Banned Books Week
Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
Description & History
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. By focusing on efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28) is "Freed Between the Lines." We can find freedom in the pages of a book — but book bans and censorship threaten that freedom, along with many other rights and institutions. During Banned Books Week 2024 and beyond, let’s share our love of the right to read and the freedom found in books. Let’s be Freed Between the Lines!
Sponsors
ALA’s Banned Books Week Site
As the primary sponsor of Banned Books Week, the ALA is a key partner. They provide resources, support, and advocacy to promote the freedom to read.
Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF)
An organization affiliated with the ALA, the FTRF supports the right to access information and defends the freedom to read. They frequently partner with libraries for Banned Books Week.
National Coalition Against Censorship
The NCAC works to protect the First Amendment rights of everyone. They often collaborate with libraries to oppose censorship and promote free speech during Banned Books Week.
PEN America
is a nonprofit that stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unit
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF)
The CBLDF works to protect the First Amendment rights of comic book creators, publishers, and retailers. They often partner with libraries to highlight the censorship of graphic novels and comics.
Students for Free Expression
This organization focuses on promoting and protecting free speech rights for students. They often collaborate with libraries and educational institutions to engage young people in Banned Books Week activities.
Professional Learning Resources
Addressing Challenges in America’s School Libraries
A two-part webinar series presented by the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) and sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
After Banned Books Week: Intellectual Freedom Programming Throughout the Year
What's one way to get students to read a book? Tell them they can’t! This webinar explores intellectual freedom programming, and how it can be used to develop critical thinking and collaboration skills, broaden perspectives, and develop empathy.
Do Your Circulation Policies Stack up?
Ever wonder what other school libraries' circulation policies look like? During this webinar presenters, share the results of surveying 426 school librarians and engage in honest discussion about equitable practices.
State Library Organizations Respond to State Legislation
In this panel, state school library leaders will share how state laws have impacted students, school librarians, and library collections and how their respective organizations have responded.
KQ Issue - Why Intellectual Freedom and Equitable Access Are Even More Importan…
Contributing authors in this issue demonstrate how school librarians are still finding new and innovative ways to defend intellectual freedom, privacy, and uninhibited intellectual inquiry.
KQ Issue - Access ̶D̶e̶n̶i̶e̶d̶ Defended
This issue of Knowledge Quest addresses the specific topic of access to diverse voices. Authors offer practical tips, tools, and strategies to navigate book challenges and selection policies.
KQ Issue – Soft Censorship
This Knowledge Quest issue looks about a growing concern—the trend toward soft censorship. It is the choices that quietly get made of whether to include a book in a to-buy list that may matter even more than what actually comes under review.
Celebrate Banned Books Week Handbook
A guide on how to celebrate Freed Between the Lines/Banned Books Week.
Responding to Book Challenges: A Handbook for Educators
A handbook from the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) on responding to book challenges.
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Intellectual Freedom Center
NCTE offers resources to help teachers defend their right to teach and to help students access diverse and challenging texts. They provide webinars, position statements, and teaching strategies related to censorship and intellectual freedom.
Project Censored: The Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Project
This project offers resources on media literacy and the importance of free expression. They provide educational materials, including webinars and lesson plans, focused on critical thinking and the dangers of censorship.
Learner Engagement Resources
ABCs of Book Banning by MTV
ABCs of Book Banning by MTV - This 2023 film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film.
BE HEARD! Protecting Your Protest Rights
An online graphic novel for secondary students about the right to protest.
Harper Bazaar Book List 2023
Really great visual book list of banned books as of 2023 by state.
ALA Banned Books Week Display Ideas
Display ideas from the American Library Association (ALA).
Most Challenged Books of 2023 Bookmark File
American Library Association (ALA) bookmark of 2023 most challenged books for purchase.
Book Lists & Recommendations
ALA Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
List of top 10 most challenged books of 2023.
New York Public Library Banned Books Reading List
Categorized by picture books, middle grade, young adult, and adult.
PEN America Banned Books Week Reading List
PEN America list of classic and newer books that have been banned in recent years.
PEN America Index of School Book Bans 2022-2023
PEN America’s list of school district book bans in 2022 and 2023.
