Banned Books Week was established in 1982 in response to a surge in book challenges. This annual event brings together librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas, even though some might be considered unpopular.
Here are some key reasons why we observe Banned Books Week:
- To Highlight Censorship: The week highlights current and historical attempts to censor (challenge or ban) books in libraries, schools, and bookstores. A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, and banning is the actual removal of those materials.
- To Uphold the First Amendment: It stresses the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to information, which is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
- To Encourage Reading: It draws attention to books that have been targeted for removal, encouraging readers to explore these challenged works and develop their own conclusions.
- To Support Defenders of Free Expression: It offers solidarity to librarians, teachers, and others who are on the front lines, fighting to keep materials publicly available against censorship efforts.
