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!
"Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. For 40 years, the annual event has brought 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. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship."
Source: American Library Association [ALA] Banned Books Week (October 1 - 7, 2023)
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.