Banned Books Week
September 18-24, 2022
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
“A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone.”
Jo Godwin, Librarian
Teen Banned Books Week Scavenger Hunt
September 19 – September 24
All programming is sponsored by The Friends of the Parkland Community Library. Learn more about The Friends on their webpage.
Fight Censorship!
Censorship is a dead end. The books featured during Banned Books 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, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.
The American Library Association condemns censorship
and works to ensure free access to information. Every year, the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools. The lists are based on information from media stories and voluntary reports sent to OIF from communities across the U.S. is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read.
Report Censorship
The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom provides confidential support to anyone undergoing a challenge or ban. Support can come in the form of letters, book reviews, resources, talking points or emotional support. Report censorship online or by calling -800-545-2433, ext. 4226.
George M. Johnson
Banned Books Week 2022 Honorary Chair
George M. Johnson (they/them) is an award-winning Black nonbinary activist and author of The New York Times–bestselling young adult memoir All Boys Aren’t Blue (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2020) and We Are Not Broken (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2021). All Boys Aren’t Blue was the third title on ALA’s Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021 list.pushing the pixels, I’m out exploring the National Parks with my dog, Bolt.
Your Freedom To Read
Show your support! Tag:
#bannedbooksweek #nocensorship #bannedbooks #readme #banningbookssilencesstories #bannedbook #censorship #lgbt #lgbtq #istandwiththebanned
Articles
Book challenges and bans are increasing in libraries and schools throughout the United States.
U.S. Book Challenges Update
By Phil Morehart / August 26, 2022
This Week in U.S. Book Challenges
August 19, 2022 / By Phil Morehart
How Book Bans Impact Public Libraries
August 15, 2022 / By Phil Morehart
Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021
The American Library Association tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021. Of the 1,597 individual books that were challenged or banned in 2021, here are the top 10 most challenged. Download and share to spread the word!
#5 Most Challenged Book of 2021
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, violence, and because it was thought to promote an anti-police message and indoctrination of a social agenda.
#3 Most Challenged Book of 2021
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
#2 Most Challenged Book of 2021
Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit.
#1 Most Challenged Book of 2021
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted for LGBTQIA+ content, and because it was considered to have sexually explicit images.
Want to read a banned book that is not in our collection?
Event Calendars
For the most up-to-date events calendar, please view the online calendar here. Get more out of your library by attending programs and events! Our monthly event calendars are available to download below. Libraries have evolved over the years, and PCL is no exception. With our 2021 renovation, we have enlarged our indoor spaces and have…
Ready, Set, Library!
What’s Happening at Your Library: April 2024 Database Update:Universal Class Access to Universal Class will end on April 30, 2024. We are currently evaluating similar databases to replace Univeral Class. If a new database is selected, it will be available beginning in the new fiscal year on July 1, 2024. Universal Class Stay tuned! Something…
Autism Acceptance Matters
Although commonly diagnosed as young as two years old, autism can be diagnosed at any age. Table of Contents Booklist What is Autism? The Spectrum Testing for Autism National Resources State Resources PCL Resources Books Suggestions Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects individuals of all ages. Approximately 1 in every 44…