Let Freedom Read: Banned Books Week 2023

Banned Books Week is a chance to celebrate freedom of expression, diversity, and identity and draw attention to censorship occurring across the nation. Intellectual freedom and access are two pillars of libraries. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom provided a list of actions to fight censorship, keep books available in libraries, and promote the freedom to read!

Attend the Thurgood Marshall Library's Banned Book Week Event. Join us on October 10, 2023, from 5:00-6:30 PM as we discuss book bans, censorship, and the importance of representation. 

Volunteer at Your Local Library. Find out how these essential community institutions do so much more than just check out books! Learn more about volunteering at PG County Library.

Check out a Banned Book. Circulation matters! Circulation data can be used to support keeping challenged books on shelves and to justify ordering more books by the same authors or on the same topic. See Banned Books at TML tab!

Write a letter to a favorite banned or challenged author. Take some time to thank a banned or challenged author for their words. Author addresses and Twitter handles can be found on the Dear Banned Author page. 

Write a letter to the editor. Edit and adapt this “Read a Banned Book” opinion column for your local newspaper. Include local Banned Books Week programs so your community can support their right to read.

Speak out. Announce the importance of unrestricted reading on your local public radio station with a PSA script. Write letters to the editor, your public library director, and your school principal supporting the freedom to read. Talk to your friends about why everyone should be allowed to choose for themselves and their families what they read.

Exercise your reading rights. Check out a banned book. Encourage your book club to discuss rebellious reads.

Support an Advocacy Organization. Support the organizations fighting censorship! Learn about a few of these organizations at BannedBooksWeek.org/ sponsors/