Chapter 1: Embrace Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week has been celebrated every year since 1982, occurring during the last full week of September. This initiative is supported by the American Library Association (ALA) and Amnesty International, with the 2022 observance scheduled for September 18th to 24th.

To qualify for the banned books list, titles must have faced challenges or bans, often from school libraries, and must be reported to the ALA. It's important to note that the ALA suggests as many as 97% of challenges go unrecorded, meaning this list reflects only a fraction of the broader issue.

As someone who enjoys reading challenges, I make it a point to engage with at least one of the Top 10 Challenged books each year. So far this month, I’ve tackled Lawn Boy (#2) and All Boys Aren't Blue (#3), and I am eagerly awaiting my library hold on Gender Queer (#1) to arrive by the month's end!

While I won’t claim to enjoy every book on the banned list—some I have found quite disappointing—I firmly believe that personal taste should not restrict others' access to literature. Just because a book doesn’t resonate with me doesn’t mean it won’t resonate with someone else.

When reviewing the most frequently banned books over the decades, you might recognize some well-known titles that have stirred controversy, such as Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. Surprisingly, classic novels like Of Mice and Men and To Kill a Mockingbird also frequently appear on these lists.

Recently, there has been a notable increase in the number of young adult LGBTQ books facing bans (50% of this year's challenged titles fall into this category). Although this genre isn’t one I typically gravitate toward, I’m open to exploring these narratives, as they provide valuable perspectives. Moreover, I believe LGBTQ teens benefit immensely from reading stories that reflect their experiences.

Sadly, book challenges are escalating in the United States, along with hostility directed toward librarians who select certain titles for their collections. This trend is concerning, and I urge everyone to take a stand against censorship, support local libraries, and pick up a banned book this month!

Happy reading to all!

In Gainesville, community members engage in public readings of banned books, demonstrating their resistance to government censorship. This act of defiance not only highlights the value of free expression but also fosters a sense of solidarity among readers.

LeVar Burton speaks out during Banned Books Week, addressing the alarming rise in conservative book bans. His passionate message urges everyone to stand up against these restrictions and protect the freedom to read.