Banned Books Week 2026 subjectId: 690891

Banned Books Week launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores. ALA offers a variety of free downloads, resources, and materials to support Banned Books Week activities, which are added here. 

The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.

Since 2021, ALA has tracked a sharp spike in censorship attempts in libraries. OIF tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second highest ever documented by ALA. The highest ever documented was 4,240 in 2023. Of the unique titles challenged in 2025, 1,671 (40%) represent the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.  

OIF documented 5,668 books banned from libraries (66% of the total challenged) in 2025. An additional 920 books were censored through access restrictions such as relocation or requiring parental permission. This is both the highest number of titles censored in one year and the highest rate of challenges resulting in censorship from 1990–2025.   

To find out more about censorship data, visit the American Library Association's (ALA) website here! 

To learn more about virtual events and talks during Banned Books Week visit the ALA's website here!

As per the ALA's Q&A Section on why Banned Book Week matters, "Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek, to publish, to read, and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular."

Check-out the Most Banned Books of 2025 at Richter Library!

Let Books Be: Protect the Freedom to Read
Banned Books Week 2026

Book bans may sound like a thing of the past, however it is an unfortunate and current reality for many schools, libraries and bookstores across the country. As individuals and advocacy groups lead historic efforts to challenge and ban books addressing racism, gender, sexual identity, and politics, libraries are being called to defend intellectual freedom and oppose censorship efforts at unprecedented rates.

In Florida alone, well-known titles such as The Bluest Eye, The Handmaid's Tale, and A Clockwork Orange have faced challenges despite being available in libraries and schools for years (source). At the University of Miami Libraries, we remain committed to protecting the freedom to read and combating censorship efforts. Join us for Banned Books Week this October as we spotlight commonly challenged and banned books!

What is Banned Books Week?

Launched in 1982, Banned Books Week encourages us to reflect on the increasing waves of censorship, and to acknowledge the importance of libraries in maintaining access to all ideas and perspectives—even those considered controversial. This year, Banned Books Week will take pace October 4^th to October 10^th. 

Each year, the American Library Association (ALA) compiles data on book challenges based on reports filed with ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF). Using information provided by library professionals and community members, along with news stories published throughout the United States, ALA releases the “Top 10 Most Challenged Books” list each year. Notably, the list this year features 11 titles due to a tie in the rankings.

Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the 2025 data compiled by ALA represents only a snapshot of book censorship efforts throughout the year.

Censorship by the Numbers

Censorship efforts can affect communities at varying levels. When concerned individuals or groups object to the availability of certain books in a school or library, they present a complaint—or a book challenge—to the school board or library administration, calling for the removal of any materials deemed offensive or inappropriate. These challenges are then reviewed by the appropriate administration. If the verdict requires the challenged book be relocated or removed from public access entirely, the book is then considered banned.

• In 2025, ALA counted 713 attempts to censor library materials and services. Among these cases, 4,235 unique titles were targeted for censorship.
• Of these unique titles, 1,671 (39%) represent the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.
•  51% of book challenges targeted materials in public libraries, 37% targeted books and materials in school libraries, classroom libraries or school curricula, and 3% targeted higher education materials.
• OIF documented 5,668 books banned from libraries (66% of the total challenged) in 2025. An additional 920 books were censored through access restrictions such as relocation or requiring parental permission.
• In 2025, Florida ranked 1^st nationally in the number of book titles challenged, with a total of 3,711 successfully challenged titles.

According to data from the ALA, a majority of book censorship attempts now originate from organized movements. In 2025, nearly 92% of censorship attempts were initiated by pressure groups, government entities, and administrators as opposed to individual parents or local library users. These organized campaigns often use pre-prepared lists to target multiple titles simultaneously. This frequently leads to coordinated group attacks that fail to consider the context, intent, and educational value of the titles being questioned.

Why are books challenged?

Many book challenges are motivated by a desire to protect children from “inappropriate” content or “offensive” language. Books with LGBTQ+ themes, racial topics, or content deemed sexually explicit are often the main subject of these censorship attempts, even when these books have literary or educational merit. This can lead to the disproportionate censorship of books that discuss racism or that spotlight LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.  

