Banned Books

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. 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. Typically held during the first week of October, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. This week presents a good opportunity to talk as a family about the concerns regarding censorship.  Many students have questions about why books get banned and what does a “book challenge” mean. There are many reasons someone might challenge a book (even as simple as not liking the art on the cover), but the most frequent reasons cited are racial issues, perceived encouragement of “damaging” lifestyles, dialogue considered blasphemous, sexual situations or dialogue, violence or negativity, witchcraft or uncommon religious affiliations, political bias, or age inappropriateness.  This discussion can then stem into topics such as the following: Are there valid reasons to ban and challenge books? What harm, if any, is caused by having a book banned? One of the most common reasons for banning/challenging a book is due to “age appropriateness”.  What does this mean to you? Is it a valid reason? Consider picking up a banned book and enjoying it as a family!  Feel free to drop by the library to check out a book! Check out the picture from our Tandem Library with examples of books that were challenged or banned in Virginia in just 2024 - see more photos as well.