Banned Books Week is an annual observance (October 5-11, 2025) that spotlights the freedom to read, pushes back against censorship and celebrates open access to information. The American Library Association (ALA) and its Office for Intellectual Freedom compile annual reports on book challenges and censorship attempts nationwide. Many challenges go unreported, so their data offers only a partial picture.
This year’s theme is:
“Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.”
The theme evokes George Orwell’s 1984 and serves as a reminder that censorship is not just a relic of the past. It is active and ongoing.
Why It Matters
-
In 2024, ALA documented 821 attempts to censor library materials involving 2,452 unique titles.
-
While the number of attempts declined from the record high of 1,247 in 2023, the large number of targeted titles shows how organized groups are pushing for book removals.
“Our role as a public library is to provide free and open access to information for everyone,” said Dave Schroeder, executive director of the Kenton County Public Library. “Our policies are designed to ensure a wide range of perspectives so individuals can make their own informed choices about what to read.”
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024
The ALA’s “Top 10” list highlights the books most frequently challenged in the past year. Among the most challenged titles were:
Every year, the American Library Association compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from the field and media coverage.
Add a comment to: National Banned Books Week 2025