Welcome!
This display presents books that have been restricted or challenged at different points in history, highlighting their continuing value in academic study. These works serve as primary sources for understanding how societies debate ideas, set boundaries, and define cultural norms.
In classrooms and research alike, examining such texts provides insight into legal frameworks, historical context, and the evolution of public discourse. Their presence in an academic library supports critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, and a fuller understanding of the forces that shape literature, law, and civic life.
About Book Banning
Learn About the Movement
PEN America has a andy tip sheet for students interested in resisting campaigns for removing books from public schools.
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.
Image Credit
All images from The American Library Association.
Events
Celebrate Banned Books Week and your freedom to read!
Join us for a public read-in of challenged and banned books, where every page tells a story that has inspired thought, sparked debate, and shaped our culture. Come to listen and explore the importance of intellectual freedom while reflecting on the value of challenged texts.
Volunteer to read a short 5-minute passage and receive a free book! Remaining books will be raffled to attendees—must be present to win.
Sign Up to Read: Email joan.dantoni@louisville.edu (UofL Department of English)
Stop in and have a listen anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, or Thursday, October 9 at Ekstrom Library.
Co-sponsored by University Libraries, UofL Department of English, and Delta Sigma Theta Graduate Chapter
The History of Banned Books Week
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. To learn more about the American Library Association’s mission, goals, and purpose with this campaign, please visit https://www.ala.org/bbooks/banned
"Banned Books Week", American Library Association, ala.org/events/banned-books-week (Accessed September 17, 2025)
Local Issues Concerning Book Banning
Book purges at Fort Campbell, other schools run by Defense Department challenged as unconstitutional - Kentucky Lantern
Kentucky families among those suing Defense Department schools over book purges - Louisville Public Media
Debate sparked over church members not returning LGBTQ+ books to Shelby County library - WAVE News
Library receives donations to replace books church leaders targeted for LGBTQ+ themes - Kentucky Lantern
Challenges at Kentucky libraries rose 1000% last year, mostly in two counties - Louisville Public Media
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
