Banned Book Week (October 4-10, 2026)
BANNED
BOOKS
WEEK
Celebrating the Freedom to Read
READ • THINK • EXPLORE
What Is Banned Books Week?
Banned Books Week is an annual celebration of the
freedom to read. It brings together librarians,
educators, students, authors, publishers, and readers
to recognize the importance of access to information
and the freedom to explore different ideas.
Throughout history, books have been challenged or
removed from schools and libraries because of their
content, viewpoints, or subject matter.
Banned Books Week encourages readers to explore
diverse perspectives, engage in thoughtful discussion,
and recognize the important role libraries play in
providing access to knowledge.
Every book offers an opportunity to discover
something new, consider another perspective,
and expand our understanding of the world.
Why Does the Freedom to Read Matter?
Libraries provide access to a broad range of
information, experiences, and perspectives.
This access supports education, intellectual
curiosity, independent thinking, and lifelong learning.
The freedom to read allows individuals to explore
ideas, ask questions, evaluate information, and
form their own conclusions.
Banned Books Week provides an opportunity to
reflect on intellectual freedom and the role
libraries play in supporting open inquiry.
How Can You Participate?
There are many ways to participate in Banned Books
Week and explore the importance of intellectual freedom.
📚 Read a Challenged Book
Explore a book that has been challenged
or restricted in a school or library.
Consider its themes, historical context,
and the perspectives it presents.
💬 Start a Conversation
Discuss intellectual freedom, censorship,
and the importance of access to information
with classmates, friends, or colleagues.
🔎 Explore New Perspectives
Discover authors, experiences, and viewpoints
that are different from your own.
Reading widely can deepen understanding
and encourage thoughtful dialogue.
Discover Something New at Your Library
Your library is a place to explore ideas,
discover new authors, and engage with
information from a variety of perspectives.
During Banned Books Week, we invite you to
visit the library, browse our collections,
and discover a book that challenges you
to think in a new way.
Your next great read might be a book
you’ve never considered before.
Learn More About Banned Books Week
Explore these resources to learn more about
intellectual freedom, book challenges,
and the history of Banned Books Week.
Celebrate the Freedom to Read.
Discover New Ideas.
Explore Different Perspectives.