Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week, the only national celebration of the freedom to read,  is held during the last week of September and is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association; American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression; the American Library Association; American Society of Journalists and Authors; Association of American Publishers; and the National Association of College Stores.  It is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

There are hundreds of challenges to books in schools and libraries in the United States every year. According to the American Library Association (ALA), there were at least 513 in 2008, however they also have determined that 70 to 80 percent are never reported.

The books below, as were most of the books featured featured around the country during BBW, were not banned, but were the targets of attempted bannings.   Imagine how many more books might be challenged—and possibly banned or restricted—if librarians, teachers, and booksellers across the country did not use Banned Books Week each year to teach the importance of our First Amendment rights and the power of literature, and to draw attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society.

What can you do?
Read a banned book, shop at your local independent bookseller and support your local library!