At San Mateo County Libraries, we believe everyone should have the freedom to explore ideas, discover new perspectives and choose what they want to read. Our collections reflect the many experiences, interests and viewpoints of the communities we serve, guided by our commitment to intellectual freedom and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
This year, Banned Books Week takes place October 4–10, 2026, with the theme Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read. The theme reminds us that books should remain available for people to discover, question and interpret for themselves. Protecting the freedom to read means preserving access to a wide range of ideas, perspectives and experiences, even when some readers may disagree with a book’s content.
We invite you to learn more about the freedom to read at our upcoming Banned Books Week events.
Why does the freedom to read matter?
Reading gives us the opportunity to encounter ideas and experiences beyond our own. As Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop famously described, books can serve as mirrors, reflecting our own lives and experiences; windows, offering a view into the lives of others; and sliding glass doors, allowing us to enter and experience worlds different from our own.
We may not agree with everything we read, and that is part of the value of reading widely. The freedom to read means that we can encounter different ideas and perspectives and decide for ourselves what we think.
When books are removed for everyone because some people object to their content, that choice is taken away from an entire community. We must work together to make sure that people can explore, question, learn and discover without having someone else make those choices for them.
According to ALA, 4,235 unique titles faced book ban challenges in 2025, which is the second 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 vast majority of bans are pursued by pressure groups or organized campaigns rather than individual library users, comprising 92% of total challenges. Read more about censorship by the numbers.
Protecting the Freedom to Read in California
Book challenges are increasingly making their way into state legislatures. From January 2025 through March 2026, more than 100 pro-censorship bills were introduced across the country. At least 40 could expose libraries and library workers to lawsuits, fines or even jail time.
In Arkansas for example, a state law that could put librarians at legal risk has advanced through the courts. California has responded by reinforcing protections for public libraries and library workers. The California Freedom to Read Act strengthens protections for public libraries and library workers by establishing requirements for policies governing library collections. This helps ensure that librarians can continue to provide communities with a wide range of books and perspectives, even when a particular book is controversial or has been challenged.
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 calls to action below!
If you have 10 minutes:
- Review the Most Challenged Books of 2025.
- 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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