Banned Books Week FAQs

When is Banned Books Week?

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is an annual event, which starts the last week in September. BBW 2012 will be held September 30-October 6, 2012.

When and why was Banned Books Week established?

According to the American Library Association,

"Observed since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

"Banned Books Week (BBW) celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met."

For the many libraries that observe Banned Books Week, it's a chance to educate the public about their freedom to read and challenges to that freedom.

Special Virtual Participation Through Videos

According to the American Library Association, "This year, for the first time, readers from around the world will be able to participate virtually in Banned Books Week, Sept. 24 – Oct.1. During this year’s celebration of Banned Books Week, readers will be able to proclaim the virtues of their favorite banned books by posting videos of themselves reading excerpts to a dedicated YouTube channel.

"Videos (no more than two minutes long) can be submitted by anyone as long as the video includes a reading from a banned or challenged book.... Alternatively, videos of up to three minutes can be submitted giving eyewitness accounts of local challenges." (Source: July 20, 2011 ALA press release)

If you are interested in participating, more information is available on the Banned Books Week site. If you have questions, email info@abffe.org.

What does the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Say?

The First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Where can I obtain more information?

See All About Book Banning and Children's Books for more of my articles about the subject.

Who sponsors Banned Books Week?

The sponsors of Banned Books Week are the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the National Association of College Stores. In addition, the Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses Banned Books Week. In 2011, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, National Coalition Against Censorship, National Council of Teachers of English, and PEN American Center also signed on as sponsors.