What are Banned Books?
CHALLENGED BOOKS are materials that people have attempted to REMOVE from libraries, classrooms, or bookstore; or materials that people have attempted to RESTRICT access to.
When people successfully remove or restrict a book it becomes a BANNED BOOK.
Why are Books Banned?
Most often people challenge/ban books trying to PROTECT other people from things they believe to be HARMFUL.
The TOP 3 REASONS for challenging/banning are:
- the material was considered to be "sexually explicit"
- the material contained "offensive language"
- the material was "unsuited to an age group"
What Is Banned Books Week?
Banned Books Week is an annual celebration of your freedom to read. Librarians, writers, teachers and others come together during Banned Books Week to raise awareness about the dangers of censorship and the universal right to seek out and share ideas, no matter how unpopular those ideas might be.
Interesting Recent News About Book Banning
Who Bans Books?
Lots of different types of people and groups, with all kinds of beliefs and ideologies, have banned and challenged books throughout history.
Currently PARENTS ARE THE #1 INSTIGATOR in book challenges.
For More Information
To learn more about your constitutional right to read what you choose visit:
The American Library Association's Banned Books Website