Banned Books  

This LibGuide was designed to provide information about banned books and Banned Books Week. Use the tabs above to find out more information about these topics.

Banned books are books that have been considered unfit to read in schools or have in libraries. These books have been the target of censorship due to their contents. Books may be banned locally, but in some instances are banned nationally as well. A banned book is not illegal to read, but may be difficult to find. It is not uncommon for a book to be banned from some schools, but be on the reading lists for others.

"In 1989, two California school districts banned Grimm's Fairy Tales because Little Red Riding Hood carries food and wine in her basket to grandmother. The reasoning cited concerns about inappropriate use of alcohol."

http://www.adultlearn.com/banned-books.html

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Library Association and is held annually during the last week of September to celebrate the freedom of choice and the opportunity to express one's voice. Books that have been banned or censored are put on display in order to draw attention to the fact that all voices should be heard, even if they are from unpopular points of perspective.

"Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States."

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm