Welcome to the Banned and Challenged Books Research Guide!
In a time where difficult conversations are happening, it is especially important to reflect on why books are being challenged. These books have themes and subject matter that touch on these very difficult conversations.
Explore this guide to find out more information on why books are challenged, what books have been challenged, and what you can be doing to help!
September 26 - October 2, 2021
"Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular."
Source: American Library Association [ALA] Banned Books Week (September 26 - October 2, 2021)
Challenged: An attempt to remove or restrict access to a book, based on objections due to personal beliefs or values.
Banned: The actual removal of a book, based on objections due to personal beliefs or values.
Relocated: A book being hidden or moved to a less-noticed area as an attempt to challenge or ban the book.