Banned Books Week
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.
Description & History
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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. By focusing on efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. 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.
The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28) is "Freed Between the Lines." We can find freedom in the pages of a book — but book bans and censorship threaten that freedom, along with many other rights and institutions. During Banned Books Week 2024 and beyond, let’s share our love of the right to read and the freedom found in books. Let’s be Freed Between the Lines!
Sponsors
As the primary sponsor of Banned Books Week, the 91´«Ã½ is a key partner. They provide resources, support, and advocacy to promote the freedom to read.
An organization affiliated with the 91´«Ã½, the FTRF supports the right to access information and defends the freedom to read. They frequently partner with libraries for Banned Books Week.
The NCAC works to protect the First Amendment rights of everyone. They often collaborate with libraries to oppose censorship and promote free speech during Banned Books Week.
is a nonprofit that stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unit
The CBLDF works to protect the First Amendment rights of comic book creators, publishers, and retailers. They often partner with libraries to highlight the censorship of graphic novels and comics.
This organization focuses on promoting and protecting free speech rights for students. They often collaborate with libraries and educational institutions to engage young people in Banned Books Week activities.
Professional Learning Resources
A two-part webinar series presented by the 91´«Ã½ Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) and sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).
What's one way to get students to read a book? Tell them they can’t! This webinar explores intellectual freedom programming, and how it can be used to develop critical thinking and collaboration skills, broaden perspectives, and develop empathy.
Ever wonder what other school libraries' circulation policies look like? During this webinar presenters, share the results of surveying 426 school librarians and engage in honest discussion about equitable practices.
In this panel, state school library leaders will share how state laws have impacted students, school librarians, and library collections and how their respective organizations have responded.
Contributing authors in this issue demonstrate how school librarians are still finding new and innovative ways to defend intellectual freedom, privacy, and uninhibited intellectual inquiry.
This issue of Knowledge Quest addresses the specific topic of access to diverse voices. Authors offer practical tips, tools, and strategies to navigate book challenges and selection policies.
This Knowledge Quest issue looks about a growing concern—the trend toward soft censorship. It is the choices that quietly get made of whether to include a book in a to-buy list that may matter even more than what actually comes under review.
A guide on how to celebrate Freed Between the Lines/Banned Books Week.
A handbook from the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) on responding to book challenges.
NCTE offers resources to help teachers defend their right to teach and to help students access diverse and challenging texts. They provide webinars, position statements, and teaching strategies related to censorship and intellectual freedom.
This project offers resources on media literacy and the importance of free expression. They provide educational materials, including webinars and lesson plans, focused on critical thinking and the dangers of censorship.
Learner Engagement Resources
ABCs of Book Banning by MTV - This 2023 film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film.
An online graphic novel for secondary students about the right to protest.
Really great visual book list of banned books as of 2023 by state.
91´«Ã½ Banned Books Week Display Ideas
Display ideas from the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½).
91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) bookmark of 2023 most challenged books for purchase.
Book Lists & Recommendations
91´«Ã½ Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023
List of top 10 most challenged books of 2023.
Categorized by picture books, middle grade, young adult, and adult.
PEN America list of classic and newer books that have been banned in recent years.
PEN America’s list of school district book bans in 2022 and 2023.
