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Banned Books: Freedom to Read

The guide provides resources on Banned Books Week and links to banned books available at USC Libraries. This guide supports intellectual freedom (ALA Library Bill of Rights) and freedom of speech (First Amendment).

Banned Books Week October 5-11, 2025

About Banned Books Week:

The American Library Association launched Banned Books Week in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. By focusing on efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

Banned Books Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a book ban and a challenge?

  • 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. 
  • Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection.