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Banned Books Week: Welcome

Resources and information for Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week: October 1-7, 2023

Banned Books Week • October 1-7 2023

Top 13 Challenged Books • 2022

"ALA documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges in 2022 nearly doubles the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. Of the record 2,571 unique titles targeted for censorship, these are most challenged, including reasons cited for censoring the books" (2022 Book Ban Data).


What is Banned Books Week?

"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." -- ALA Banned Books Week



History of Banned Books Week

"Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982 according to the American Library Association." - Banned Books Week

Challenged verses Banned

Banned vs Challenged: What's the difference?


Challenge: "An attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group.

Banned:  Removal of 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 About Banned & Challenged Books

 

This library guide uses images courtesy of free downloads from the ALA Banned Books Week web site.

Welcome!

Diane Schrecker

Diane Schrecker, MLIS, M.Ed.

Curriculum & Instruction Librarian
Head of the IRC
✉ dschreck@ashland.edu
☏ 419.207.6406


Instructional Resource Center
Archer Library at Ashland University
509 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805

✉ irc-aulib@ashland.edu
☏ 419.289.5406

Stay Connected!

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Take our banned books week poll!

We Read Banned Books Image 2023

Take the Poll!

How would you rate your knowledge of banned and/or censored books?

I'd rate my skill level as ...
Great! I am a banned books week guru.: 5 votes (31.25%)
Okay. I know a t hing or two about banned books.: 9 votes (56.25%)
Rookie. I'm confused by banned vs challenged.: 2 votes (12.5%)
Total Votes: 16

 

 

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