Judy Blume and Ann Patchett are headlining a freedom to read telethon, and the authors behind it want you to watch live, not record it. The event, called Show Up, Speak Up! Vote for the Freedom to Read, runs tomorrow from 2:00-4:00 PM ET on September 24. It is a variety show streamed live, with no recording available afterward, so viewers have to be present at the moment.
The telethon brings together more than 35 organizations dedicated to literacy and freedom of expression. Its lineup reads like a who’s who of cool authors and right-to-read advocates: Judy Blume, Ann Patchett, Jerrold Conners, Jerry Craft, Alan Gratz, Shannon Hale, Adib Khorram, Ellen Hopkins, Sarah MacLean, Don Martin, Edward Underhill, comedian Kat Radley, and Maris Kreizman.
The Two-Step Pitch
The show exists to push voters toward the polls before the midterms. Its central pitch is simple: “SHOW UP by making a plan to vote, then SPEAK UP by calling our representatives together and sharing our commitment to the Freedom to Read.”
Cheryl L. Davis, general counsel for the Authors Guild, spoke with Publishers Weekly about the event’s goals. She said the telethon aims to raise awareness of local issues and educate viewers about what to look out for. The event hopes to drive people “to be aware of what’s going on in their communities” and to be educated “as to the kinds of things to look for, and to use your voice, use your vote, to support causes.” She added that the telethon is designed to give viewers a clear path to action.
The Full List of Participants
The telethon’s format is a mix of readings, performances, and advocacy moments. The full list of participants includes:
- Judy Blume
- Ann Patchett
- Jerrold Conners
- Jerry Craft
- Alan Gratz
- Shannon Hale
- Adib Khorram
- Ellen Hopkins
- Sarah MacLean
- Don Martin
- Edward Underhill
- Kat Radley
- Maris Kreizman
The show is free to watch, and viewers can RSVP through the event’s webpage. The live stream is the only way to see it, since nothing will be recorded.
Who Runs the Event
The Authors Guild is one of the lead organizations involved, and Davis represents its legal side. The event draws on the work of more than 35 organizations dedicated to literacy and freedom of expression.
The organizers have structured the event around two main actions. First, SHOW UP: viewers are asked to make a plan to vote. Second, SPEAK UP: viewers are encouraged to contact their representatives and share their commitment to free reading.
What the Telethon Asks of Viewers
The telethon wants people to act, not just listen. The organizers are asking viewers to take two steps after watching:
- Make a plan to vote
- Contact representatives about freedom to read issues
The show’s timing matters. It airs before the midterms, giving viewers a chance to engage with candidates and representatives while the election season is still underway.
The Schedule in Order
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:00 PM ET | Show begins |
| 4:00 PM ET | Show ends |
The two-hour window is tight, which means viewers who miss the start might miss the whole thing.
The live-only format is a clever constraint. It forces viewers to commit to being present, which is the whole point of the SHOW UP slogan. The organizers are not building a library of content; they are building a moment.
This is a smart, focused campaign. It brings together authors, comedians, and literacy advocates, and it asks for action rather than applause. The midterms are coming, and this is one of the more creative ways anyone has found to prepare for them.
Source material: “Judy Blume and Ann Patchett are headlining a freedom to read telethon.,” Literary Hub.
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