Since 1982, Banned Books Week has been an annual event that originated in response to a surge of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries. This celebration of free and open access to information brings together members of the book community to ensure that books are included even if some people find them upsetting. This year’s Banned Books Week is October 1-7.
In anticipation of the 2023 Banned Books Weeks, we spoke with Librarian Kevin McGuire at Woodland Hills Senior High School, recognized by the Pennsylvania School Librarian Association as the 2023 Outstanding School Library Program in Pennsylvania 2023, about Banned Books Week and its importance 40 years after its inception.
Kevin, Why is Banned Books Week important to recognize?
Banned Books Week is important to recognize, as the freedom to read has long been an issue in many communities. Even prior to the most recent publicity around book challenges across the country, the content of books and who decides what is “acceptable” has been a topic of conversation in schools and libraries. The concept of banning books is more politicized now than ever before so Banned Books Week can be used to attack misinformation about the content in books and how students should be allowed to read any book that they feel is right for them.
What kinds of things do you do to recognize Banned Books Week?
The school library, particularly our collection, champions intellectual freedom. We celebrate Banned Books Week each year. Last year our display featured all of the 10 most frequently banned and challenged books of the previous year. We also give away copies of the most banned books, which are free for the students to take and keep. Promotion is key with planned activities. Anything that makes students aware of all the books out there and celebrates the freedom to read could work. Students could research why books are banned and in which places. They could also look to see if any authors of these banned books have spoken out against the banning of their works.
How do students respond to Banned Books Week?
Most of the students are shocked that books are banned anywhere. They really don’t understand why someone would want to control what they have access to. It is honestly amazing to hear.
Given students’ reactions to banned books, it seems like a way to quickly engage them is through conversations. They might consider why books are banned; what our communities would be like if access to information was curtailed; or what would happen if a small group of people determined what was acceptable to read.
To find information for finding data on banned books and ideas for promotion visit https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks.
Opportunities for Reflection
- What banned books have you read, either years ago or currently? How have they shaped your thinking and your understanding of the world?
- Have books been banned in your school or community? How can you have conversations with students about why book bans are currently on the rise? How can we meaningfully engage with community members who seek to ban books, to address their concerns and maintain intellectual freedom in our school libraries?
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