Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read, September 24 - 30, 2017

Words Have Power. Read A Banned Book Today!

Washoe County Library System, in conjunction with the American Library Association, will celebrate Banned Book Week that runs from September 24 through September 30, 2017. 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. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings 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.

Top Ten Lists of Most Challenged Books from 2001 to 2015 are also available.

Additionally, to help celebrate Banned Book Week, the Washoe County Library System encourages our community to participate in a Virtual Read-Out! Readers from across the country and around the world will participate in a Virtual Read-Out during Banned Books Week 2017. Visit the Virtual Read-Out playlists to view videos from past participants which include videos from Judy Blume, Chris Crutcher, Stephen Chbosky and Dav Pilkey, as well as actors Jeff Bridges and Whoopi Goldberg!