Celebrate the Freedom to Read
Banned Books Week October 1-7
The American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom is celebrating our right to read any book we want through Banned Books Week October 1-7, 2023. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read.” We recognize Banned Books Week to remind ourselves that a miniscule, hyperactive minority cannot dictate whether a story should be written, published, or placed on a bookshelf. We celebrate to remind ourselves that stories from all walks of life, all lifestyles, all countries and time periods, and all lived experiences enhance, not harm, our understanding of the human condition. We urge you to cherish the accessibility of books for everyone, no matter their age, status, or class, and the great opportunity it is to learn from a variety of other human experiences. We encourage everyone to consider the impact of censorship on human experience and understanding, and to raise your voice against banning books. Below is a list of recommended ways that you can take action during Banned Books Week and all year long:
- Use the hashtags #bannedbooksweek and #letfreedomread on Instagram to declare your Freedom to Read.
- Post a photo or video of you reading one of your favorite banned books.
- Read more about the efforts to ban books here.
- Stock up on awesome Banned Books Week materials (free downloads are available here and show off your Banned Books Week spirit.)
- Reach out to our local media with a Letter to the Editor on behalf of the freedom to read. (An example advocating for reading banned books is available to get you started.)
- Stand up to censorship by reporting challenges made to books to the Office for Intellectual Freedom.
- Learn more about the top 13 most challenged books of 2022.
- Participate in the Banned Books Lit Trivia Night on Sept 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Roundabout Books to test your knowledge of Banned Books and have a bit of fun too. Sign up here.
- Read a Banned Book! Pick one up at a local Indie bookstore or at the Deschutes County Library.
The Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022 are listed below.
