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 has grown in 22 years, with libraries around the country offering FREE downloads of banned books, including the New York Public Library (NYPL) system, and by the American Library Association, which sponsors Banned Books Week.
By focusing on efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.
Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
In a time of intense political polarization, library staff in every state are facing an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books.
ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 1,247 demands to censor library books and resources in 2023.
The most challenged books in 2023 were those with an LGBTQIA+ theme.
The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 is “Freed Between the Lines.”
Banned Books to Download FREE
Here are some of the most challenged books, and the links to download them FREE and share them, from the ALA.
Most challenged books in 2023, including one by the legendary Toni Morrison.
Top 10 most challenged books aarchive for lists and data going back to 2001
100 most challenged books of past decades.
If you are wondering what is the most challenged book of all time – it is George Orwell’s “1984,” about political authoritarianism, the herd mentality, and what you shouldn’t believe what you see unless the leader tells you so.
Censorship is Increasing
The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by OIF in more than 20 years of tracking: 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for removal from schools and libraries.
This tops the previous high from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship. Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts.
The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28) is “Freed Between the Lines.”
Statement by the American Library Association –
We can find freedom in the pages of a book — but book bans and censorship threaten that freedom, along with many other rights and institutions.
During Banned Books Week 2024 and beyond, let’s share our love of right to read and the freedom found in books. Let’s be Freed Between the Lines!
Note – ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is the author of four books and has contributed to or edited dozens more. Luckily, none of them have been banned.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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