Promoted by the American Library Association, Banned Books Week is an awareness campaign meant to celebrate our freedom to read while uplifting marginalized voices. This week-long event calls attention to the societal attitudes that have allowed numerous books to be challenged or removed from shelves.
This statement was originally published in the spring of 1953 as a means to support the American Library Association in its task of resisting acts of censorship. This statement affirms the subsequent propositions to ensure our society is always provided the opportunity to read as freely as we can.
The American Library Association helps facilitate the celebration of the freedom to read by hosting Banned Books Week each September.
This document progresses the idea that each library across the country is a place where information and the expression of ideas come together. In an attempt to safeguard these organizations, the Library Bill of Rights acts as an outline of basic policies that guide the services offered within each library.
Office for Intellectual Freedom's Blog
The Office for Intellectual Freedom is responsible for the implementation of ALA policies across the country, specifically those concerning intellectual freedom. This office aims to further educate the general public as well as librarians about the importance of maintaining intellectual freedom in our libraries. Keep up with intellectual freedom news by reading this blog.
While the yearly Top 10 lists can give an excellent snapshot of that year, these lists typically include the same titles which can make it seem as though they're the only books facing these challenges. The Office for Intellectual Freedom puts out another list that tracks reports of challenges and removals across an entire decade - showcasing 100 different titles.
Banned Books Week
100 Most Challenged Books