Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week 2018 is September 23-29. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or have been restricted in libraries and schools. 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.

Here are the top ten challenged or banned books of 2017, as tracked by the American Library Association:

This is Banned Books Week! Take a look at the Top Ten most challenged books of 2016.

Celebrating 30 Years of Liberating Literature
This fascinating visual timeline celebrates 30 years of Banned Books Week, the national book community’s celebration of the freedom to read. For each year from 1982 to 2012, the timeline highlights one book banned or challenged in that particular year. In most cases, these books faced significant controversy that spanned numerous years.

Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants, explains how you can express concern about a book without undermining the freedom to read of those around you, by making a simple change. Watch the two minute video:

BANNED BOOKS WEEK 2015: September 27 – October 3

The American Library Association promotes the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them.
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. It highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community – librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types – in shared support of the freedom to seek 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. Check out this frequently challenged books list to explore the issues and controversies around book challenges and book banning. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with 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.