National Literacy Month, which falls in September, presents a time for everyone to appreciate and share the power of reading while also providing an opportunity for people to learn about the challenges of literary freedom. Usually, the last week of September is known as Banned Books Week. This is a time dedicated to reminding people how important it is to have access to different stories and information from books to help them learn and grow.

The American Library Association (ALA) established Banned Books Week in 1982, and they have hosted it every September since. The right to read and have access to exploring new ideas and perspectives is increasingly at risk, with attempts to censor books and other informational resources in libraries rising by 65% in 2023. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay, known for making adaptations of frequently banned books such as A Wrinkle in Time, believes in the importance of protecting diverse and different stories. She says, “I Believe that censorship is the enemy of freedom. By banning books, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from the past and to envision a braver future.” —American Library Association website.

On each day of Banned Books Week, events and activities are held to promote and feature the fight against book censorship. On September 23rd, a group of authors joined two people from the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom to discuss about the impact of book bans and how it affects authors, libraries, students and readers. One author was denied giving a speech on anti-bullying at a school, due to being an openly gay man. On September 26th, more authors discussed and shared more personal stories about their own suppressions along with their fights against censorship.

This year’s Banned Books Week, themed “Freed Between the Lines,” along with every other Banned Books Week, is the perfect opportunity to share the importance of fighting against the bans and restrictions on books. Voices and unique perspectives deserve to be shared and heard, and Banned Books Week is a great way to save and preserve these ideas and stories.