Banned Books Week: 2019 Infographic

Banned Books Week: More than Books

It's more than books ...

ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracks reported instances of bans and challenges to books, as well as instances related to programs & meetings, displays, databases, artwork, magazines, films, and games. "Since 1990, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom has maintained a database on challenged materials. ALA collects information from two sources: media reports and reports submitted by individuals" (ALA, Challenge Reporting).

Banned Books Week: Censorship by the Number

Why are Books Challenged?

"Often challenges are motivated by a desire to protect children from “inappropriate” sexual content or “offensive” language. The following were the top three reasons cited for challenging materials as reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom: the material was considered to be "sexually explicit;" the material contained "offensive language;" and the materials was "unsuited to any age group"'(ALA, Banned Books FAQ).

Banned Books Week: Challenge or Ban?

What is the difference between a challenge or banning? 

"A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection" (ALA Banned Book FAQ).

Banned Books Week: Top 11 List of 2018

About Bans & Challenges

This graphic features the 11 most challenged books from 2018. "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" (ALA, Banned Books Week).

• Frequently Challenged Books
• Frequently Challenged Children's Books
• Frequently Challenged Young Adult Books
• Frequently Challenged Books with Diverse Content

Banned Books Week: Top Challenged Books 2018

Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2018

Banned or Challenged? What's the difference? "Books are still being banned and challenged today. A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials" (ALA Banned Books Week).

Banned Books Week: Sept 22-28, 2019

What is Banned Books Week?

"Banned Books Week (September 22-28, 2019) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It 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" (ALA, Banned Books Week).

Interested in learning more? There's a Banned Books Week LibGuide for that! The IRC Banned Books Week guide features an overview of  Banned Books Week history and challenged books, Library Resources and Internet & Infographic Resources, links to frequently banned and challenged books for the last ten years, challenged classics, and an interactive timeline highlighting 30 Years of Challenged Literature.