Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. It highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
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. Check out the frequently challenged books section to explore the issues and controversies around book challenges and book banning. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.
How is the Marx Library celebrating the right to read?
- Check out our Banned Books Displays in the 1st floor library atrium!
- For more information about which titles have been banned and censored, see our LibGuide Banned Books Week.
- Check out this interactive timeline of Banned Books!
- Banned Books Giveaway- Drawing for 2 banned books at the Circulation Desk
Continue to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @USA_Library for more awesome Banned Books Info!
