Banned Books Week
In a time of deep political divides, library staff across the country are facing an overwhelming number of book ban attempts. In 2023 alone, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 1,247 efforts to censor books and other resources in libraries—an increase of 65% from the year before. In total, 4,240 unique book titles were targeted, many of them representing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices and experiences.
As we gear up for Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28), with the theme "Freed Between the Lines," we’re reminded how much is at stake. The freedom to explore new ideas and different perspectives is under threat, and book bans don’t just restrict access to stories—they undermine our rights. Now is the time to come together, celebrate the right to read, and find freedom in the pages of a book. Let’s be "Freed Between the Lines."
This year, we’re excited to have award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay as our honorary chair. From Selma to 13th and When They See Us, DuVernay’s work shines a light on the power of storytelling. Her adaptations of frequently banned books, like A Wrinkle in Time, remind us why it’s so important to protect diverse voices.
"I believe that censorship is the enemy of freedom. By banning books, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from the past and to envision a braver future. Books have the power to open minds and build bridges. This is why certain forces do not want the masses to engage with books. They fear progress and growth in new, bold directions. For this reason, Banned Books Week is vitally important. It is a celebration of our right to access varied voices and to engage with ideas that challenge and champion us. I am honored to be selected as honorary chair of Banned Book Week for this election year, and I stand with my fellow readers, fellow writers and fellow advocates around the world who refuse to let voices be silenced." — 2024 Banned Books Week Honorary Chair Ava DuVernay
Tennessee student activist Julia Garnett is our 2024 Youth Honorary Chair. Known for her fearless advocacy for free speech, she’s been a leader in educating her peers about the right to read and speak freely, earning recognition from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
Both DuVernay and Garnett will join us for virtual programs during Banned Books Week. Check out the full list of online programs, and visit BannedBooksWeek.org to see a list of events taking across the country.
This Banned Books Week, let’s stand up for the freedom to read. Grab some free digital assets to help spread the word, and check out this list of all the ways to get involved, including encouraging everyone to take at least one action on Let Freedom Read Day, September 28. Together, we can make sure every story continues to be heard.
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.
Banned Books Week Events
Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. Take action and defend the right to read for all Americans.
About Book Bans and Challenges
Books are still being banned and challenged today. 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.
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.
The most challenged books of 2023. For lists of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books for each year, visit the Top 10 Most Challenged Books Archive.
ALA compiles data on book challenges from reports filed with its Office for Intellectual Freedom by library professionals in the field and from news stories published throughout the United States.
The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom data documents book challenges throughout the United States, finding that challenges of unique titles surged in 2023.
Banned Books Week Programming and Resources
Displays
Banned book displays kick-off conversations about censorship and inspire readers to explore challenged materials. Check out some display ideas from libraries across the U.S. — some of which only require construction paper and an imagination.
Other Resources
This resource offers issues, strategies, and resources for preparing your professional community (teacher librarians and public librarians) to celebrate Banned Books Week.
The Banned Books Week Coalition, which includes OIF, is an international alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness about censorship attempts and to encourage the defense of the freedom to read. The Coalition website includes downloads, resources, and an event calendar that anyone can use.
A History of Banned Books Week
Read about the history of Banned Books Week and ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom in American Libraries Magazine.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview related to Banned Books Week or other ALA intellectual freedom initiatives, contact ALA's Communications and Marketing Office.
