Banned Books Week spotlights attempts to restrict books in libraries and schools

The push to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores throughout the country remains strong.

Pioneering actor, author, and activist George Takei has been named honorary chair of Banned Books Week, which will take place Oct. 5 – 11. Banned Books Week draws attention to national and local efforts to remove or limit access to books in libraries, schools and bookstores. The event, launched in 1982, celebrates the freedom to read and express ideas and emphasizes the importance of fighting censorship. “The 2025 theme of Banned Books Week serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day,” American Library Association President Cindy Hohl said. “We must always come together to stand up for the right to read.”

Libraries and schools are reporting a significant rise in attempts to ban or restrict books in the United States over the past three years. New data reported to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom shows that the majority of book censorship attempts are now originating from organized movements.

“As the organized attempts to censor materials in libraries persist, we must continue to unite and protect the freedom to read and support our library workers, especially at a time when our nation's libraries are facing threats to funding and library professionals are facing threats to their livelihood.” American Library Association President Cindy Hohl said.