Banned Book Bingo: Celebrating the Freedom to Read!

Program Type:

Featured, Community Engagement, Cultural Appreciation, LGBTQIA+, Literature, Right to Read

Age Group:

Middle School Age, Teens, Emerging Adults, Adults, Older Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

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. 

Space is limited. Game play available on a first-come, first-served basis. All adults, teens, and middle schoolers are welcome to join.

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:

Accessibility

Need disability-related modifications or accommodations? Information and program content can be made available in alternative formats upon request by emailing JFRogers@sandiego.gov.