06:00, 07 May 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Publishing giant Penguin Random House has released a collection with 100% of profits going to help public US libraries.
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Bookworms, fashionheads, and freedom fighters – assemble. Publishing giant Penguin Random House just teamed up with LA streetwear label Online Ceramics to drop a fire new clothing collection that’s way more than just a drip check. Dubbed Reading Is a Right, the line blends bold graphics with a powerful message: books should be for everyone.
The collection features tie-dye hoodies, tees, hats and socks, stamped with phrases like “Practice Magic: Read” and “Reading Is a Right.” Beyond the vibes, it’s about action: 100% of net profits are going to the American Library Association, backing public libraries and pushing back against the wave of book bans sweeping the U.S.
FYI, the censorship stats are wild – 2,452 unique titles were challenged in 2024 alone. That’s almost 10x the yearly average from the early 2000s. Penguin Random House isn’t just sitting back either. They’ve been making legal moves, and even launched the Banned Wagon Tour, handing out free banned books across the U.S. The global publisher has also set up the Penguin Random House Intellectual Freedom Taskforce as an initiative during banned books week to protect the freedoms of reading which also included the Banned Wagon Tour.
The collab comes at a time when stories are under siege – and this line lets readers wear their resistance. The $135 “For the Curious” hoodie or £28-ish “Reading Is a Right” socks aren’t just cozy – they’re a statement.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
American Library Association (ALA). This organisation iss at the frontlines of battling book bans and supporting public libraries across the US. Learn more here.
PEN America. A US nonprofit that tracks and challenges book bans, advocating for freedom of expression and literary freedom. Support them here.
Little Free Library. This organisation promotes book access by encouraging community book sharing through mini-libraries. Find out more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Quality Education and Partnerships for the Goals.
