Summary
October 1-7 is designated as Banned Books Week 2023. Find resources and ideas for ways that you can support this year's efforts to "Let Freedom Read!"
October 1-7 is Banned Books Week! For over 40 years, this annual event has amplified the voices of librarians, readers, writers, publishers, and booksellers who fight to uphold the freedom to read. The theme for Banned Books Week 2023 is “Let Freedom Read,” and the honorary chair is actor and longtime champion of books LaVar Burton.
If you would like to join this call to action and defend the freedom to read, there are many ways you can be an active part of Banned Books Week 2023.
Find Ways to Get Involved
Learn all about the history of book banning, advocacy groups that actively fight censorship, and ways to start your own grass roots efforts to promote the freedom to read on the Public Policy and Advocacy page of the Banned Books Week website.
Participate in “Let Freedom Read Day.”
October 7 is designated as “Let Freedom Read Day.” On this day, the Banned Books Coalition is asking everyone to take at least one action “to help defend books from censorship and to stand up for the library staff, educators, writers, publishers, and booksellers who make them available!”
Ideas for ways to take action – from calling decision makers to buying a banned book – are listed on the Banned Books website. Post your actions on social media and use the hashtags #LetFreedomReadDay and #BannedBooksWeek.
Show Your Support
Access free posters, banners, bookmarks, and logos to add to your social media accounts at the Banned Books Week Promotional Tools page. If you’d like to order promotional items like t-shirts and tote bags, visit the Let Freedom Read Gift Shop. And if you’re ready to promote “Let Freedom Read Day” in your community, there’s a great infographic poster you can download for free.
Banned Books Week began in 1982, but the need for advocacy is more urgent now than at any time during its history. Among the founders of Banned Book Week is the American Library Association (ALA), whose “mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.” Join ALA and numerous other sponsors in celebrating this year’s “Let Freedom Read” campaign and in defending the right to read throughout the year.
Share this:
