Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week
Name	Banned Books Week
Genre	Awareness campaign
Frequency	Annual
Location	United States
First	September 1982
Founder	Judith Krug, American Library Association
Website	https://www.ala.org/bbooks/bannedbooksweek

Banned Books Week is an annual awareness campaign promoted by the American Library Association and its Office for Intellectual Freedom. Held during the last week of September, it celebrates the freedom to read and highlights the value of free and open access to information. The event draws attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting current and historical attempts to ban books from libraries, bookstores, and schools.

History and origins

The event was founded in 1982 by prominent librarian and activist Judith Krug in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries. Its creation was catalyzed by several high-profile Supreme Court cases, including Island Trees School District v. Pico, which affirmed students' First Amendment rights. Key organizing partners from the outset included the American Booksellers Association and the National Association of College Stores. The inaugural event featured appearances by authors like Kurt Vonnegut and was supported by a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan.

Purpose and goals

The primary purpose is to educate the public about the dangers of censorship and the importance of defending the freedom to seek and express ideas. It aims to support librarians, teachers, booksellers, and community members who stand against efforts to remove materials from collections. A central goal is to promote intellectual freedom as outlined in the Library Bill of Rights and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The campaign also seeks to empower readers by providing resources to combat local challenges and celebrate diverse voices in literature.

Notable banned and challenged books

Many seminal works of literature have been frequently targeted, including Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. Contemporary titles that regularly appear on challenge lists include Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, Toni Morrison's Beloved, and Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom publishes annual lists of the most challenged books, which in recent years have featured works by Maia Kobabe and George M. Johnson.

Events and activities

Libraries, schools, and bookstores across the United States host read-outs, panel discussions, and exhibits of banned books. The Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts have historically been involved in supporting related programming. Many institutions create displays featuring empty shelves or wrapped books to symbolize censorship. Author talks, often featuring writers like Judy Blume or Dav Pilkey, are common, and social media campaigns using hashtags like #BannedBooksWeek encourage widespread participation.

Impact and reception

The event has succeeded in raising national awareness about censorship trends, often leading to increased circulation for highlighted titles. It has bolstered the resolve of institutions like the Brooklyn Public Library and the Chicago Public Library to maintain robust, inclusive collections. The data compiled by the American Library Association during this week provides crucial metrics for researchers, journalists, and advocates tracking free speech issues. However, some critics argue it can inadvertently fuel further challenges by drawing attention to specific titles.

Controversies and criticism

Some commentators, including certain members of the National Review and The Wall Street Journal, have argued the event conflates challenges with actual bans and exaggerates the scale of censorship. Critics from groups like Focus on the Family have contended it disregards parental rights in educational settings. There is also debate over the inclusion of books removed through standard library collection management policies versus those targeted for ideological reasons. These criticisms often center on differing interpretations of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and local control over school boards.

Category:American Library Association Category:Book festivals in the United States Category:Censorship in the United States Category:Freedom of speech Category:Recurring events established in 1982