Banned Books Week 2026: Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read

Banned Books Week is Oct. 4–10, 2026, an annual observance that celebrates the freedom to read and draws attention to attempts to remove or restrict access to books in libraries, schools and bookstores.

This year’s theme is: “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.”

Books can entertain us, challenge us, introduce us to new ideas and help us better understand the world around us. Banned Books Week is a reminder that readers should have the opportunity to make their own choices about what they read.

Why It Matters

The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracks book challenges reported by library professionals, community members and news media across the country. Because many challenges are never reported, ALA says its data represents only a snapshot of censorship efforts nationwide.

In 2025:

• 7,884 total titles were challenged, the second-highest number ever documented by ALA.
• ALA documented 713 attempts to censor library materials and services, including 487 incidents targeting books.
• 92% of book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and other decision makers.
• ALA documented 5,668 books banned from libraries, while access to another 920 books was restricted

Public libraries serve communities with many different interests, viewpoints and experiences. Providing access to a broad collection allows individuals and families to decide for themselves what they want to read.