We're right in the middle of Banned Books Week 2025. It officially kicked off on October 5th and will conclude October 11th. The American Library Association (ALA) began the Banned Books Week campaign in 1982 and started documenting censorship soon after in 1990. Each year the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom releases a list of the most frequently challenged books and provides statistics on censorship attempts.
A list of this years most challenged titles can be found on their website here. The most challenged title of the year will be announced in April of 2026.
According to bannedbooksweek.org, celebrating Banned Books Week “helps to highlight the value of free and open access to information.” It is a core value of all libraries. Delta College Library strives to uphold this value.
Steps you can take to help uphold the freedom to read include-
-register to vote and vote for candidates that support freedom to read initiatives
-check out or buy a banned book and read it
-contact your local representative to discuss your position on the topic
-Support your local library (volunteer, donate, or attend a library board meeting)
The week culminates on Saturday, October 11th with Let Freedom Read Day where readers are encouraged to take action to fight censorship. For more information about Let Freedom Read Day and to find out what actions you can take visit this site.