Orlando, FL –Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has a novel way to deal with its books being banned in Escambia County, Florida: Ripley’s has decided to gift their annual book to Florida residents… for free. Now through May 15, 2024, Florida residents can request a book be mailed to them at ripleys.com/general/floridabooks, or – even better – get one right away, in person at a Florida Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction in Panama City Beach, Orlando, and St. Augustine Florida with a Florida ID while supplies last.
Recently, officials in Escambia County Florida have plunged into a literary adventure of their own: removing and flagging over 1,600 books for review and potential banning. In a weird plot twist, this includes eight encyclopedias, five dictionaries, and hundreds of reference books – including three of our very own Ripley’s Believe It or Not! titles.
Believe It or Not!, Ripley’s is in excellent company, accompanied on the list with no less than Stephanie Meyer, Maya Angelou, Ernest Hemmingway, and Charles Dickens!
“The very idea of banning these books is worthy of entry to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. Ironically, Escambia County officials are practically authoring our next book for us!,” said Ryan DeSear, Vice President of Attraction Operations for Ripley Entertainment. “While Ripley’s response to this issue is a bit tongue-in-cheek, we very much encourage all Florida residents to claim their free copy and decide for themselves.”
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! books have entertained both adults and children alike for generations, as researchers, writers, and factcheckers scour the globe looking for stories of the weird and wonderful.
“Our focus for the last 105 years has always been a lighthearted look at the curiosities that make up society. We celebrate uniqueness, a responsibility that we take to heart and will continue to for years to come,” DeSear continued.
Visit ripleys.com/general/floridabooks to request your copy.
Built on the foundation of a daily newspaper cartoon in 1918 — still in print today — Ripley Entertainment has grown to be a world leader in family entertainment, expanding to include more than 100 attractions in 10 countries around the world. Along with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, Guinness World Records Attractions, Aquariums, Wax Museums, traveling shows, and miniature golf, the world of Ripley’s continues to grow through exciting new experiences, content, and books for all ages. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.