By BEN JOHNSON
Salina Public Library
Banned Books Week, Oct. 1-7, has been held annually for over 40 years to celebrate individuals’ freedom to choose what they read, despite past, current, and future attempts to censor books in various institutions such as libraries and schools.
Each year, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracks and documents reports of book censorship/challenges in libraries, compiling lists of the most challenged books nationwide.
In 2022, the ALA recorded a record-breaking number of challenges to over 2,500 individual titles, with preliminary data showing a continued rise in challenges in 2023. Most books are challenged on the grounds of being written by or containing content about LGBTQ+ persons and Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
By drawing attention to the negative effects of censorship on communities, Banned Books Week helps to inspire readers everywhere to defend their right to read.
Most of these challenges fail to take hold thanks to the continued efforts of teachers, students, community members, and librarians. If you want more information regarding book challenges and the fight against censorship, visit the American Library Association’s website or ask your local librarians.
Information provided by Ben Johnson, adult programs coordinator at the Salina Public Library