Protect the Freedom to Read—Let Books Be
Banned Books Week, sometimes called Freedom to Read Week, began in 1982 in response to a sharp rise in book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores. This year’s theme—Protect the Freedom to Read—Let Books Be—reminds us that books should be available for people to discover, read, question, and interpret for themselves. Protecting that freedom is a responsibility we all share.
Today, books continue to be challenged and removed from classrooms and libraries for addressing topics such as race, gender, sexuality, and other ideas that may challenge or make some readers uncomfortable.
Some of the Facts According to the American Library Association (2025)
- ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second highest ever documented by ALA. The highest ever documented was 4,240 in 2023.
- Of the unique titles challenged in 2025, 1,671 (39%) represent the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.
- ALA documented 713 attempts to censor library materials and services, 487 of which targeted books.
- In 2025, 92% of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers, up from 72% in 2024. Less than 3% of challenges originated from individual parents.
- OIF documented 5,668 books banned from libraries (66% of the total challenged) in 2025. An additional 920 books were censored through access restrictions such as relocation or requiring parental permission. This is both the highest number of titles censored in one year and the highest rate of challenges resulting in censorship from 1990–2025.
Let’s Take a Closer Look
Who challenges books? Nearly 92% of censorship attempts in 2025 were initiated by pressure groups and decision makers swayed by them–not parents and patrons. In fact, parents and patrons only make up 4% of those challenges. Also important to note is that the challenges coming from lobbyists and elected officials is up 20-points from 2024.
Where are challenges happening? The majority of challenges are taking place in school and public libraries. Of the challenges taking place in school libraries, 98% were in multi-title challenges, meaning a number of titles are being put forth at one time for evaluation.
It’s not just books that are being censored. Although books make up the majority of challenges (68%), displays, programs, online resources, films, and general access to libraries are also being threatened. In total, there were 713 censorship incidents in 2025.
The number of books being challenged is increasing at an alarming rate. In 2025, a total of 7,884 titles were targeted for censorship. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of books being challenged has grown by 67%.
What’s happening in public libraries specifically? From 2020 to 2025, the number of documented threats to intellectual freedom more than tripled and the number of censorship attempts nearly doubled. The number of books challenged increased by over 700%, the number of books censored went up by over 7,000%, and the number of books banned increased by nearly 3,000%. Alarming? Yes!
What Can I Do to Help?
Read a challenged book. Then, recommend it to a friend!
Show up when it matters locally. If a book is being challenged near you, attend the relevant meeting and make your voice heard.
Speak up and share accurate information. Share the data. These numbers tell story that will hopefully inspire others to act.
Contact your elected representatives. When legislation that affects schools and libraries is being considered, contact your representative and let them know your view.
Support the library. Attend programs, check out books, use our resources. Your engagement helps demonstrate that libraries are still valued and needed.
Celebrate the freedom to read. Check out one of these Banned Books Week events we have planned and celebrate with us!
- Gutenberg Cafe: Let Books Be—Browse a display of titles that have been banned or challenged in libraries and schools over the past ten years. Choose a book to read, then join us during Banned Books Week for a community discussion. We’ll share brief reviews of the books, discuss why they have been challenged, and explore broader questions about intellectual freedom, access to information, and the role of libraries. Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM at the West End Branch.
- Lit Happens: Banned Books Social—Enjoy coffee shop vibes but don’t want to spend money? Hang in our teen space, discuss books with friends, and enjoy our pop-up snacks on the (library) house! Wednesday, October 7, 4:00 PM at the Main Library.
