Libraries across the nation are coming together this week to celebrate Banned Books Week, a campaign aimed at drawing attention to the harms of censorship and advocating for the freedom to read. The event, taking place from October 1st to 7th, 2023, is supported by various entities in the book community, including librarians, educators, authors, booksellers, and publishers.
This year’s theme, Let Freedom Read!, highlights the importance of protecting intellectual freedom and the right to access diverse literature. The honorary chairman of Banned Books Week 2023 is LeVar Burton, a literary advocate, Reading Rainbow star, and Hollywood actor. Burton emphasizes that books are under attack, with some being removed from libraries and schools due to misguided efforts toward censorship. He believes that public advocacy campaigns like Banned Books Week play a vital role in raising awareness about book censorship and empowering individuals to fight against it.
The American Library Association (ALA), one of the founders of Banned Books Week, has compiled a list of books that are allegedly being removed or restricted. Some of the titles include Gender Queer, All Boys Aren’t Blue, Lawn Boy, and This Book is Gay. These books have been challenged by librarians and teachers across the country. However, the ALA has faced criticism from some quarters, with multiple state libraries pulling out of the association due to its prioritization of LGBT and racially divisive themed books for children. Other states are also considering withdrawing their libraries from the ALA relationship.
In Washington, D.C., libraries have taken their own approach to this year’s Banned Books Week with the theme Freedom is Not Guaranteed. The D.C. Public Library refers to this week as a call to action, highlighting the increasing attempts to ban books, particularly those with LGBTQIA+ themes and those that represent communities of color.
As part of the Banned Books Week 2023, the Banned Bookmobile Tour will stop in Washington, D.C., offering free books and information on banned books. This initiative has garnered support from entities such as the New Republic magazine, the American Federation of Teachers, the African American Policy Forum, and bestselling author Nora Roberts.
Banned Books Week will conclude with Let Freedom Read Day on Saturday, October 7th. Activists are encouraged to take action against censorship on this day. The overarching goal is to protect intellectual freedom, challenge censorship, and ensure everyone has the right to access a diverse range of literature.
As libraries nationwide celebrate Banned Books Week, it serves as a reminder that the fight against censorship is ongoing. By highlighting the challenges faced by books and advocating for the freedom to read, libraries and their supporters are working to create a more inclusive literary environment for all.
