Typically held in the last week of September, Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. It’s purpose is to collectively unite the entire book community and support the intellectual freedom to read, seek, and express ideas without censorship.
See also:
Top 10 most challenged books by year
Most frequently challenged Classics
Goodreads Banned Book Lists
Challenge vs. Ban
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials.
Why are books challenged?
Often challenges are motivated by a desire to protect children from inappropriate sexual content or offensive language. The following were the top three reasons cited for challenging materials as reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom:
- the material was considered to be “sexually explicit”
- the material contained “offensive language”
- the materials was “unsuited to any age group”
*Although this is a commendable motivation, Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors, an interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights (ALA’s basic policy concerning access to information) states that, “Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that parents—and only parents—have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children—and only their children—to library resources.” Censorship by librarians of constitutionally protected speech, whether for protection or for any other reason, violates the First Amendment. (ala.org Q&A, 2019)
How to participate
- Read a banned book this week.
- Post your banned book photos on social media.
- Discuss how the book impacted your life, made you feel, or your favorite quotes in your Book Club.
- Attend a Banned Books Week program. Check with your local library and indie bookstores, or find a scheduled one near you.
- Participate in the Stand for the Banned Read-Out and be featured on the Banned Books Week YouTube Channel.
- Reach out to a favorite banned/challenged author by tagging them on Twitter using #DearBannedAuthor. Use these Banned and Challenged Author addresses to help you.
- Write them a letter and let them know why you loved their challenged book so much. Use these Banned and Challenged Author addresses to help you.
Did your favorite book make it on the challenged or banned list?
