Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating the freedom to read, began yesterday, highlighting the importance of access to diverse viewpoints and the protection of First Amendment rights. Local libraries encourage the community to explore previously challenged or banned books.
In previous years, the Lassen Library in Susanville has showcased popular titles that have faced bans or challenges. Visitors could learn about the controversies surrounding these books and share their thoughts on why they matter. However, due to ongoing construction for the library’s remodel, this year’s display will not be featured. Instead, the library is sharing information about Banned Books Week on its social media pages. A library representative reminded the community that “it’s a pretty short step from saying ‘You can’t read this book’ to ‘You can’t read any books.’”
Feather River College (FRC) is also honoring the week by giving away free books to students. Through Friday, students can visit the Counseling/Advising offices to receive a free copy of one of four titles that have been banned somewhere in the United States. Additional copies are available in the Instructional Resource Center while supplies last.
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Typically held during the last week of September. The American Library Association lists the top ten challenged books, and also released preliminary data ahead of Banned Books Week, documenting 414 attempts to censor library materials between January 1 and August 31, 2024. These challenges targeted 1,128 unique titles, a decrease from the same period in 2023, which saw 695 attempts involving 1,915 titles. While reported incidents have declined, censorship levels remain significantly higher than before 2020. The ALA highlights the rise of “soft censorship,” where books are restricted or hidden in libraries due to fear of challenges. The ALA data, based on reports from library professionals and media, reflects only a portion of the total censorship efforts across the U.S.
Photo by Olena Bohovyk on Unsplash
