Celebrate Your Right To Read

September 26-October 2 marks the 39th Annual Banned Books Week.

Sponsored by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association, the Author's Guild, numerous other organizations, and endorsed by the Library of Congress, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read, including works considered controversial.

The recognition began in 1982 in response to a surge in censorship attempts, and a desire to increase public awareness of challenges to the First Amendment. This year's theme, Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us, emphasizes how information can bridge divisions by fostering understanding and empathy among diverse people and communities.

Banned Books Week by the Numbers

In 2020 in the U.S., 273 books were the target of censorship efforts

  • 43% of the challenges were in public libraries
  • 38% were in schools
  • 15% were in school libraries
  • 2% were in academia

 

Who Launched the Challenges?

  • 50% were initiated by parents
  • 20% were initiated by patrons
  • 11% were initiated by boards/administrations
  • 9% were initiated by political/religious groups
  • 5% were initiated by librarians/teachers
  • 4% were initiated by elected officials
  • 1% were initiated by students

In 2020, reasons for censorship attempts included, but were not limited to:

  • LGBTQIA+ content or characters
  • Racist Content (slurs, negative depictions, "white savior" characters)
  • Anti-police
  • Objectionable Content (including rape, suicide, drug/alcohol use, the occult, sex, and violence)
  • Divisive topics/political viewpoints
Statistics compiled by the Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association

2020s Most Challenged Books

Each Banned Books Week, the ALA releases a list of the prior year's ten most challenged or banned books. Titles in AAPLDs Adult and Young Adult collections include:

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds- challenged or banned because of the author's public statements, and claims that the book does not address racism against all people.

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely- challenged or banned because of content, including profanity, drug use, alcoholism, anti-police views and divisive topics.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson- challenged or banned because of its content, including rape and profanity, political viewpoint, alleged anti-male bias.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie- challenged or banned because of profanity, sexual references and alleged sexual misconduct by the author.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee- challenged or banned for racial slurs, a "white savior" character, and negative depictions of the Black experience.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck- challenged or banned for racial slurs and stereotypes

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison- challenged or banned because of depictions of child sexual abuse.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas- Banned or challenged because of profanity and an anti-police message.

Find more banned or challenged selections in our special Banned Books Week online catalog, or stop by the Adult Services Department at the Main Library on Harnish Drive to browse our Banned Books Week display.