Upcoming Events
Banned Book Bingo - October 2026
October 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026!
In partnership with Briggs Street Books and Music
WHY DO BANNED BOOKS MATTER?
- Across the country, book bans have risen sharply, especially books centering Black, Brown, AANHPI, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and immigrant communities. These bans are not neutral. They target stories that reflect the lived experiences and histories of marginalized groups.
- When these stories are removed, children receive a harmful message:
- “People like you don’t belong here.”
- Book bans have long been used to reinforce systemic oppression, restrict access to knowledge, and control whose voices are allowed to be heard.
HOW THIS IMPACTS CHILDREN
- Literacy, belonging, and representation are public‑health essentials; they help children feel safe, healthy, and economically stable now and throughout their lives.
- When children feel unseen or unsafe, the entire community feels the impact:
- Schools struggle
- Families feel disconnected
- Businesses lose future leaders
- Community trust erodes
- Mental and behavioral health needs increase
- And when children feel seen, supported, and represented, the opposite happens; they thrive, families stay connected, and communities grow stronger.
How To Play banned book bingo
GET YOUR BINGO CARD
EXPLORE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
EXPLORE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
Pick up a physical Banned Book Bingo card at any participating brick-and-mortar business.
- Briggs Street Books and Music
- Woodward Barbers
- Piripi
- Allo Fiber
- Children’s Eye Physicians
- Java Island
- Fox Dog Coffee
- Baille T Barbour State Farm
- Cellar West Brewery
- Cultivate Kitchen Co.
You can also download and print a card from:
P.L.A.Y. Education • We Love Erie • Briggs Street Books & Music
EXPLORE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
EXPLORE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
EXPLORE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
Each square gives you a different way to connect with a local business and earn a stamp.
3 ways to earn a stamp:
👋 Stop In: Visit and say hi
Allo Fiber, Children’s Eye Physicians, Baille T Barbour State Farm, Piripi
📱 Scan: Find the code word via QR
The Glimmer Frequency, Begin Again Books, Powered by Catalyst LLC
🎟️ Participate: Follow your square's activity or offer
Cellar West Brewery, Fox Dog Coffee, Java Island, Woodward Barbers, Cultivate Kitchen Co., Briggs Street Books and Music
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK
Bring your completed 4-in-a-row Bingo (across, up/down, diagonal) card between October 1st and October 31st to Briggs Street Books & Music and choose a FREE BOOK!
SHARE YOUR NEW BOOK
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK
Snap a photo of you with your new book and share it on social media.
Tag @theplayedcorp AND @briggs_books_erie to be entered into a drawing to win a BOOK SHOPPING SPREE!
Banned Book Bingo Card (pdf)
DownloadThank You to our Book Friend Fund Sponsors
LoveLight Press
Wurth Chiropractic
Call Me Grace
Hinman Financial Planning
Balance & Bloom Financial
LoveLight Press
Wurth Chiropractic
Call Me Grace
Hinman Financial Planning
Balance & Bloom Financial
LoveLight Press
Wurth Chiropractic
Call Me Grace
Hinman Financial Planning
Balance & Bloom Financial
LoveLight Press
Wurth Chiropractic
Call Me Grace
Hinman Financial Planning
Balance & Bloom Financial
LoveLight Press
Wurth Chiropractic
Call Me Grace
Hinman Financial Planning
Balance & Bloom Financial
LoveLight Press
Wurth Chiropractic
Call Me Grace
Hinman Financial Planning
Balance & Bloom Financial
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