#The Right to Read
Banned Books Week (October 1-7, 2023) is an annual celebration highlighting the value of free and open access to information. It brings together the entire book community - librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types - to defend everyone's right to read under the First Amendment.
Let Freedom Read: Teen Art Contest
Feeling creative? Want to make an impact? Teens (ages 12-17) are invited to draw, paint, collage or otherwise create a square piece of artwork inspired by the American Library Association’s 2023 theme – Let Freedom Read – and join us at a Teen Advisory Board meeting from September 25 through October 6 for a chance to win prizes and showcase your talent! Let's start a discussion about censorship, book challenges, and the freedom to read that centers teen voices!
Email JPLYouthservices@coj.net for an entry form (or pick on up at your local library). For more information about Banned Books Week at the Library or ALA's 2023 theme, visit bannedbooksweek.org.
Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022
ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracks attempts to ban or restrict access to books across the United States and informs the public about censorship efforts in libraries and schools.
According to OIF, "A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials." Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the Top Most Challenged Books lists and 2022 data compiled by ALA represent only a snapshot of book challenges.
In 2022, OIF documented 1269 demands to censor library books and resources, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago... That nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021.
Books About Intellectual Freedom and Censorship
Read more about censorship and its effects:
LeVar Burton, Live on Instagram October 4
Recognizable for his groundbreaking roles in the landmark television series Roots and the Star Trek franchise, LeVar Burton’s work as a literacy advocate has inspired generations. Many in the book community can trace their love of reading and advocacy for the right to read to Burton’s treasured PBS children’s series Reading Rainbow. Burton has continued to inspire readers with the enormously popular LeVar Burton Reads podcast. Now the actor, director, and literacy advocate is the Banned Books Week 2023 Honorary Chair.
Burton will discuss his anti-censorship work with Banned Books Week Youth Honorary Chair Da’Taeveyon Daniels on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. EST live on Instagram.
Follow @banned_books_week on Instagram to catch the interview.
#LetFreedomReadDay is October 7
Want to celebrate the freedom to read and support your local library? Check out books on topics that are frequently targeted for censorship that have been on your TBR (to be read) list. It's a simple act - that could result in you finding your new favorite book or author - that shows unequivocally that our community is interested in reading these books.
This month's booklist can help get you started. Or, check out a Banned Books Week display at your local library and pick something that interests you.
Picture and Chapter Books
Teen and Young Adult Titles
