Banned Books Challenge 2025 October 1 to 31 2025. Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights. ala.org/bbooks American Library Association

Right to Read

Educational Exhibit
October 1 — 31, 2025

The Loutit District Library celebrates the right to read every year, coinciding with the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week (October 5—11, 2025).​ The theme for Banned Books Week 2025 is "Censorship is so 1984 — Read for Your Rights". Discover new perspectives and celebrate the freedom to read by exploring books that have been challenged or banned throughout the years.

During the month of October, Loutit District Library's upper level features an educational exhibit on the right to read, including a timeline of censorship and books that have been frequently challenged or banned around the world. Browse the collection to discover if one of your favorites has made the list! Take part in the interactive banned book guessing game for a chance to win gift cards to local bookstore, The Bookman!

This exhibit is carefully curated for the community by our staff and updated yearly. We encourage everyone to take part and learn something new!

large white poster with the repeating word CENSORSHIP crossed out in red that reads "Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights"

What is a ban? What is a challenge?

Books are being banned and challenged every day. According to definitions by the American Library Association, a challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. 

You may view Loutit District Library's collection development policy here to learn how we decide which materials to purchase.

graphic of red star
Photo of interior of a brightly lit atrium focused on a sign that says "Censorship is so 1984 Right to Read"
graphic of blue star

Why focus on banned books?

Sharing stories that are important to us means sharing a part of ourselves. We believe books reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, creates barriers. Banned Books Week is both a reminder of the unifying power of stories and the divisiveness of censorship and a call to action for readers nationwide to push back against censorship attempts in their communities.

How you can protect the Right to Read

Follow these organizations to learn more and find ways to get involved:

A photo of a young woman and young girl reading an exhibit about book bans and censorship

Read books that have been historically banned or challenged!

Not sure what to read? Try one of the books on our physical displays or from our BiblioCore lists below.

Adult:

    Youth

    photo of picture book display featuring popularly challenged picture books like "Hair Love", "Tango Makes Three", and "Bathe The Cat"

    Sources:

    Loutit District Library’s Right to Read exhibit is not an exhaustive coverage of the topic of book challenges and censorship. We encourage you to do more research on the aspects of the exhibit that interest you. Get started by viewing the sources for our 2025 Right to Read exhibit here. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have questions.

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