Banned Books Week runs this year from Oct. 4-10 and highlights growing national conversations around book access and reading rights. Since 1982, thousands of titles have faced challenges. This year’s theme, “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.” highlights the importance of the right to read and readers’ access to information.
Banned books by the numbers
- 40% were of lived experiences: Of the unique titles challenged in 2025, 1,671 represent the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.
- Less than 3% of challenges originated from individual parents: 92% were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers, up from 72% in 2024.
Let Freedom Read Day
Let Freedom Read Day on Oct. 10 is a day to take one action to help defend books from censorship and to stand up for the library staff, educators, writers, publishers and booksellers who make them available. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Find an event: Use this online calendar to find an event near you.
- Use the Book Ban Map: Find the areas hit hardest by book bans and the nearest Little Free Library book-sharing box locations.
- Learn about the Most Challenged Books of 2025: Every year, the ALA compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from the field and media coverage.
Why It Matters at Johnson County Library
At Johnson County Library, your reading and viewing choices are personal. We support your right to access information freely and privately. Materials are selected using the Collection Development Policy (PDF) and community needs — not personal opinions.
Our collections are guided by established principles, and our Interlibrary Loan service helps patrons access materials worldwide. Diverse voices strengthen us all through our Freedom to Read and Freedom to View commitments. Patrons can suggest purchases to help keep the Library a space for open exploration.
