About Banned Books Week

Sponsored since 1982 by the American Library Association, Banned Books Week draws attention to ongoing efforts in schools and communities to remove books or restrict readers' access to materials. Libraries encourage communities to celebrate their freedom to read by featuring frequently challenged books and promoting discussion of censorship efforts. Learn more from the ALA.

This guide highlights challenged books available at your library at James Sprunt Community College. It also provides links to online resources for understanding book banning and discovering real-life examples from across the nation.

Why does the freedom to read matter?

• Open communication of ideas (and the universal ability to engage in that communication) is essential to a democratic society in which everyone participates in decision-making.
• For a society to grow and progress, it must be able to entertain ideas that are considered controversial or subversive under the status quo.
• Creativity cannot flourish where artistic expression is restricted.
• An attack on your freedom to read necessarily threatens your right to privacy, your ability to explore whatever you choose without scrutiny.
• Free expression empowers individuals to assert their rights and to unite into groups of their choosing for self-advocacy.

(Adapted from the ALA's Banned Books Week Proclamation.)