Banned Book Week: Celebrate the Freedom to Read
Discover why intellectual freedom matters and how you can fight against censorship during the annual celebration to highlight challenged or banned books in libraries and schools.
LIBRARIESCOMMUNITY ACTION
2 min read
Boldly defy censorship
Banned Book Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read and raises awareness about the ongoing challenge of censorship in literature. Held every year during the last week of September, this observance encourages readers, educators, and advocates to reflect on the importance of intellectual freedom and the role books play in fostering diversity of thought.
What is Banned Book Week?
Since its inception in 1982, Banned Book Week has been a significant event organized by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Banned Books Week Coalition. The week highlights books that have been challenged or removed from libraries and schools across the country. While not all books are officially "banned," the act of challenging a book can limit access to important ideas and perspectives, especially for younger readers.
Why Does Banned Book Week Matter?
Banned Book Week shines a light on the importance of free expression and the dangers of censorship. Books are often challenged for controversial topics such as race, gender, sexuality, religion, and politics. By defending the right to read these books, we uphold the core values of freedom of speech and thought, which are essential to democracy.
For example, books like "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas, "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison, and "The Handmaid’s Tale" by Margaret Atwood have all been challenged in various locations. These books, though controversial, offer valuable insights into societal issues and often spark important conversations about injustice, inequality, and personal freedoms.
How You Can Get Involved
Read a banned book: There’s no better way to support intellectual freedom than to read books that have been challenged. You can find a list of frequently challenged books on the ALA’s website here.
Support local libraries: Libraries play a key role in maintaining access to books, even when they face challenges. Donating to your local library or volunteering can help.
Raise awareness: Share your thoughts about banned books on social media with the hashtag #BannedBooksWeek to encourage others to explore these powerful works.
Banned Book Week serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving access to diverse literature and fostering an environment where ideas, no matter how uncomfortable, can be shared and discussed. By standing against censorship, we protect the right to free thought and ensure that future generations have access to the stories and ideas that shape our world.
Banned Book Week: Celebrate the Freedom to Read
