Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. For more than 40 years, the annual event has brought together the entire book community — librarians, teachers, booksellers, publishers, writers, journalists, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

This link points to the Freedom to Read Statement created by the California State University Council of Library Deans in response to rising rates of censorship across the state and country.

The Intellectual Freedom Blog’s purpose is to educate and encourage discussions about intellectual freedom principles, and promote the value of libraries, librarians, and professional membership in the American Library Association. The blog is managed and edited by staff of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) for use within the library profession and the public to raise awareness of time-sensitive news, issues in the field, upcoming events, helpful resources, and the work of members that is related to intellectual freedom, professional ethics, or the mission of the Office for Intellectual Freedom.

Established December 1, 1967, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is charged with implementing ALA policies concerning the concept of intellectual freedom as embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association’s basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. The goal of the office is to educate librarians and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Since 1990, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has maintained a database on challenged materials. Use this link to report censorship.

The legislation would fine districts for blocking curriculum and books for discriminatory reasons.

A Southern California school board at odds with state officials and local residents this summer over its rejection of social studies curriculum that includes gay rights is now being sued regarding a different policy decision.

Los Angeles school board President Jackie Goldberg pulled out an oversize children's book titled "The Great Big Book of Families" and turned a public meeting into story time, her own not-so-subtle statement to critics of LGBTQ+ education.

Should politicians be involved in determining what is appropriate for school- aged children at public libraries ?

UCLA researchers expect more measures limiting instruction on race and racism this year

“All students deserve the freedom to read and learn about the truth, the world, and themselves," Gov. Newsom said in announcing the law.

AG Rob Bonta pressed district leaders for documents justifying their decision.