Every year, bookstores, libraries, universities, and organizations host engaging programs that spotlight censorship.

Are you hosting an event for Banned Books Week? Putting up a display? Click here to let us know about it, and we’ll share it here for the world to find! (Please note: Your event will not appear right away. A moderator will post as soon as possible.)

If you are organizing a virtual event, choose “Virtual Event” for the venue. If it is an in-person event, please provide complete address and time information, as well as contact information so we can send queries for clarification. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee your event will display correctly. Thank you!

If you have any questions, please email coordinator@bannedbooksweek.org

Midwest Region Library Project: Seeing Black in REaD

Woodland Christian Church 143 Woodland Ave, Columbus, OH, United States

The Midwest Region Library Project: Seeing Black in REaD Woodland Christian Church 143 Woodland Ave, Columbus, OH 43203 Saturday, September 30, 2023 @ 10 a.m. – 11 am. The Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has the perfect FREE MIDS Impact Day of Service designed just for you, family, and friends! ... Read More

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Unstoppable Stories: A Banned Books Festival

River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation 6301 River Rd, Bethesda, Maryland, United States

With book banning at an all-time high, it's important for people of faith and those who care about the future of all American children to resist these efforts. Celebrate and lift up the books and stories that reflect and change people’s lives! Come to the 2-day banned books festival organized by Unitarian Universalist faith communities ... Read More

The 2023 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

Chappaqua Train Station Allen Place, Chappaqua, NY, United States

The 10th Anniversary of The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival  The 10th Anniversary of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) will take place on Saturday, September 30, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Chappaqua Train Station in Chappaqua, New York. This year’s Festival will be the largest one yet, with 180 authors in attendance ... Read More

Free

Read-Out in Corpus Christi, TX

Black Cat Books 1318 S Staples Street, Corpus Christi, TX, United States

League of Women Voters Corpus Christi Area and Black Cat Books are hosting a read-out to kick off Banned Books Week. You can defend democracy and participate in the read out by reading a passage from a banned book of your choice. We encourage you to also discuss your personal feelings about the book you ... Read More

Free

2nd Annual Banned Book Read-Out

South Main Book Company 110 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC, United States

Let's get a little louder this weekend! Books with diverse content (including, but not limited to, LGBTQIA, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities) are generally overrepresented among banned and challenged books; in 2015, 9 of the 10 most challenged books fell into this category. To bring awareness ... Read More

Free

Banned Book Week at the Little Free Library at Chateau

The Little Free Library at Chateau Chateau, Broadway & Esselstyne Streets, Cape Vincent, NY, United States

Free People Read Freely Join us as we mark Banned Book Week (October 1-7, 2023) at the Little Free Library at Chateau!

Free

Loutit District Library Banned Books Display

Loutit District Library 407 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven, MI, United States

The Loutit District is celebrating Banned Books "Week" for the entire month of October! We have a wonderful interactive educational display for patrons to learn more about book challenges and bans. In addition to our display, book recommendations, and Banned Book programming, we are also hosting a Beanstack reading challenge to get patrons involved! There ... Read More

Free

Banned Book Week Events and Resources at Ink-a-Dink Bookstore

Virtual Event

Supporting Banned Book Week Childress Ink Product Development Company and our affiliate online bookstore, Ink-a-Dink.com, brings attention to book banning and reasons why you need to care. We are strongly against book bans of any kind. Rather, these books are needed and necessary and serve as opportunities for much-needed dialog and discussion, a subject I ... Read More

Free
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Banned Book Sale and Display

Recycle Read Repeat 208 CHERRY ST, NORRISTOWN, PA, United States

Stop by Recycle Read Repeat in Norristown, Pennsylvania, located at 208 Cherry St. We are an independent used bookstore, women-owned and located in our home town! Stop in to see our display and get discounts on all banned books we have in stock! We are open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays ... Read More

Unstoppable Stories: A Banned Books Festival

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax 2709 Hunter Mill Rd, Oakton, Virginia, United States

With book banning at an all-time high, it's important for people of faith and those who care about the future of all American children to resist these efforts. Celebrate and lift up the books and stories that reflect and change people’s lives! Come to the 2-day banned books festival organized by Unitarian Universalist faith communities ... Read More

Banned Books Bash

Hygge House Books 57 East Main St., Westborough, MA, United States

We're kicking off Banned Books Week with a bash for all ages from 12:00 -3:00 p.m. Drop in any time, or stay for the day. 12 PM -- Banned Book Tasting Browse our “buffet” of banned books. Take the time and care to evaluate them for yourself 1 PM -- Banned Book “READ OUT” Participate ... Read More

Free

Booktoberfest: Banned Books Panel

Planet Word 925 13th St NW, Washington, DC, United States

The capstone of Shout Mouse Press's Booktoberfest event will be a thoughtful panel discussion on banned books (2:30-3:30pm) moderated by Glory Edim (Well-Read Black Girl) to honor Banned Books Week. Other panelists include: Keesha Ceran of Social Justice Books, 2022 SLJ Librarian of the Year K.C. Boyd, and two of Shout Mouse Press authors, Sasa Aakil ... Read More

Free
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Banned Book Sale and Display

Recycle Read Repeat 208 CHERRY ST, NORRISTOWN, PA, United States

Stop by Recycle Read Repeat in Norristown, Pennsylvania, located at 208 Cherry St. We are an independent used bookstore, women-owned and located in our home town! Stop in to see our display and get discounts on all banned books we have in stock! We are open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays ... Read More

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We’re With the Banned

UAA Literacy Lounge 2533 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK, United States

Help the UAA School of Education spotlight censorship this Banned Books Week! Join us in the UAA Literacy Lounge (PSB 102) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. October 2-6 to hear campus community members read from their favorite banned books.

Celebrating Intellectual Freedom: a Banned Books Week event

UNC Asheville's Reuter Center 300 Campus View Road, Asheville, NC, United States

In 2023, PEN America reports a historical increase of challenged and banned books, particularly those written by Black and LGBTQ+ authors. With North Carolina now facing additional censorship and limits to the freedom of student self-expression in schools with bills like Senate Bill 49 becoming law, it is time to come together this fall to continue telling ... Read More

Free

Book Challenges on the Rise: Support Your Freedom to Read

Virtual Event

“Freedom to Read” is a fundamental American right -- your right to choose the ideas, information, and cultural experiences that are right for you and your family. That right is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. And your public library supports that right by providing free and open access to all. ... Read More

Free
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Banned Book Sale and Display

Recycle Read Repeat 208 CHERRY ST, NORRISTOWN, PA, United States

Stop by Recycle Read Repeat in Norristown, Pennsylvania, located at 208 Cherry St. We are an independent used bookstore, women-owned and located in our home town! Stop in to see our display and get discounts on all banned books we have in stock! We are open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays ... Read More

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Banned Books Week and Enchanted Books

Enchanted Books 532 MAINE ST, QUINCY,, United States

Stop in and shop, grab some swag, and get 15% off all banned books! Check out our display, read the conversation cards and shelf talkers and let us know what you think!

Banned Books Readathon

Prince Memorial Library 266 Main Street, Cumberland, ME, United States

Commemorate Banned Books Week (October 1–7) with Prince Memorial Library's first Banned Books Readathon! Throughout the day, community members will be reading from a selection of banned or frequently challenged picture books and middle-grade books chosen by PML librarians. Drop in to listen. Leave when you need to. It's a casual, and, we hope, entertaining good ... Read More

Free
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We’re With the Banned

UAA Literacy Lounge 2533 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK, United States

Help the UAA School of Education spotlight censorship this Banned Books Week! Join us in the UAA Literacy Lounge (PSB 102) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. October 2-6 to hear campus community members read from their favorite banned books.

On Censorship with James LaRue

The Bookworm 295 Main Street C101, Edwards, United States

Celebrate Banned Books Week and listen to James LaRue as he presents his book On Censorship, which uses humor, reason, and intelligence to build a case against censorship. LaRue recounts stories from his experience as a librarian confronting book banning, while also casting a wider net to encompass larger issues of censorship. Librarians and educators ... Read More

$10

Kids’ Books for Everyone Book Club

Cambridge Public Library - O'Neill Branch 70 Rindge Ave, Cambridge, MA, United States

People of all ages who enjoy children's books can read and discuss together. In October we will read Front Desk by Kelly Yang, then meet for refreshments and discussion. Copies of the book are available at the O'Neill Branch. This month's book has been selected in honor of Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating ... Read More

Free

Off the Shelf: Book Bans, Challenges and Promoting Inclusive Literature

Virtual Event

Book challenges and bans have been increasing across the country, both in schools and districts where laws have been passed, but also where no formal rules, restrictions or laws exist. When large scale book bans take place, it affects young people's ability to see themselves reflected in books. It also impacts their ability to gain ... Read More

Free

Celebrate the Freedom to Read: A Banned Book Masquerade

Skeleton Key Brewery 8102 Lemont Rd #300, Woodridge, United States

The Downers Grove Public Library Foundation (DGPLF) will host a Celebrate the Freedom to Read: A Banned Books Masquerade fundraiser event on Tuesday, October 3, from 7:00 -10:00 p.m. at Skeleton Key Brewery (8102 Lemont Rd.), celebrating Banned Books Week (October 1 – 7) as well as the passing of anti-book ban legislation in Illinois. ... Read More

$60.00
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Banned Book Sale and Display

Recycle Read Repeat 208 CHERRY ST, NORRISTOWN, PA, United States

Stop by Recycle Read Repeat in Norristown, Pennsylvania, located at 208 Cherry St. We are an independent used bookstore, women-owned and located in our home town! Stop in to see our display and get discounts on all banned books we have in stock! We are open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays ... Read More

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Banned Books Week and Enchanted Books

Enchanted Books 532 MAINE ST, QUINCY,, United States

Stop in and shop, grab some swag, and get 15% off all banned books! Check out our display, read the conversation cards and shelf talkers and let us know what you think!

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We’re With the Banned

UAA Literacy Lounge 2533 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK, United States

Help the UAA School of Education spotlight censorship this Banned Books Week! Join us in the UAA Literacy Lounge (PSB 102) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. October 2-6 to hear campus community members read from their favorite banned books.

Wednesdays of Wonder – Banned Books Week

Cambridge Public Library - O'Neill Branch 70 Rindge Ave, Cambridge, MA, United States

Come to the library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required. On 10/4 we'll be celebrating Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating the freedom to read! There will be crafts, giveaways, and trivia!

Free

Banned Book Week Event

Karpeled Manuscript Library Museum 115 International Pkwy #101, Lake Mary, FL, United States

We invite you to come shop, learn, support, and socialize with fellow book lovers at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Lake Mary, Florida, for this one-of-a-kind event! Writer's Block Bookstore has partnered with the Karpeles Museum to help spread awareness and education on banned books, why they are banned, which books are being challenged ... Read More

free

Drag Bingo @ Stolen Sun Brewery

Stolen Sun Brewery 342 N. Pottstown Pike Suite B, Exton, PA, United States

Kick-off BANNED BOOK WEEK with the Friends of the Henrietta Hankin Branch Library with Drag Queen Bingo featuring the beautiful and talented Lucy Moth! Join us Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Stolen Sun Brewery, 342 N. Pottstown Pike Suite B, Exton, PA. Must be 18 years or older to play. Complete info and tix sales ... Read More

$15.00

We Will Not Be Erased: A Banned Books Event

VAE Raleigh 228 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC, United States

WE WILL NOT BE ERASED: A BANNED BOOKS WEEK EVENT This year has seen a significant rise in the number of books facing challenges and bans, with a notable focus on works authored by Black and LGBTQ+ writers, as reported by PEN America. Adding to these challenges, North Carolina is contending with increased censorship and ... Read More

Free
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Banned Book Sale and Display

Recycle Read Repeat 208 CHERRY ST, NORRISTOWN, PA, United States

Stop by Recycle Read Repeat in Norristown, Pennsylvania, located at 208 Cherry St. We are an independent used bookstore, women-owned and located in our home town! Stop in to see our display and get discounts on all banned books we have in stock! We are open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays ... Read More

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Banned Books Week and Enchanted Books

Enchanted Books 532 MAINE ST, QUINCY,, United States

Stop in and shop, grab some swag, and get 15% off all banned books! Check out our display, read the conversation cards and shelf talkers and let us know what you think!

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We’re With the Banned

UAA Literacy Lounge 2533 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK, United States

Help the UAA School of Education spotlight censorship this Banned Books Week! Join us in the UAA Literacy Lounge (PSB 102) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. October 2-6 to hear campus community members read from their favorite banned books.

How do we keep talking with our neighbors?

