Banned Books Week: October 5 – 11
This October, we celebrate Banned Books Week — a time to honor the freedom to read and the power of stories that challenge, inspire, and connect us. Libraries have always been at the forefront of protecting access to diverse voices and ideas. It is important to ensure our libraries across the country remain safe spaces for everyone to learn, question, and grow.
Here’s how you can take action this week:
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Step up on Let Freedom Read Day – On October 11, 2025, take at least one action to help defend books from censorship and to stand up for the library staff, educators, writers, publishers, and booksellers who make them available! Explore this list of action ideas, whether you have five minutes or an hour to spare.
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Educate yourself – Did you know that there were 821 attempts to censor library materials and services in 2024? Learn more from the American Library Association here.
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Visit your local library — Check out a frequently challenged title. View a list of the most challenged books from 2024 for inspiration here.
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Speak up for libraries — Share why the freedom to read matters on social media using #BannedBooksWeek and #LetFreedomRead
Every book, every reader, and every voice matters. Thank you for standing up for the freedom to read.
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. It highlights the value of free and open access to information. Learn more at bannedbooksweek.org.