Banned Books Week 2026: October 4-10

Book banning is not a new threat. As evidence of this fact, the American Library Association spearheaded the inaugural Banned Books Week way back in 1982! It has been a staple on the calendars of libraries, bookstores, publishers and authors ever since.

Unfortunately, threats to the Freedom to Read are more numerous and acute today than ever before. According to the State of America’s Libraries report, censors targeted no fewer than 4,235 “controversial” titles in 2025 alone.

Banned Books Week 2026 is slated for October 4-10. Courtesy of the organizers, every reader who stands with libraries and literary freedom can participate – even in communities where book challenges are few.

Read a challenged title. Join an advocacy network. Contact an elected official. Post on social media. Attend a “virtual read out” or in-person program on Let Freedom Read Day (held the Saturday of Banned Books Week). These are just a handful of the ideas suggested by the Banned Books Week Coalition. Click here for a full rundown of opportunities and downloadable resources.