Banned Books Week is an annual event, that celebrates the freedom to read with the purpose of placing the spotlight on the harms of censorship.
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. By focusing on efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. 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.
The books that are featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools by individuals or groups that objected to the book being made available. In majority of cases those that were challenged remained available, this is part of what is celebrated during Banned Books Week.
Discover more about banned and challenged books by visiting the American Library Association's website.
SJSU Librarian Estella Inda created a guide for learning more about books that have been banned or challenged throughout the United States.