(August 17, 2025) Yesterday at the Franklin Library in Des Moines, two very different visions of motherhood and community stood face to face. Moms for Liberty, the national group known for pushing book bans and restrictive school policies, hosted an event inside. Outside, Annie’s Foundation, born in a Johnston garage, set up with free books, offering a reminder that Iowa moms can write their own story about what it means to care for kids.
At first glance, both groups claim the same ground: moms protecting children. But look deeper, and the differences couldn’t be sharper.
Annie’s Foundation began in 2021 when a handful of local moms in Johnston responded to censorship by distributing banned books, starting with cardboard boxes in a garage and growing into a visible grassroots force backed by Iowa communities.
Moms for Liberty also launched in 2021, but in Florida, and has national ties from day one. Their Iowa chapters are offshoots of a larger culture-war strategy, not homegrown local initiatives.
Annie’s Foundation keeps stories free and available, giving away thousands of banned and challenged books through pop-ups, libraries, and free “banned bookcase” browsing sessions open to all. Moms for Liberty promotes “parental rights,” but they push restrictive school policies and lobby to censor discussions of race, gender, and history.
Annie’s Foundation is widely trusted across Iowa, partnering with libraries, bookstores, and civic groups who see them standing up for the freedom to read.
Moms for Liberty, by contrast, has been labeled extremist by the Southern Poverty Law Center and is financially tied to right-wing donors, PACs, and national political operatives. Even in Iowa, most of their endorsed candidates were rejected by voters in the 2023 school board elections. This includes Johnston and Urbandale where Annie’s Foundation has a strong presence.
Inside the library, Moms for Liberty spoke about restrictions and fear of people different than themselves. Outside, Annie’s Foundation handed out books. One was telling people what not to read. The other was putting stories directly into children’s hands.
So who are the better moms? That depends on your definition. If it means silencing and excluding, then Moms for Liberty owns that definition. But if it means showing up for kids, defending free access to stories, and ensuring every child sees themselves in what they read, then Annie’s Foundation has already answered the question.
Moms for Liberty is primarily funded by out-of-state political operatives. Annie’s Foundation depends on donations from Iowans. You can support Annie’s Foundation directly through this link https://anniesfoundation.com/donate/
Sources:
Annie’s Foundation, official website
Little Village Magazine, “Nonprofit Annie’s Foundation Book Giveaway”
Southern Poverty Law Center, “Moms for Liberty designated extremist group”
Progress Iowa, “The Truth About Moms for Liberty in Iowa”
Wikipedia, “Moms for Liberty”