Sept. 22-28, 2024
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the worthwhile endeavor of resisting censorship. With the rapidly increasing number of challenges and bans across the country, Banned Books Week is more relevant and vital than ever. Use this guide to access more information and resources about banned & challenged books and the rise in threats to intellectual freedom. Visit the ALA site for more information.
What is Book Banning?
Book banning is a common form of censorship that occurs when "private individuals, government officials or organizations remove books from libraries, school reading lists or bookstore shelves because they object to their content, ideas or themes. Those advocating a ban complain typically that the book in question contains graphic violence, expresses disrespect for parents and family, is sexually explicit, exalts evil, lacks literary merit, is unsuitable for a particular age group, or includes offensive language." Other complaints involve books being written by or regarding LGBTQ+ people & issues or books that bring up "topics like slavery that might make individuals uncomfortable."
Webb, S. (2023, August 8). Book banning. Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
Online Resources
- Banning Books: OverviewThis Research Starter covers important concepts related to, the history, and current state of book banning. Check out the bibliography at the end for more resources.
- History of Censorship in the U.S.This Research Starter provides a history of censorship efforts throughout United States history, including censorship of literature, journalism, and in public schools.
- Americans’ Views on Book Restrictions in U.S. Public SchoolsThis study, from the Knight Free Expression Research Series, was developed from a survey of over 4,500 adults exploring public attitudes on restricting students’ access to books in public schools.
- Banned Books Week YoutubeThe official Youtube page for Banned Books Week, featuring virtual Read-Outs from authors, celebrities, and librarians.
- PEN AmericaPEN America is an organization that protects free expression worldwide by conducting research on topical issues, advocating on free expression challenges, campaigning on policy issues and on behalf of individual writers and journalists under threat, and much more.
Read More @ Jefferson College Library
The Fight Against Book Bans by Call Number: Z 658 .U5 F54 2023ISBN: 9781440879760Publication Date: 2023-06-30- Book Bans and Censorship byCall Number: Z 658 .U5 B66 2024ISBN: 9781637008973Publication Date: 2024-08-30
Silenced in the Library by Call Number: Z 1019 .J37 2017ISBN: 9781440843945Publication Date: 2017-08-18
Book Ban Data
Book Banning in the News
- "Professor raises awareness with massive book project"AUGUST 28, 2024: The Unbannable Library, created by art professor Paul Collins, consists of a series of massive books made by various artists that each feature different passages or themes from commonly banned or restricted book intended to push back against the increasing trend of book bans.
- "Book about book bans banned by Florida school board"JUNE 11, 2024: The book, Ban This Book by Alan Gratz, will no longer be available in the Indian River county school district after the school board voted to remove the book in May 2024.
- "Last year ended with a surge in book bans"APRIL 16, 2024: This NPR article highlights key take aways from a report by PEN America, an organization dedicated to the freedom of expression, including a July-December surge in book banning.
- "'Ban on book bans' introduced in Minnesota Legislature"MARCH 21, 2024: Learn about the proposed bill in the MN legislature that would prohibit banning books in public and school libraries based on content or subjective objections.
What Can You Do to Help?
Here are some ideas from the OIF about what you can do to fight censorship, keep books available in your library, and promote the freedom to read:
- Stay informed. If you hear of a challenge at your local library, support your librarian and free and open access to library materials by contacting the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF). OIF estimates it learns of only 3-18% of book challenges. Find out your library's policy for reviewing challenged materials.
- Speak out. Announce the importance of unrestricted reading on your local public radio station with a PSA script. Write letters to the editor, your public library director and your school principal supporting the freedom to read. Talk to your friends about why everyone should be allowed to choose for themselves and their families what they read.
- Exercise your reading rights. Check out a banned book. Encourage your book club to discuss rebellious reads.
More about the Office for Intellectual Freedom
- About the OIFEstablished December 1, 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.
- History of the OIFIn celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), this article discusses the vital work the organization has accomplished and the history of Banned Books Week.
2023: A Record Breaking Year for Book Banning
ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom documented:
- 1,247 demands to censor library books and resources in 2023. The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by OIF in more than 20 years of tracking.
- 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for removal from schools and libraries. This tops the previous high from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship. Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts.
Banned vs. Challenged
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 from libraries, schools, and bookstores.
Challenges are more than a person expressing their point of view, they are an attempt to remove specific materials from a curriculum or library in order to restrict access.
Censorship By the Numbers
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
