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Banned Books Week: About

Celebrating the freedom to create and read without restriction.

banner announcing Banned Books Week 2024

Why Banned Books Week

From the American Library Association Office of Intellectual Freedom:

"Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Highlighting the value of free and open access to information, Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek, to publish, to read, and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read."

2023 Updates

Additional reports and details of legal pursuits are detailed on Banned Books - PEN America website.

Director

Profile Photo
Stephanie Maatta
Contact:
3300 University Blvd., Winter Park, FL 32792
407.679.0100 x. 8438

line charted of the increased number of book title challenges by year

bar chart of banned titles in 2023

pie chart illustrating the groups who initiate book challenges and banning

illustration of the type of agencies where book banning and challenges occur

Images courtesy of American Library Association Office of Intellectual Freedom.