Book challenges are about more than just one person or group expressing an opinion about a particular title or author; they serve as an attempt to limit access to specific points of view. These challenges often raise broader questions about intellectual freedom, diversity, and the role of libraries to provide information that reflects a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

This call is not entirely new; librarians have always been dedicated to defending the freedom to read. However, the recent surge in book challenges has made this work more important than ever. To learn more about the challenges librarians face today, check out the documentary The Librarians, available to stream through the libraries streaming video collection.

Censorship Efforts in Florida

In Florida, many of the books challenged and subsequently banned have been books that touch on race (ex. The Bluest Eye by: Toni Morrison), sexuality (ex. Lawn Boy by: Jonathan Evison) or gender identity (ex. Gender Queer: A Memoir by: Maia Kobabe). 

Notably, Florida has become a hot spot in the national debate over book censorship in schools. Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers considered additional legislation (HB 1119/SB 1692 and HB 1071/SB 1090) which would expand the criteria needed to determine whether materials  are “harmful to minors.” This expansion would make it easier for titles to be challenged with no regard for their literary value (source). However, after significant public advocacy and opposition, both of these bills failed to pass marking a victory for intellectual freedom and access to diverse reading materials. Visit PEN America to learn more.

Books have always served as a way for readers to build connections and expand their worldview. The act of engaging with stories that extend beyond our own lived experiences is unifying; censorship, on the other hand, divides and creates barriers. For the full list of this years banned books list and their reasons for being banned, please visit the ALA’s “Top 10 most Challenged Books” list.

Banned Books Week at the University of Miami  
Come join us in October for a week-long celebration of free speech and great literature! Beginning October 4th, visit the library’s Banned Books Week display to check out a book that has been challenged or banned – some of the titles may surprise you.

Want to know more? Check out our Banned Books Week Guide to learn more about what happens when a book is challenged.
 
Exercise your right to read – check out a banned book from the library!

While we are not hosting an in-person event this year, please watch our website for Banned Books information!  Look for our exhibits coming in October 2026!

Join the Virtual Read-out!  Take a look at the Banned Books Week YouTube channel, featuring celebrities reading from their favorite banned book.  Want to join in?  Take a video of yourself reading aloud from a banned book and submit it online!

The Librarians, 2025 

The Librarians, which made its world premiere at Sundance and continued on to SXSW and Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, explores the urgent moment we find ourselves in. As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy, flanked by concerned community members and young readers. The Librarians is a chilling cautionary tale and rallying cry for freedom – told through the personal experiences of librarians under siege and the everyday patriots who join their ranks in defense of the books.

"The Pendulum Swings: Moms For Liberty Demolished on Primary Night, Pieces Primed to Shatter Legislative Conservative Super Majorities"

"A Bit of Good News: 3 Book Ban Bills Defeated in Florida"

"In home state, Moms for Liberty shows lackluster influence in school board races."

"Florida Department of Education releases list of over 700 banned books in K through 12 schools."

List of books banned by school district in Florida. 

"Miami New Times: Every known Florida School District Book Ban July 2021 - June 2024."

"Freedom to read advocates cheer decision in PRH v Gibson."

"Gov. Ron DeSantis signs education bill limiting book challanges." 

ALA Resources for fighting censorship 

ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom

So You Want to Support Your Library? School and Public Libraries Need Your Support in a Wave of Book Banning

"Book bans and attempted bans remain at record highs, with ‘Sold’ topping the list"

"How book banning challenges education and academic freedom in schools."

"How book bans are impacting teachers and students: insights from First Book Research & Insights."

"How Americans feel about book ban restrictions: survey."

"Censorship report show a mixed picture on U.S. book challenges."

"Report: Last year ended with a surge in book bans." 

"U.S. Book Challenges Update: July 2026 Edition"

"Books banned across US hit record high in 2023-2024 school year: report." 

"Book bans in US schools and libraries surged to record highs in 2023." 

"Objection to sexual, LGBTQ content propels spike in book challenges." 

"The book ban movement has a chilling new tactic: harassing teachers on social media."

ALA Banned & Challenged Books in the United States