Banned Books Week 2023
‘Let Freedom Read’ by celebrating Banned Books Week.
Held Oct. 1-7, Banned Books Week spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in public libraries and schools.
“This is a dangerous time for readers and the public servants who provide access to reading materials,” says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s office for Intellectual Freedom. “Readers, particularly students, are losing access to critical information, and librarians and teachers are under attack for doing their jobs.”
What is Banned Books Week & Why is it Important?
Every year, the ALA holds Banned Books Week as a way to condemn censorship, defend each person’s right to read and freely express ideas. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read!” 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. In 2022, the ALA documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources, the highest number of attempted book bans on record.
The Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022
“The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021,” reads ALA’s website. “Of the record 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, most were by or about LGBTQIA+ persons and Black, Indigenous, and people of color.”
Banned & Challenged Books at the Library
According to the ALA, the titles included in the book list below are books that individuals and groups have attempted to remove from libraries and classrooms. All books on this list are available for checkout at the Campbell County Public Library.
Make sure to visit your favorite branch and keep an eye out for Banned Books Week displays!
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