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What is Banned Books Week?

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. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, 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. 

2025 Banned Books Week Theme: “Censorship Is So 1984 — Read for Your Rights.” 

By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles lists of challenged books as reported in the media and submitted by librarians and teachers across the country. 

Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024:

(the 2025 list will come out in April of 2026)

1. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/allboysBR
2. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/genderBR
3. (TIE) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/bluestBR
4. (TIE) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/wallflowerBR
5. Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/tricksBR
6. (TIE) Looking for Alaska by John Green
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/alaskaBR
7. (TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/earlBR
8. (TIE) Crank by Ellen Hopkins
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/crankBR
9. (TIE) Sold by Patricia McCormick
   Why this book matters: bit.ly/soldBR
10. Flamer by Mike Curato
    Why this book matters: bit.ly/flamerBR

The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.

Deep Thoughts and Documentaries

Join us this Thursday (August 7) from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm in the Innovation Room, as we watch and reflect on Banned Together. This film is available via one of our streaming services, Kanopy. 

Pro tip: Did you know that if you pre-register for these events then you will automatically get a calendar invitation & 1-hr reminder? You can do so by using this link.

About the Film

Banned Together: The Fight Against Censorship is about a diverse cast of visionary teenagers, stirring public protests, private threats, criminal charges, and drama-filled school board meetings. The film pulls back the curtain on two of the most controversial issues in America today, book bans and curriculum censorship in public schools.

National Library Week 2025: Drawn to the Library!

Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day

Today is a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.

From the American Library Association:

Despite growing pressure, library professionals and advocates stood strong for the freedom to read in 2024—continuing to provide essential services, support their communities, and drive innovation in libraries.
Book challenges remained high, with 72% initiated not by parents but by organized groups and elected officials. Learn more and find out which books faced the most censorship challenges in this year's State of America's Libraries Report. 

For more on the State of America's Libraries, check out the full report here. 

Stay tuned for more information tomorrow on National Library Workers Day!