Book bans on the rise, one valley organization advocates for underserved communities

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) -- With book bans on the rise, over 10,000 instances in public schools during the 2023–24 school year according to PEN America — the battle for access to diverse literature is intensifying.

While libraries in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and San Diego are joining the nationwide Books Unbanned movement to provide free digital library cards for teens, one organization is taking the fight to the streets -- literally.

The organization founded by sisters, Anais and Mirabelle Lee, have donated over 1,000 books to those in need. Since it's launch, it has expanded to four chapters across the country.

“We mainly focus on donating diverse books to schools, homeless shelters and libraries to make sure that these kids are able to have access to more diverse literature," said Mirabelle Lee, co-founder of the organization.

The Lee sisters are teaming up with several organizations to raise awareness about book bans, even in states like California, where protections are stronger.

"Last year, we worked with the Huntington Beach Library and they were having an issue where a board was being placed that was going to increase the number of book bans and it could remove a lot of books from the shelves," said Anais Lee, co-founder of the organization.

Stay with News Channel 3 for coverage on the organization's efforts to fight book bans.