelf Team:
Stuart Lord, Christine Brockett, Andy Minden, Lori Johnson, Carol Simpson, Peter Citarella, Francis Duffy, David L'Hommedieu, Andrew Daugherty, Mike Simpson, Alicia Andersen, Marlys Lietz, 
Rooted in Faith
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with wisdom… singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
— Colossians 3:16

We believe banned books serve a sacred calling: to challenge us, teach us, and call us into holy accountability. They help us see the divine in the margins and invite us to love more boldly.
Stay Involved
Upcoming Events:
  • Banned Book Blessing Sunday – October 5, 2025
On October 5th, we’ll kick off National Banned Books Week by blessing the first round of books donated to our Freedom Shelf—both in our outdoor Little Free Library and inside the church.
During worship, you’ll be invited to bring a banned or challenged book forward, and join in a brief blessing. After the service, you can choose whether your book goes on our outdoor shelf for the public to access, or inside our church library for members and guests.​
Follow Us on Social Media
Share your favorite banned books and Freedom Shelf moments.
Pine Street Church | 1237 Pine Street | Boulder, CO 80302 
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