Banned Books Week 2024
In a time of intense political polarization, libraries in every state are facing an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. This is why Poudre Libraries continues to champion intellectual freedom and your right to read what you choose for yourself and your family.
Join us during Banned Books Week, September 22 – 28, (and all year round), as we highlight the value of free and open access to information and support your right to seek, to publish, to read, and to express ideas (even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular). Visit the libraries for programs, activities, book displays, and a “Let Freedom Read” reading challenge.
This year’s Banned Books Week theme is “Freed Between the Lines.” We can find freedom in the pages of a book — but book bans and censorship threaten that freedom, along with many other rights and institutions. During Banned Books Week 2024 and beyond, let’s share our love of the right to read and the freedom found in books. Let’s be Freed Between the Lines!
By the Numbers
The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) documented 1,247 demands to censor library books and resources in 2023.
The number of titles targeted for censorship surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest levels ever documented by OIF in more than 20 years of tracking: 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for removal from schools and libraries. This tops the previous high from 2022, when 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship. Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts.
Groups and individuals demanding the removal of multiple titles, often dozens or hundreds at a time, drove this surge in 2023. Attempts to censor more than 100 titles occurred in 17 states: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Join the “Let Freedom Read” Reading Challenge
Last year, nearly 200 people participated in the Library’s “Let Freedom Read” Reading Challenge as part of the Library’s ongoing commitment to intellectual freedom and is designed for teens and adults. This year’s challenge starts September 1 and runs through the end of the month. Participants must read a banned or challenged book and complete one listed activity by September 30 to be entered into the prize drawing.
The “Let Freedom Read” challenge uses our Beanstack platform – the same one we used for summer reading. Create an account or sign in to your existing account to participate. Visit PoudreLibraries.org to get started or download the free Beanstack Tracker app from your app store.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll find a selection of book titles to inspire your reading along with a list of related activities to choose from. You can find an archive of the most frequently challenged books at ala.org/advocacy/bbooks or stop by any library to browse our books displays and get suggestions from staff.
Library Programs
In addition to book displays and pop-up activities at each library, you won’t want to miss out on these special events.
Banned Books Week Library Takeover
Sunday, September 22
6 – 8 PM, Old Town Library after hours
For teens
Uncensored: Celebrating Your Freedom to Read
Tuesday, September 24
6 – 7:30 PM, Council Tree Library
For all ages
Banned Books Week Bingo
Thursday, September 26
6 – 8 PM, Mythmaker Brewing
For adults