Freedom To Read Week – Forest Park Public Library

Freedom to Read Week (or Banned Books Week) was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.

The books featured during Freedom to Read Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, this week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

Intellectual freedom gives people the right to think for themselves. It respects individual dignity and self-rule. This freedom allows people to form their own ideas and opinions by questioning the world around them. Every person has the right to access information from all points of view.

What does it mean if a book is…

Challenged: A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials based upon the objections of a person or group.

Banned: The removal of materials from a library based on the objections of a person or group.

Censored: Limiting or removing access to words, images, or ideas.