History of Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 as a reaction to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries. Every year, this weeklong event brings together the entire book community in shared support of freedom to seek and to express ideas and highlights the value of free and open access to information. It celebrates our freedom to read and reminds us of the importance to keep the fight against censorship.
Most people are not aware that their access to information is challenged on a regular basis. Since 1982, 11,300 books have been challenged. From 2000 to 2009, 5,099 challenges were reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom. In 2012, 464 challenges were reported, but many more go unreported every year. These challenges are much more than someone’s opinion about a book; they represent requests to remove materials from schools or libraries.
Most people are not aware that their access to information is challenged on a regular basis. Since 1982, 11,300 books have been challenged. From 2000 to 2009, 5,099 challenges were reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom. In 2012, 464 challenges were reported, but many more go unreported every year. These challenges are much more than someone’s opinion about a book; they represent requests to remove materials from schools or libraries.
Click on the image below for an interactive timeline of banned books from 1982 to 2012