Banned Books Week - Freedom to Read

A guide about Banned Books Week for teachers, librarians, and those interested in intellectual freedom

Overview

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982 according to the American Library Association. ("About," 2021, ¶ 1).

Banned Books Week 2025
This link provides an overview to the 2025 Banned Books Week as well as additional links to assist you.

Event Ideas

The links below should provide you with some ideas of ways to celebrate or participate in Banned Books Week.

Banned Books Week Virtual Read-Out
Some libraries and schools have Read-Outs of banned books. If your library or school does not, never fear! You can participate in a virtual Read-Out! Follow the directions located here to find out more.
First Amendment Film Festival
Linking the theoretical to the visual is a good way to make the abstract more concrete. The films and documentaries that ALA suggests are age appropriate for high schoolers and college students.
Activity Ideas for Banned Books Week
Most of these ideas are aimed at you, as an individual, versus you, the educator. Ideas might be adapted to fit upper-level classrooms as well.
Display Ideas for Banned Books Week
The display ideas that the ALA suggests are for all age levels. The displays could be appropriate for in classrooms and in school libraries depending on age level and space.
Top 10 Things to Do with a Banned Text
This blog post is old, from 2010, but lots of great and relevant thoughts in it.