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Celebrate Right to Read Day (April 24, 2023)
- Borrow a library book at risk of being banned.
- Click here for the top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022.
- Write a letter to the editor or to an elected leader.
- Attend a meeting of local officials or library or school board.
- Report censorship. Call 1-800-545-2433 x4266, or email oif@ala.org.
- Join Unite Against Book Bans.
Banned Books Week @ the Library (October 1-7, 2023)
"Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and spotlighting 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."
Stand up, speak out, learn more, and celebrate your freedom to read!
Banned Book Displays at SDPL
During Banned Books Week, library locations throughout the City feature informative displays highlighting both banned or restricted titles and authors.
Listener's Advisory: The San Diego Public Library Podcast
Season 1, Episode 10: Banned Books Week and Our Favorite Banned Books
Listen to the episode here.
Resources
Discover Banned Books Week facts, check out virtual author events, and much more from the American Library Association:
“This is a dangerous time for readers and the public servants who provide access to reading materials. Readers, particularly students, are losing access to critical information, and librarians and teachers are under attack for doing their jobs.”
- Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom