At San Mateo County Libraries, we affirm our commitment to uphold the rights of library patrons to engage with information in alignment with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights. Providing our communities with a wide array of materials that reflect their experiences and inspire them to discover new perspectives helps us all in becoming more informed together.
Banned Books Week runs from October 5–11, 2025, and is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of intellectual freedom.
This year's theme, Censorship Is So 1984, is inspired by George Orwell's classic dystopian novel, 1984. As censorship attempts continue to climb, this novel serves as a fitting reminder of the dangers of restricting information.
What are banned books?
Banned books are materials that have been removed from a library, institution or business in response to a formalized objection or challenge.
According to ALA, 2,452 unique titles faced book ban challenges in 2024, which is the third highest number of challenges ever documented. Common justifications for challenges cite LGBTQ+ inclusion, discussions of race, racism, equity, social justice or claims of obscene content.
The majority of bans are pursued by pressure groups or organized campaigns, comprising 72% of total challenges. Only 16% of challenges are filed by parents, while library patrons are responsible for just 4% of challenges. Read more about censorship by the numbers.
Why is intellectual freedom important?
Censorship affects authors, publishers, librarians, educators and especially students. In an educational context, it impedes the development of key early literacy components, including print motivation, which encourages lifelong learning, and background knowledge, which builds a larger understanding of the world using vocabulary, facts and concepts.
Ultimately, books aid in our ability to understand the larger world around us. Being presented with a diverse array of perspectives and experiences allows us to develop a larger knowledge base. This, in turn, supports our ability to think critically and become active participants in our communities. When information becomes restricted, we lack the context to remain civically engaged.
How can I get involved?
Understanding the importance of intellectual freedom is the first step in combatting book bans. Connect with your community, encourage curiosity and reflect on how the freedom to read has left a lasting impact on your life. Looking for concrete ways to defend the right to read? Check out our call to actions below!
If you have 10 minutes:
- Review the Most Challenged Books of 2024.
- Wondering how we pick books to include on our shelves? Learn about San Mateo County Library’s Material Selection Policy.
- Reflect on the books, stories and knowledge that have shaped your life. How would your life be different if you no longer had access to them? Share your story with us.
If you have 30 minutes:
- Check out a banned book, here are some ideas!
- Start a conversation about censorship and the importance of the freedom to read with your loved ones.
If you have 60 minutes or more:
- Use your voice to engage with decision makers. Contact your local representatives and share the importance of supporting intellectual freedom.
- Stay informed with great resources from ALA, PEN America and Book Riot.
- If you're a teen or adult, try volunteering at your library.
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