Program Type:
Celebration Month, Book Discussion, Community Engagement, Cultural Appreciation, LiteratureProgram Description
Event Details
Celebrate Banned Books week! Play bingo and win prizes while learning about book bans and how you can support the freedom to read.
According to the American Library Association, more than 12,500 books have been challenged since 1982. 729 of those challenges were in 2021. Over 1200 challenges were made in 2022 with another 1200 in 2023, targeting over 4000 book titles. This increase was in both school AND public libraries, with 46% of reported censorship attempts in 2023 being against public libraries.
This increase has gained widespread media attention and has been influenced by political interest and coordinated groups targeting books on topics they do not like. Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts.
Learn more about fighting against book bans here:
- American Library Association
- Banned Books Week Official Website (multiple co-sponsors)
- PEN America
- Unite Against Banned Books