For immediate release | September 3, 2025
Banned Books Week 2025 taking place Oct. 5-11
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CHICAGO – The American Library Association and the Banned Books Week Coalition is preparing to observe Banned Books Week October 5-11. This year’s theme is “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.”
As censorship challenges persist in libraries across the nation, communities have come together to unite against book bans. This year’s theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must defend our rights.
EVENTS: Libraries, bookstores, schools, universities, and allied organizations across the country organize events in their local communities to bring awareness to censorship. Press members should check with their local libraries for programming or visit the Banned Books Week Coalition events page as it will be updated with events on a rolling basis.
INTERVIEWS: ALA spokespeople will be available for interviews to discuss the state of censorship in the country. Interview requests should be sent to cmomedia@ala.org
DATA: ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom compiles data on censorship challenges from confidential reports from library professionals, concerned community members, and from news stories published throughout the United States. Data is available on the state level from the previous ten calendar years on this map. Please reach out to cmomedia@ala.org for questions regarding state data or to request historical data for your state.
MATERIALS AND DOWNLOADS: Additional information on banned books, including free downloads, can be found at ala.org/bbooks. A suite of merchandise featuring the “Censorship Is So 1984” theme is available at bit.ly/BBWKstore. Apparel and additional materials are available at bit.ly/BBWk1984. Order by September 18, 2025, to ensure on-time delivery. All proceeds support ALA’s anti-censorship work.
About Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a growing number of demands to remove and censor books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. 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.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For nearly 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
