Banned Books Week 2024
Banned Books Week is an annual awareness campaign that heralds the freedom to read and highlights the value of free and open access to information. Launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of objectionable books in schools, bookstores, and libraries across the United States.
The event was founded by prominent library activist Judith Krug and the American Library Association (ALA), along with support from other
organizations, including the American Booksellers Association and the Association of American Publishers.
The ALA lists the top 100 books that were challenged or banned in the past decades. From 2010-2019 the following are/were part of the book-banning efforts:
Please note that the columns wouldn’t paste properly, so I had to put them in screenshots…
Generally held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week unites the book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers — supporting the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or disliked.
Throughout its history, Banned Books Week has highlighted different aspects of censorship. It draws attention to current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools, focusing on the harms of
restricting access to information and the importance of intellectual freedom.
The event has grown significantly since its inception. Today, it is observed by libraries, schools, and bookstores across the United States through various activities such as displays of banned or challenged books, read-outs, and panel discussions on censorship and First Amendment rights. The theme of this year’s event is Freed Between the Lines. [1.] Also, on September 28, 2024, it’s time to get ready to vote for the freedom to read or to take at least one action to help defend books from censorship and to stand up for the library staff, educators, writers, publishers, and booksellers who make them available. Show your support on social media by using the hashtags #LetFreedomReadDay and #BannedBooksWeek! [2.]
If you’re searching for more ways to make a difference during Banned Books Week, check out the handbook and website of the event for numerous big and small ways to get involved. From 5-minute activities to more extensive time commitments, there’s something for everyone.
Sources:
- About: Banned Books Week. (n.d.). https://bannedbooksweek.org/about/
- Let Freedom Read Day: Banned Books Week. (n.d.). https://bannedbooksweek.org/let-freedom-read-day/
