Banned Books Week 2020
Banned Books Week is September 27th through October 3rd, 2020. This library stands by your right to read without censorship!
What is Banned Books Week, you ask?
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
What books are being banned in the United States?
The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles lists of challenged books as reported in the media and submitted by librarians and teachers across the country. The Top 10 Challenged Books of 2019 are:
Who exactly tries to get books banned? Where do books get banned? What kinds of books tend to be challenged?
See the infographic below for information about the how and why of censorship:
What can I do to get involved?
There are lots of ways to stand up against censorship. The first, and perhaps most important, is to read widely and without fear! You can also see below for a list of fun activities that you can participate in to celebrate your intellectual freedom!
Write to a Banned Author
Have you read a book that's made the banned books list? What better way to discourage censorship than by writing to the author of your favorite banned book to encourage them to keep writing on topics that are important and meaningful, even if some may think it is controversial? Here is a list of authors whose books have been banned. See anyone familiar? Why not send them a letter, postcard, or write to them on social media? Here are some fun postcards you can print at home to get you started. Or stop by the Central Library and pick one up (leave it with us and we'll pay the postage!):
Express Yourself Through Art
Coloring sheets -- print them at home or request one at the Central Library's Kids' Space
And remember: READ ON! Our right to intellectual freedom is precious and must be exercised as well as protected!
For more information visit the American Library Association's Banned Books Week website!