The University Libraries joins communities nationwide in defense of the right to read

Each September since 1982, libraries and librarians have defended access to diverse information and viewpoints by drawing attention to threats against the right to read. This Sept. 22 - 28, the University Libraries joins other publishers, booksellers, libraries and schools to recognize Banned Books Week. Unite with the book community in the fight to read and support the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Ways to Participate

Visit our display of banned books on display at the Norlin Library West Entrance between Sept. 22 and 28.

Pick up a complimentary copy of a banned book at the Book Fest in the West, part of the Culture Crawl.

Visit the Engineering Center Lobby on Sept. 26 between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and grab a complimentary copy of a banned book.

Explore our banned books guide to see the most frequently challenged books.

According to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, there were  4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023, which is a 65% surge over 2022 numbers—as well as 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources.