Banned Books Week

This website from the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom includes information on Banned Books Week.

The Field Report examines attempts to curtail the freedom to read, offering more information about censorship attacks. This annual report is the perfect handout for those who don’t know about the scope of censorship in libraries and for readers who want to stay informed about recent attempts to restrict access to information.

Often times ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) receives requests from students and researchers for information about specific banned and challenged books. Part of OIF's mission is to provide support to library workers and teachers who report censorship. Due to the confidential nature of many of those situations, they are limited to providing only publicly available information.

Banned book displays kick-off conversations about censorship and inspire readers to explore challenged materials. These display ideas are from libraries across the U.S. — some which only require construction paper and an imagination.

The American Library Association promotes the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them. This is a list of frequently asked questions on banned and challenged books.

The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has released preliminary data documenting a continued uptick in attempts to censor books, materials, and services across public, school, and academic libraries in the United States during 2023.

Book Résumés help teachers, librarians, parents, and community members defend books from censorship. They detail each title’s significance and educational value and are easy to share with administrators, book review committees, elected officials, and board members.

The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom provides confidential support during censorship challenges to library materials, services, and programs. Anyone can report censorship, even if they do not require assistance.

Intellectual freedom is the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment.

The Articles of the Library Bill of Rights are statements of basic principles that should govern the service of all libraries.

Reporting censorship and challenges to materials, resources, and services is vital to defending library resources and to protect against challenges before they happen.

Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship.