FAQs What is Banned Books Week? Banned Books Week, usually the last week in September, is a national celebration of the freedom to read. Librarians, booksellers, publishers, writers, teachers, and others who advocate for the freedom to express ideas promote Banned Books Week. It is an attempt to raise awareness of book challenges and book banning, and to speak out against censorship. Resources: Intellectual Freedom Committee-home Celebrate the Freedom to Read in Oregon (Facebook page)
What's the difference between a banned book and a challenged book? A challenge is an attempt to have a book removed from a library, classroom, or other setting because a person or group objects to something in the book. Not all challenges result in the book being removed. In fact, many challenges do not succeed, and the challenged book remains in the library or continues to be part of the school’s curriculum. If the book is removed, it is then considered a “banned book”. Resources: About banned and challenged books (American Library Association)
Most schools and libraries have a formal process for deciding whether a book will be removed or restricted (available to only some people). This formal process, often called “reconsideration”, usually requires that the person or group challenging the book:
Challenge Support (American Library Association) What are the most common reasons for challenging/banning books? Reasons for book challenges may include: sexually explicit content, cultural insensitivity, anti-family, content including drugs/alcohol/smoking, gambling, offensive language, sex education, unsuited for age group, violence, political viewpoint, religious viewpoint, homosexuality, contains controversial issues, and occult/Satanism. However, this is just a partial list. Explore more reasons using this chart from the American Library Associations.
The American Library Association compiles lists of challenged books and has many resources related to this issue: Frequently Challenged Books (American Library Association)
Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse
Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse: Annual Reports
Intellectual Freedom Issues in Oregon: A News Database is a very comprehensive collection of articles about challenges to materials dating from 1946-2016. Intellectual Freedom Issues in Oregon: A News Database
What is the definition of censorship? How does the definition apply to the removal (whether by excising or hiding) of what someone may consider "objectionable material"? The Right to Read: Censorship in the School Library
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