This week starts Banned Books Week, a week long event celebrating the right to read, and access to free and open information for all. This year’s theme is “Freed Between the Lines,” in which the American Libraries Association(ALA) highlights the “freedom to explore new ideas and different perspectives is under threat, and book bans don’t just restrict access to stories—they undermine our rights.”
Last year, the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom has tracked over 1,200 book bans, an increase of 65% from last year. Over 4,200 titles of the titles that were banned consist of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC perspectives and viewpoints.
This year’s honorary chair of Banned Books week is Ava DuVernay, the filmmaker behind 13th. She is quoted as saying:
“I believe that censorship is the enemy of freedom. By banning books, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from the past and to envision a braver future.”
Ava DuVerney
There are many Banned Books events sponsored by the ALA. Registration and more information can be found on this event page, including a panel discussion, “Behind the Bans: How Censhorship Impacts Our Communities” today, September 23rd at 2:00PM eastern time. The panel consists of Authors Eliot Schrefer (Queer Ducks (and Other Animals), The Darkness Outside Us), Patricia McCormick (Sold), and Christina Soontornvat (The Squad (The Tryout #2)) and will be facilitated by ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom’s Joyce McIntosh and Jack Phoenix (Cayahoga Falls Library).
If you are interested in borrowing a book that has been banned, the City Tech Library has a featured Banned Book Collection. Other libraries in New York City are also hosting Banned Books Week Events including Brooklyn Public Library, New Public Library, and Queens Public Library.
The ALA also lists a number of resources in which you can get involved with during Banned Books Week.
