Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrated during the last week of September, is a time to reflect on and celebrate our freedom to read. This observance sheds light on the importance of intellectual freedom and the potential dangers of censorship. This years theme is Freed Between the Lines

Throughout history, countless books have been banned or challenged for various reasons, ranging from controversial content and explicit language to political and religious ideologies. According to the Office for Intellectual Freedom, “[There were] 1,247 demands to censor library books and resources in 2023. The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by OIF in more than 20 years of tracking: 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for removal from schools and libraries.”

By celebrating Banned Books Week, we reinforce the idea that the freedom to read and the freedom to think are fundamental human rights. This week serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle against censorship, a battle that underscores the importance of promoting intellectual curiosity, tolerance, and the right to explore ideas, even those that might be considered controversial.

Artwork by @Irenelee_art