Banned Books Week: Resources

Banned Books Week

According to the Banned Books Week Coalition (n.d.), "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. 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."

Why are books being challenged or banned?

According to the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom (2016), the most common reasons for book challenges and bans are:

1. The material is considered "sexually explicit,"
2. The material contained "offensive language" or profanity,
3. The material was "unsuitable for any age group."

In recent years, there has been an increase in books being challenged for having LGBTQIA+ content and equity, diversity, and inclusion content.

Resources:

• American Library Association. (2016, October 25). Banned book FAQ. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/banned-books-qa

• American Library Association. (2023). Banned and challenged books. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/banned

• Banned Books Week Coalition. (n.d.). About. https://bannedbooksweek.org/about/