Banned Books Week: Home

Here, you’ll find a collection of books that have been challenged, censored, or outright banned—but never silenced. These stories push boundaries, ignite conversations, and highlight the importance of intellectual freedom. Explore these powerful narratives and join us in celebrating the freedom to read. Together, we can stand against censorship and embrace the diverse voices that shape our world.

Defend your First Amendment Rights; Read Banned Books

On Monday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., BBW begins at Ekstrom Library on the front porch (east quad side). Join us to listen and/or read by emailing Joan Dantoni in the UofL English Department. Free books will be raffled off. You must be present to win. Readers get a free book of their choice. Time slots are available in 5-minute intervals.

For more information, email Joan Dantoni or Fannie M. Cox.

How to Fight Book Bans

PEN America has a andy tip sheet for students interested in resisting campaigns for removing books from public schools.

Report Censorship

The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) encourages library workers and educators report censorship when it occurs. If you or someone you know is facing censorship, don’t wait—challenges, bans, or access issues can be reported using this form.

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. 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 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." 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!

"Banned Books Week", American Library Association, December 11, 2012, https://www.ala.org/bbooks/banned (Accessed September 5, 2024)

Kentucky school district bans more than 100 books, citing anti-LGBTQ+ law - Louisville Public Media

‘Book banning’ bill passes Kentucky Senate - Louisville Public Media

'Parents' rights' group behind Kentucky book bans labeled as extremist by SPLC - The Courier Journal

All images from The American Library Association.