October: Banned Book Week and Censorship

Since its founding in 1920, the ACLU has opposed censorship in all its forms. From books and radio to film, television, and the internet, we have consistently fought to make sure Americans have the right to say, think, read, and write whatever they want without fear of government reprisal.

Amazon's list of commonly banned books.

Every year Amnesty International USA spotlights individuals or communities whose human rights are under attack because of their work as authors, journalists, bloggers, filmmakers, poets, novelists, photojournalists, publishers, academics, musicians, and librarians.

An American Library Association website that has lists of frequently banned or challenged books, censorship data, support, information about banned books week, and more.

A collection of hundreds of e-books and audiobooks available through the free Palace e-reader app open to anyone in the United States.

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. 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 and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

This website provides information and resources that promote freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression.

Features a list of banned or challenged books recommended by educators to connect students with worlds and characters as diverse as they are and inspire them to a lifelong love of reading. Also provides a link to NEA's 'Read Across America' program.

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.

A collection of frequently challenged titles geared toward PreK-12 readers.

Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship.