Award-Winning Authors and Advocates Bess Kalb and Tony Weaver, Jr., to Headline Banned Books Week 2026

Joined by Youth Honorary Chairs Marshall Romero and Azeemah Sadig in Leading Annual Event Spotlighting the Harms of Censorship

CHICAGO —Award-winning authors and free expression advocates Bess Kalb (Buffalo Fluffalo series) and Tony Weaver, Jr. (Weirdo), have been named honorary chairs for Banned Books Week 2026 (October 4–10, 2026). They will be joined by youth honorary chairs Marshall Romero and Azeemah Sadiq. 

“I am grateful to the Banned Books Week Coalition for defending what censors fear most: critical thinking and diversity of opinion,” said Kalb. “These bans don’t just deprive kids of books, they dim the light on the future. I’m thrilled to be an honorary chair of Banned Books Week because if it weren’t for books in my elementary school library, like Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, The Giver, and The Bridge to Terabithia, I would not be a writer. And I would not be so nervous about rope swings. Librarians forever. Let kids read.” 

Weaver said "Book bans are pervasive and insidious threats to creative expression and intellectual freedom. It's an honor to collaborate with the Banned Books Week Coalition to combat the concerted effort to remove books from kids' hands. Stories are an unparalleled tool for truth, and in the face of fear of misinformation, it is paramount that truth prevails."

Kalb is the author of the New York Times–bestselling Buffalo Fluffalo picture book series (with illustrator Erin Kraan), a light-hearted series about an insecure young buffalo that helps young readers embrace self-acceptance. An Emmy-nominated comedy writer, Kalb has visited schools across the country to read her award-winning books to rapt audiences, but the students at Clancy Elementary in Montana didn’t get to participate when her October event at the school was suddenly cancelled over complaints from a small number of parents about Kalb’s past work for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a position she left in 2020. In February, Kalb took her advocacy to Washington, D.C., where she testified against government censorship and book bans in front of the House Judiciary Committee.

Tony Weaver, Jr., is the author of Weirdo (with illustrators Jes and Cin Wibowo), a middle-grade memoir about being Black and nerdy among classmates who won’t accept him. The graphic novel takes on heady topics like bullying, racism, and self-harm as 11-year-old Tony ultimately finds help and self-acceptance. Despite appearing on multiple “best of” lists and receiving multiple starred reviews from publications like Publishers Weekly and Kirkus, Weirdo was removed from a Minnesota school after an administrator objected to images and LGBTQIA+ representation in the graphic novel. Weaver has used his robust social media platform and in-person events to educate audiences about advocacy issues such as censorship and racism and to promote the importance of diverse reading materials and representation.

Marshall Romero and Azeemah Sadiq are student advocates from Texas, where they have passionately led student advocacy for SEAT (Students Engaged in Advancing Texas). Romero has led opposition to anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in Texas, from the local level to the state legislature. Sadiq was honored by Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones for her leading initiatives against book bans and censorship in Houston, ensuring students have access to literature that reflects their identities and lived experiences.

To learn more about the honorary chairs, visit BannedBooksWeek.org/honorary-chairs/

ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has documented an appalling escalation in censorship in libraries and schools in recent years. In 2025, OIF tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged, only five titles behind the record set in 2023. Nearly 92% of 2025 book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials, and decision-makers, and 5,668 titles were banned from libraries — 66% of the total challenged — with access to an additional 920 books restricted. This is both the highest number of titles censored in one year and the highest rate of challenges resulting in censorship since OIF began tracking censorship data in 1990. 

Since 1982, Banned Books Week has enlightened the public about attempts to censor books in libraries, schools, and bookstores. The 2026 event is an opportunity to inform communities about the escalation in censorship and the importance of the right to read. This year’s theme is “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.” The artwork from award-winning artists Hyesu Lee, Loveis Wise, and Mikey Burton leans into the idea of joy and creativity as acts of resistance, reminding communities that organized censorship campaigns and a handful of people should not be allowed to dictate what the rest of us can read.

October 10, 2026, will be Let Freedom Read Day, a day of direct action against censorship. A variety of free downloads and materials to support Banned Books Week activities are available at BannedBooksWeek.org and ala.org/bbooks.

Together, we can protect the freedom to read during Banned Books Week, October 4–10, and throughout the year. Let Books Be!

About Banned Books Week

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. Held in late September or early October, 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. BannedBooksWeek.org

About the Banned Books Week Coalition

The Banned Books Week Coalition is an international alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness of censorship and the freedom to read. The Coalition seeks to engage various communities and inspire participation in Banned Books Week through education, advocacy, and the creation of programming about the problem of book censorship. BannedBooksWeek.org/sponsors/

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 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.