Let Freedom Read: Banned Books Week 2023

"Books are a form of political action. Books are knowledge. Books are reflection. Books change your mind," ― Toni Morrison

For people who want everyone to think as they do, this power to educate and to change minds makes books seem scary. From the ancient Chinese emperor Shih Huang Ti to the modern Catholic Church and the U.S. Department of Defense, those who fear the power of certain books have banned or destroyed them. 

The Puritans started banning books in what would become the United States of America almost as soon as they landed at Plymouth Rock. In 1637, the Puritan government, unhappy with his portrayal of Puritan life, banned Thomas Morton’s New English Canaan. The ban set the stage for the country’s long tradition of book censorship. 

The concept of controlling what others are allowed to read may seem dated and fundamentally “Un-American.” But the stark reality is book challenges and bans are on the rise. The American Library Association (ALA) reports there were 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since they began collecting this data over 20 years ago. The vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.

With this onslaught of censorship, we must pay attention to attempts at banning books and stand up for our freedom to read. For the past 41 years, the ALA has raised the American public’s awareness of the ongoing book challenges and bans with their Banned Books Week campaign, celebrated this year October 1-7.

What is Banned Books Week?

In an effort to highlight the dangers of censorship and the value of our freedom of expression, library and First Amendment activist Judith Krug founded Banned Books Week in 1982. Through activities, events, and a slew of resources, the campaign encourages readers to voice their censorship concerns, examine challenged literary works, and celebrate free expression in their communities. 

While Banned Books Week is a catchy title to grab the attention of people and the media, it does not tell the entire story. The censorship of books has nuances that range from self-censorship to outright banning:

• Self-censorship occurs in a few different ways. It may be a teacher or librarian excluding a book from a display or collection in an effort to avoid controversy. Parents may avoid discussing the contents of a book with their kids in an attempt to shield them from certain information. Or, an author could stop writing about difficult topics that have negatively affected book sales and, in turn, their career.
• Book challenges take place when an individual or a group attempts to restrict access to or completely remove a title from the curriculum or a library. The initiator must complete a form that details their objections to the material and submit it to the appropriate authority, such as a library director or school board.
• Restricting access to books involves moving them to certain areas of a library, usually based on age, or requiring readers to request them directly from library staff.
• Book banning happens when a title is completely removed from a school and/or a library. In the US, these books almost always remain available for purchase through retail book sellers.

This year’s theme for Banned Books Week, “Let Freedom Read,” aptly illustrates the ALA’s goal of raising awareness about intellectual freedom issues and defending the right to read. When they proclaim banning books closes off readers to people, places, and perspectives, but standing up for stories unleashes the power that lies inside every book, the ALA helps to liberate the oppressed and subvert the oppressors.

Who is challenging and banning books?

Historically, books were challenged, banned, and burned by those in power (think King George III and Nazi Germany.) However, as societies progressed and the freedom of expression became more accepted and protected, the mass destruction of books declined greatly.

Until a few years ago, book challenges were usually initiated by a parent or concerned community member and typically referred to an individual book. That changed in 2020 when non-profit and religious groups, and politicians began to request the removal of multiple titles. For example, in 2022, 90% of reported book challenges were demands to censor multiple titles. Of those demands to censor library books, 40% sought to remove or restrict more than 100 books all at once.

• 30% Parents
• 28% Patrons
• 17% Political/Religious Groups
• 15% Board/Administration
• 3% Librarians/Teachers
• 3% Elected Officials
• 4% Other (includes non-custodial relatives, nonresidents, community members without library cards, etc.)

In 2022, book bans were reported in at least 32 states. The majority concentrated in Florida, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. As a matter of fact, three districts were responsible for 40 percent of all banned books from July to December 2022: 

• Frisco Independent School District in Texas
• Wentzville School District in Missouri 
• Escambia County Public Schools in Florida

These restrictions in access and bans of books come in response to school board rules and state legislation that have no clear guidance for interpretation, beginning with Florida’s HB 1557: The “Parental Rights in Education Act” (a.k.a. “Don’t Say Gay” law). With this template in place, other states are quickly following suit, such as:

• Indiana, HB 1608 prohibits any instruction in grades K-3 related to sexual orientation or gender identity.
• South Carolina, HB 3827 prohibits activities including “instruction, presentations, displays, performances, discussions, assignments,” related to “gender theory,” “gender identity,” “gender multiplicity,” or “gender expression.”
• Oklahoma, HB 1780, proposes that “Public schools shall not provide a sex education class, program, test, survey, or questionnaire.
• North Dakota, HB 1526, schools would be forbidden from teaching that a “student’s inner feelings are capable of guiding the student’s life” or “inform[ing] a student’s worldview based on emotions.”
• Texas, HB 1804 would require public school teachers to always “present positive aspects of the United States and its heritage.”
• Texas, HB 1655 threatens vendors to public schools who fail to rate their books as directed by the state would risk being placed on a “no-buy” list.

How can I get involved?

The American Library Association proposes countless ways to get involved during Banned Books Week and beyond. From local to national events and activities to free downloads, display ideas, and toolkits, there is something for everyone who wants to both learn about censorship and intellectual freedom and spread awareness in their communities.

Because the ALA knows firsthand how challenging it can be to start the conversations surrounding Banned Books Week, they offer a helpful Q&A section filled with strategies and resources. The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom further provides a tool for reporting censorship and challenges to materials, resources, and services.

Conclusion

“Today, some of the books that shaped my life and the lives of so many others — are being challenged by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives. And librarians are on the front lines, fighting every day to make the widest possible range of viewpoints, opinions, and ideas available to everyone.”

— Barack Obama

In a world where information and ideas are at our fingertips, the act of banning books seems like a relic of the past. The resurgence of book challenges and trends in recent years, however, is a troubling trend with far-reaching implications.

Books are not mere words on pages. They represent knowledge, reflection, and change. Restricting access to and banning books is an attempt to control what we think and who we become as an entire society.

These bans disproportionately target works by or about LGBTQIA+ individuals and people of color, effectively silencing vital perspectives and experiences. In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount, book bans threaten to roll back the hard-fought progress made in fostering a more inclusive society.

This year's Banned Books Week theme, "Let Freedom Read" emphasizes the importance of defending our freedom to read as a pillar of democratic society. Protecting this freedom requires vigilance, open dialogues, and support for organizations like the American Library Association.  

If we do not actively oppose these bans and protect our freedom to read, we risk a future where ignorance, intolerance, and censorship prevail.