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Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read.

About Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Since its launch in 1982, the annual event has brought together the entire book community — librarians, teachers, booksellers, publishers, writers, journalists, 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.

What's the Difference Between a Banned and a Challenged Book?

challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. 

Absurd Reasons to Want to Ban Books

Foley Library's Banned Books Week display for 2023 includes books that have been challenged or banned for absurd reasons.  The titles listed below are part of the library's display.

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