“At the EveryLibrary Institute, we are focused on defending the freedom to read wherever it is under threat. Our partnership with Charity Opus provides direct support for this work, ensuring that readers can play an active role in protecting access to books and ideas.”
— John Chrastka
Executive Director, EveryLibrary
Fight for the First
Protecting the Freedom to Read
Fight for the First is a national initiative of EveryLibrary dedicated to defending libraries, protecting authors, and safeguarding the freedom to read across the United States.
Through Charity Opus, readers directly support this mission by unlocking the Stephen Graham Jones Horror Collection — converting their purchase into direct funding for Fight for the First’s active defense of the freedom to read.
A Direct Partnership
Charity Opus has worked closely with John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary Institute, to ensure that funds raised through Charity Opus support concrete, high-impact initiatives.
These discussions have focused on where support is needed most—and how readers can play a direct role in defending access to books and ideas.
This is not a general donation pool. Funds raised through Charity Opus are part of a coordinated effort to strengthen the fight against book banning and censorship.
Funds raised through Charity Opus are allocated by EveryLibrary leadership to support active initiatives currently underway.
Why This Matters Now
Book bans and censorship efforts have accelerated across the United States, placing libraries, authors, and readers under increasing pressure.
Fight for the First exists to ensure that libraries can continue to serve their communities—and that access to books remains protected.
Every collection unlocked through Charity Opus contributes directly to this effort.
How Funds Are Used
Funds raised help Fight for the First:
• Support libraries and librarians facing active censorship challenges
• Help communities resist book bans and protect access to diverse voices
• Fund strategic initiatives that defend the freedom to read nationwide
• Strengthen infrastructure needed to respond quickly to censorship efforts
These are real, active efforts happening now—not future intentions.
Accountability Transparency
EveryLibrary Institue NFP is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a national track record of supporting libraries and defending access to books.
Charity Opus provides direct financial support to Fight for the First through a defined partnership with EveryLibrary Institue leadership, ensuring funds support active freedom-to-read initiatives.
You can learn more about Fight for the First.org.
50% of your purchase of the Stephen Graham Jones Collection directly funds Fight for the First’s active efforts to defend the freedom to read.
Testimonials
“When you’re a solo school librarian under fire from book banners, it’s tough to stand up on your own. But Fight for the First made it easy to spread the word, raise awareness, and grow support for the right to read. Thanks to Fight for the First, hundreds of community members are by my side fighting for intellectual freedom not just in our school district but also at the state level as we advocate for the NJ Freedom to Read bill.” — Martha Hixon, School Librarian, North Hunterdon High School.
“When we launched our coalition to oppose anti-library legislation in Utah, Fight For the First gave us a turn-key platform and suite of tools that allowed us to quickly identify and activate library supporters who helped kill a number of bad bills in the legislature. Embedding petitions and email campaigns on the Let Utah Read website, combined with digital marketing support, helped us add nearly 3,000 Utahns to our community of library supporters and activists over the last year. As a result, we are in a much stronger position heading into the future to protect libraries and the principles of free expression in Utah.” — Rebekah Cummings, Advocacy Co-Chair, Utah Library Association / Co-Founder, Let Utah Read
"This initiative [Fight for the First] has been transformative for our cause. Beyond the tools and financial support - which have been critical - it's the sense of solidarity that has been most impactful. Fight for the First connects us with a wide network of library advocates, all dedicated to ensuring open access to information. It's heartening to know that we're part of a larger movement, with EveryLibrary Institute standing ready to offer expertise and resources that amplify our local endeavors." — Freedom to Read Nevada co-chair Ilya Arbatman