Celebrating the Freedom to Read
September 27–October 4, 2008
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, this annual ALA event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This year, 2008, marks BBW's 27th anniversary (September 27 through October 4).
BBW celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.
BBW is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Library Association, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of American Publishers, National Association of College Stores, and is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
Purchase BBW promotional items—such as the BBW Kit—through the ALA Store.
Explore Banned Books Week further through these resources:
Banned Books Week events
Banned Books Week basics
Frequently challenged books
How to support Banned Books Week
2008 Banned Books Week Press Kit
Dealing with challenges
2009 Banned Books Week will be held on September 26–October 3
Banned Books Week is now on Facebook and MySpace. Click below for more details.
