Banned Books Week runs this year from Oct. 4-10 and highlights growing national conversations around book access and reading rights. Since 1982, thousands of titles have faced challenges. In 2025 alone, the American Library Association (ALA) recorded attempts to remove 4,235 unique titles, 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, Let Books Be, 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. Events like Let Freedom Read Day on Oct. 11 and community gatherings such as Right to Read Night highlight ways people are engaging with the issue.
What’s New This Year?
- 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.
- Banned Books Week Coalition: Award-winning authors and advocates Bess Kalb and Tony Weaver, Jr headline banned books week this year.
- Most Challenged Books of 2025: 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 the Collection Development Policy (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 to help keep the Library a space for open exploration.
