During October 4 – October 10, 2026, the ArtCenter Library & Learning Resources recognizes Banned Books Week. This week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community: librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types; in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. The theme for 2026 is Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.

Books are still being banned and challenged today. A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.