Mek here, program lead for OpenLibrary.org at the Internet Archive with important updates and a way for library lovers to help protect an Internet that champions library values.

Over the last several months, Open Library readers have felt the devastating impact of more than 500,000 books being removed from the Internet Archive’s lending library, as a result of Hachette v. Internet Archive.

In less than two weeks, on June 28th, the courts will hear the oral argument for the Internet Archive’s appeal.

What’s at stake is the very ability for library patrons to continue borrowing and reading the books the Internet Archive owns, like any other library

Consider signing this open letter to urge publishers to restore access to the 500,000 books they’ve caused to be removed from the Internet Archive’s lending library and let readers read.