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Have you checked out a banned book this week?
Each year the American Library Association (ALA) and public libraries throughout the United States celebrate Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is an acknowledgement of each individual's right to the freedom to read and a statement against censorship. This year Banned Books Week is Sunday, September 18 - Saturday, September 24, 2022.
Established in 1967, the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracks of the number of books challenged in public and academic libraries each year. In 2021, 729 books were challenged. The highest number of challenges since the OIF's inception.
Banned books can play an integral role in challenging one's life experiences and preconceived ideas, testing conceptual boundaries, and opening one's eyes to societal differences all while within a safe space. They can also take a person to fantastic new imaginative realms that provide escape from our daily lives.
Below are some popular titles, many of which are now considered classics, that have been challenged over the years.
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