Virtual Event

How do we keep talking with our neighbors, even about book banning? …even when they have ideas that frighten us? …even when we live really different lives? …even when it’s difficult? Join us for an online panel discussion with a group of extraordinary people who work with and in Maine’s libraries, ready to share how ... Read More

Free

“Why your voice matters, even as censorship increases”

Virtual Event

As censorship continues to grow and evolve across the United States, what should we, the people, know? What can we do to ensure that our public resources, including libraries, remain places of intellectual freedom? We'll talk about perceptions of the public library, book bans, and the movement to push back. Join noted experts Kelly Jensen from Book Riot and John Chrastka from EveryLibrary ... Read More

Free

Caffè Lena Presents 60 Years of Banned Books

Saratoga Springs Public Library 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, United States +1 more

Caffè Lena and the Saratoga Springs Public Library join together to celebrate Banned Books Week. On October 5, enjoy music from Reese Fulmer and Dan Berggren, as well as local authors who will share readings from titles that have been banned or challenged in the past 60 years. This in-person event will be streamed via Zoom. ... Read More

Free

Banned Books Panel Discussion at River Bookshop

Virtual Event +1 more

In recognition of Banned Books Week, River Bookshop is hosting a Banned Books panel discussion on Thursday, October 5th, at 6:30PM, in the Hole in the Wall event space above River Bookshop, 67 Richmond St, Amherstburg, ON. Featuring: Adam Craig, Chief Librarian, Essex County Library Vicki Houston, Director, Greater Essex County District School Board Dr ... Read More

Free

Let Freedom Read: A Banned Books Week Panel Discussion

Flintridge Bookstore 858 Foothill Blvd., La Canada Flintridge, CA, United States

Flintridge Bookstore hosts LET FREEDOM READ: A Banned Books Week Panel, led by moderator and writer/educator Benin Lemus. She is joined by Flintridge Bookstore manager/book buyer Robert Gibbs, children’s book author Andrea Loney, and La Cañada Flintridge Public Library manager Mark Totten. From their unique perspectives, panelists will explore this polarizing issue and discuss, among ... Read More

Free

Banned Books Book Club

Virtual Event

Book to be reviewed Ruby Bridges’s This is Your Time, New York Times bestseller and CBC Kid’s Book Choice Award Winner. Also: banned book. This is Your Time will electrify people of all ages as the struggles for liberty and justice for all continues and the powerful legacy of Ruby Bridges endures.

free
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Banned Book Sale and Display

Recycle Read Repeat 208 CHERRY ST, NORRISTOWN, PA, United States

Stop by Recycle Read Repeat in Norristown, Pennsylvania, located at 208 Cherry St. We are an independent used bookstore, women-owned and located in our home town! Stop in to see our display and get discounts on all banned books we have in stock! We are open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays ... Read More

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Banned Books Week and Enchanted Books

Enchanted Books 532 MAINE ST, QUINCY,, United States

Stop in and shop, grab some swag, and get 15% off all banned books! Check out our display, read the conversation cards and shelf talkers and let us know what you think!

Recurring

We’re With the Banned

UAA Literacy Lounge 2533 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK, United States

Help the UAA School of Education spotlight censorship this Banned Books Week! Join us in the UAA Literacy Lounge (PSB 102) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. October 2-6 to hear campus community members read from their favorite banned books.

Lunch & Learn: Banned Books

Virtual Event +1 more

Join us for our Banned Books Lunch and Learn on October 6th at 12 p.m. We will be discussing the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Banned Books  This event is available in person and on Zoom. To register for Zoom go to bit.ly/vplbanned

Free

Let Freedom Read: A Celebration of Banned Books

Cherry Street Books 503 Broadway, Alexandria, MN, United States

For the the first time, Banned Books Week, a campaign launched in 1982 in response to increased numbers of challenges to books in schools, libraries and bookstores, will include Alexandria-area  writers and readers at a new local event titled “Let Freedom Read: A Celebration of Banned Books.”  The celebration will include short readings from books ... Read More

Free

Banned Books Week TRIVIA

Hygge House Books 57 East Main St., Westborough, MA, United States

We are celebrating our freedom to read with Banned Books Trivia in the store on Friday, October 6! Grab a group of free-minded souls to test your knowledge of history, culture, and censorship as it pertains to banned and challenged books. Teams will spread out throughout the store and take part in 5 rounds of ... Read More

Free
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Banned Book Sale and Display

