Banned Books Week runs this year from Oct. 5-11 and highlights growing national conversations around book access and reading rights. Since 1982, thousands of titles have faced challenges. In 2024 alone, the American Library Association (ALA) recorded attempts to remove 2,452 unique titles — the third-highest total since tracking began in 1990, and far above the 2001-2020 average of 273 per year.
The ALA also reported that in 2024, 72% of challenges came from organized groups, public officials and administrators, reflecting broader national debates about content in libraries and schools. This year’s theme, “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights,” encourages everyone to stand up for the freedom to read.
What is Banned Books Week?
Since 1982, readers, librarians, authors and educators have come together to defend access to information. Inspired by George Orwell’s “1984,” this year’s theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to everyone. People can get involved through events like Let Freedom Read Day on Oct. 11 or by hosting a Right to Read Night in their community.
What’s New This Year?
This year’s honorary chair is George Takei – actor, author and longtime advocate for civil liberties and storytelling. He is joined by youth chair Iris Mogul, a Florida teen who started a banned books club after hundreds of titles about race, history and sexuality were removed from schools.
Takei emphasized that reading fosters both understanding and informed civic participation. “Books are an essential foundation of democracy,” he said. “Our ‘government of the people, by the people, for the people’ depends on a public that is informed and empathetic, and books teach us both information and empathy.”
New initiatives include:
- Updated Book Ban Map: Little Free Library, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and PEN America launched an interactive map showing where censorship is rising and where local Little Free Libraries offer access.
- Event Calendar Collaboration: Banned Books Week Coalition partners with Public School Strong and Unite Against Book Bans to connect advocates and share events, in person or virtual.
- Most Challenged Books of 2024: Every year, the ALA compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from the field and media coverage.
Why It Matters at Johnson County Library
At Johnson County Library, your reading and viewing choices are personal. We support your right to access information freely and privately. Materials are selected using professional guidelines (PDF) and community needs — not personal opinions.
Our collections are guided by established principles, and our Interlibrary Loan service helps patrons access materials worldwide. Diverse voices strengthen us all through our Freedom to Read and Freedom to View commitments. Patrons can suggest purchases or submit a Request for Reconsideration (PDF), helping keep the Library a space for open exploration.
