Join the University Libraries in celebrating Banned Books Week! During the last full week of September each year, book lovers nationwide come together in appreciation of the freedom to read. Banned Books Week also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about censorship.
According to the American Library Association (ALA), libraries across the country face an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. In 2021 alone, the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to materials at libraries and educational institutions, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals.
With censorship on the rise, the theme for this year’s Banned Books Week is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” The University Libraries is pleased to offer opportunities for you to join in and express support for the freedom to read.
Check out a banned book
Exercise your freedom to read by exploring some of the most frequently challenged books. Pick up a book in person, or visit the Library’s Banned and Challenged Books collection on OverDrive, which makes it easy to explore these works on your own devices.
Make a button and learn about censorship at the Banned Books Table
Visit the Banned Books table outside Davis Library between 1:30 and 3 p.m. Monday, September 19, to make buttons representing your favorite classic banned books! While you’re there, learn more about the role of libraries in protecting the freedom to read.
Collect banned book trading cards at Davis Library and the Undergraduate Library
Since 2013, Chapel Hill Public Library has celebrated Banned Books Week with a trading card competition in which local artists create original works inspired by books or authors that have been challenged, censored or banned. Seven of those pieces are selected to win a $100 prize and become trading cards. Stop by Davis Library or the Undergraduate Library to collect a set while supplies last!
