Banned and Challenged Books

Established in 1982, Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to read.

Source: The American Library Association: "Banned Books Week"

What is a Banned Book?

 A banned book is a book that may be:

• removed from a library or libraries

• not allowed to be published

• not allowed to enter an entire country

• not allowed to exist: to be physically destroyed, typically by burning

Source: UWF Libraries: "What is a Banned Book"?

What is a Challenged Book?

•  A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group.

• Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are a threat to freedom of speech and choice.

Source: UWF Libraries: "Challenge or Ban"?

Issues to Consider

• What happens when people are denied access to books and the ideas contained in them?

• What happens when an author’s right to freedom of speech (in this country) is denied?

• Is it a coincidence that some of the greatest books ever written are also some of the most banned or challenged books?

Source: COM Library: "Issues to Consider"

The First Amendment

In the United States, your right to read what you want is protected by the First Amendment. In a free society, the author and reader are protected.

Source: USF Libraries: "The First Amendment"