Banned Books Week 2026

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Held Oct. 4-10, this year's theme is "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read."

What is Banned Books Week & Why is it Important?

Every year, the American Library Association (ALA) holds Banned Books Week as a way to condemn censorship, defend each person's right to read and to freely express ideas. The event brings together librarians, teachers, booksellers, writers, journalists and readers across the United States in support of intellectual freedom.

The ALA compiles data about censorship in libraries, including a list of the top challenged books of the year. According to the ALA, "ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second highest ever documented by ALA. The highest ever documented was 4,240 in 2023."  

The Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2025

From the ALA's website: "In 2025, 92% of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers, up from 72% in 2024. Less than 3% of challenges originated from individual parents."

View the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2025 here.

Want to know how to better defend a book? Visit Book Résumés, which detail various challenged books' significance and educational value.

Banned & Challenged Books at the Library

Make sure to visit your favorite branch and keep an eye out for Banned Books Week displays!

Get Involved

The ALA has compiled resources and ways to participate in Banned Books Week. From letter writing to Banned Books Week events to learning about banned book history, the ALA's website lists engaging involvement opportunities.

Challenging Reads

Can't get enough of reading banned books? Join the Newport Branch's Challenging Reads book club! The club meets at 7 pm the third Tuesday of every month. Ages 18 & up.