Penguin Random House dropped a 'book ban' clothing line; 100% of profits will help libraries

A collage of clothing items on a lilac background. The clothing items include a white, orange, and black tie-dyed t-shirt with the image of a penguin printed on top, a black baseball cap, orange socks, and orange sweatpants.

Penguin Random House is known for its iconic status as a book publishing house and defender of the First Amendment, challenging book bans in states across the United States.

But in a new campaign, the company has made a banned book the… second coolest accessory.

Partnering with Online Ceramics, a Los Angeles-based clothing brand that makes hand-dyed apparel (most notably for A24 and the Grateful Dead), Penguin Random House has debuted a clothing collaboration, aptly titled “Reading Is A Right.”

The front and back view of an orange and black tie-dyed hoodie. The front includes Penguin Random House's logo. The back reads: "For the Curious."
The "For the Curious" hoodie is $135 and comes in sizes S-XXL. Photo courtesy of Online Ceramics/Penguin Random House

The capsule collection features apparel items like socks, sweats, T-shirts, and hats with messaging intended to raise awareness about book bans.

Penguin Random House has committed to donating 100% of its net profits from the collection to the American Library Association

In addition to supporting libraries and librarians nationwide, the ALA is a nonprofit that compiles data on book challenges throughout the U.S. and acts as a watchdog for censorship efforts in public institutions.

“This message is incredibly timely in this climate when censorship is rampant and federal funding for libraries has been gutted,” ALA’s president, Cindy Hohl, said in a statement.

A bumper sticker that reads "Read a banned book."
The bumper sticker is the cheapest in the collection, at $5. Photo courtesy of Online Ceramics/Penguin Random House

Like Hohl mentioned, book challenges are growing in the U.S. According to ALA’s data, 2,452 unique titles were challenged in 2024, which is in contrast to the average 273 unique titles challenged annually between 2001 and 2020.

President Donald Trump also recently signed an executive order that cuts funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Penguin Random House is among publishers suing states like Idaho and Florida over challenges to books by authors like Jodi Picoult, John Green, Angie Thomas, and more. 

A cream t-shirt with an orange illustration of a penguin reading a book.
The "Practice Magic" T-shirt is $60 (a tie-dye version is available for $65) in sizes S-XXL. Photo courtesy of Online Ceramics/Penguin Random House

“Censorship, in the form of book bans, is a direct threat to democracy and our constitutional rights, as well as our mission to create books for everyone,” Penguin Random House’s website states.

“That’s why we’re defending books in court.”

And this new collection helps defend books on the streets.

Orange crew socks with the phrase "reading is a right" printed on the ankles in white text.
The "Reading is a Right" socks go for $35. Photo courtesy of Online Ceramics/Penguin Random House

It includes cream and tie-dyed T-shirts featuring the publisher’s fuzzy penguin mascot, who appears to be reading an open book; Its cover says “Practice Magic: Read.” 

These go for a heftier $65, though shoppers can also find more affordable items, like $35 “Reading Is a Right” socks, and a $5 “Read a Banned Book” bumper sticker.

Other higher value items include hoodies and sweatpants, priced at $135 and $85, respectively. 

Another T-shirt acts more as a walking billboard for Penguin Random House’s Intellectual Freedom Task Force, which directs anyone reading it to the publisher’s hub on book bans.

A black t-shirt with orange and white lettering, promoting Penguin Random House's Intellectual Freedom Task Force
The "Intellectual Freedom Task Force" T-shirt is $60, available in sizes S-XXL. Photo courtesy of Online Ceramics/Penguin Random House

Elijah Funk, a co-founder of Online Ceramics, said the publisher is “the absolute epicenter of all things books,” as reported by Fast Company.

“I’ve always wanted to partner with them, and once I found out about their work standing up for the freedom to read, I knew we needed to highlight their efforts as a positive force for good and bring more visibility to this issue,” Funk added. 

“There’s a reason books are usually one of the first things to be burned or banned from communities. Books are about justice, freedom, history, and imagination: some of the most powerful tools a person or community can have. And the library makes them free and accessible for every person.”

Any purchases made from the collection between April 15 and Tuesday, July 15 of this year will contribute to the ALA’s Literacy Bridge Fund to support media literacy efforts and keep books on library shelves. 

The brands have also offered a 20% discount to all educators and librarians.

Header image courtesy of Online Ceramics/Penguin Random House

Article Details

April 30, 2025 10:47 AM
A library sits on wood palettes, surrounded by construction workers at night

City comes together to physically move library across town, out of a flood zone

The Johnson Public Library in Johnson, Vermont has begun its “new chapter” after an overnight journey across a two-lane highway.
Beneath a red Netflix logo, a pangolin perches in the desert, holding its paws together

New Netflix documentary 'Pangolin: Kulu's Journey' is a critical hit: 'I knew zero about pangolins...I fell in love'

In her follow-up to “My Octopus Teacher,” director Pippa Ehrlich centers on a tiny pangolin pup and its heart-tugging relationship with wildlife photographer Gareth Thomas.
No items found.

Too much bad news? Let’s fix that.

Negativity is everywhere — but you can choose a different story.
The
Goodnewspaper brings a monthly dose of hope,
delivered straight to your door. Your first issue is
free (just $1 shipping).

Start your good news journey today