Banned Books Week

This September 25 - October 1, 2016, we’re celebrating Banned Books Week and the freedom to read. Every year, hundreds of books are either removed or challenged in schools and libraries in the United States. This annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and aims to raise awareness about the harm that removing or restricting access to books can cause.

Groups or individuals around the world challenge books for a variety of reasons. Just check out this recent statistical breakdown on 2015’s Book Challenges. This map of documented cases from 2007-2011 by the American Library Association, opens a new window and the Kids' Right to Read Project, opens a new window is also a fascinating depiction of how close to home and widespread this issue of banning and challenging books is.

So stand up for your right to read and participate in Banned Books Week activities! You can:

Looking for Alaska

Fifty Shades of Grey

I Am Jazz!

Beyond Magenta

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

The Holy Bible

Fun Home

Habibi

Nasreen's Secret School

Two Boys Kissing

Which banned book would you memorize to prevent being lost to the sands of time? Let us know in the comments below.