Recycle Read Repeat 208 CHERRY ST, NORRISTOWN, PA, United States

Stop by Recycle Read Repeat in Norristown, Pennsylvania, located at 208 Cherry St. We are an independent used bookstore, women-owned and located in our home town! Stop in to see our display and get discounts on all banned books we have in stock! We are open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays ... Read More

Banned Books Week Celebration at Bookish Emporium

Bookish Emporium of Arkansas 513 W Main Street, Heber Springs, AR, United States

Come out and celebrate the Freedom to Read! All week long we will be promoting and celebrating books that others deem unworthy for all because they didn't like it. We will be hosting a Read Out from 12-2 pm. What is a banned read out? It's a gathering of people who stand with the banned ... Read More

Free
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Banned Books Week and Enchanted Books

Enchanted Books 532 MAINE ST, QUINCY,, United States

Stop in and shop, grab some swag, and get 15% off all banned books! Check out our display, read the conversation cards and shelf talkers and let us know what you think!

Freedom to Read Storytime

Blue Island Public Library 2433 York Street, Blue Island, IL, United States

Celebrate the freedom to read by joining us for a free event at the Blue Island Public Library! Local children's author Jarrett Dapier will read his picture book, Mr. Watson's Chickens, which has been the subject of challenges and bans. A chicken-themed craft is to follow. Local independent bookstore Bookie's will be selling copies of the ... Read More

Free

Banned Books Brunch

Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice 12 Stockton St., Princeton, NJ, United States

The BRCSJ Defenders of the Right to Read invite you to our BANNED BOOKS BRUNCH to honor Harmonica Sunbeam & Senator Andrew Zwicker!

$20.00

Boozy Banned Books Fair

Teresa's Cafe 124 N. Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA, United States

Main Point Books and partner Teresa's Cafe present our 2nd Boozy Banned Books Fair! All the magic of childhood along with the magic of happy hour, at Teresa's Cafe.

Free

LCAC Family Fun Day & Read-In

Lafayette Public Library 301 W. Congress St, Lafayette, LA, United States

Come celebrate FREADom with us at this family-friendly event! Dress up as your favorite character from a banned or challenged book. We'll have door prizes, games, and readings from challenged books from across Louisiana!

Free

Free to Belong: An Author Afternoon

Dayton Metro Library: Main Library Forum 215 East Third Street, Dayton, OH, United States

Spend the afternoon with three different authors: Leah Johnson (1:00), K. Ancrum (2:00), and Julian Winters (3:00). Learn from the authors about their process, their books, and their thoughts on banning books. This program will kick off a series of programs centering around intellectual freedom, because Dayton Metro Library, now a Book Sanctuary, is proud ... Read More

Free

Ormond Art Walk

Novel Tea Book Shop 150 Tomoka Ave, Ormond Beach, FL, United States

We will be highlighting banned books during our monthly Art Walk on October 7.  We will have books available for purchase and will have some giveaways for those who answer some Banned Books Trivia!

Free

Banned Books Reading and Celebration

Wheatgrass Books 120 North Main Street, Livingston, MT, United States

Wheatgrass Books in Livingston, Montana, will host its 2nd annual banned books celebration. An array of community members -- local writers, students, librarians, policy makers, and more -- will gather together to read passages of their favorite banned book.

Free

Banned Books Reading & Book Swap

Rose Wagner Theater SLC, UT 138 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT, United States

Under the Umbrella Bookstore (UTU) is doing something about book bans. As a special event for Damn These Heels Film Fest, UTU is putting on a Banned Books Reading and Book Swap Oct. 14 to educate about the dangers of book bans and how to push back against them. Participants are encouraged to bring a ... Read More

Free

Silent Book Club – Banned Books

Loutit District Library 407 Columbus Avenue, Grand Haven, MI, United States

Silent Book Club is a unique and relaxing social gathering that combines the joy of reading with the pleasure of shared company. Participants come together to read silently, followed by lively discussions (if they choose) about the books they've read. It's the perfect blend of solitude and social interaction for book enthusiasts of all kinds. ... Read More

Free

The BookFest Fall 2023

Virtual Event

The BookFest Fall 2023 draws readers, writers, and the literary community together October 21-22, 2023, for its eighth biannual virtual event. The BookFest is a driving force in delivering vital conversations and experiences for the writing and reading communities. Day One features programming for readers, while Day Two is designed for writers. Panel Discussions, Conversations, ... Read More

Free