Held from September 23 – 29, Banned Books Week is an annual event that brings together the entire book community—readers, librarians, publishers, booksellers, educators, and journalists –in shared support of the freedom to read. Launched in 1982 in response to a tide of challenges to books in schools and libraries, Banned Books Week highlights the value of free and open access to information.
While books continue to be challenged, Banned Books Week is a celebration. In most cases, the titles remain available thanks to the efforts of those who speak out against censorship.
The 2018 theme, “Banning Books Silences Stories,” is a reminder that the freedom to read is essential to our democracy and everyone needs to speak out against censorship.
For more information on Banned Books Week, please check out these resources:
- Banned Books Week – For promotional tools to help spread the word about Banned Books Week—including logos, banner ads, social media images, flyer templates.
- Books on Tape (BOT) – For ideas on how to celebrate Banned Books Week with Audiobooks.
- Random House Children’s Books – For strategies for educators and librarians when they face a banned book in their collection or classroom.
- Banned Books Week Sweepstakes—Enter for a chance to win Banned Books items from Out of Print, a The Handmaid’s Tale Banned Books candle, an “I Read Banned Books” print, and copies of 6 iconic Penguin Deluxe Edition books.
Happy Banned Books Week!
