This October  5–11, Beebe Library joins readers, educators, and communities across the country in celebrating Banned Books Week 2025, an annual event that highlights the value of free and open access to information. This year’s theme — “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights” — reminds us how vital it is to protect the freedom to read in the face of growing censorship efforts.

Inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, the theme draws attention to the alarming rise in book bans and challenges happening in libraries, schools, and bookstores nationwide. In 2024 alone, 72% of book censorship efforts came from organized political or pressure groups, often using partisan book-rating websites to target titles. The American Library Association (ALA) has identified 120 books most frequently challenged last year—a stark reminder that the fight for intellectual freedom is far from over.

Why Banned Books Week Matters

Since its launch in 1982, Banned Books Week has served as a powerful platform to promote the freedom to seek and express ideas, no matter how controversial or unpopular. It brings together the entire book community—from librarians and teachers to authors and publishers—in defense of open access to information.

Visit our display during Banned Books Week and check out some of the most challenged books of the past year.

Want to learn more or get involved? The ALA provides free posters, bookmarks, and digital materials to help you celebrate. 

And keep an eye out for the announcement of this year’s **Banned Books Week honorary chair—past chairs have included author Jason Reynolds, actor LeVar Burton, and filmmaker Ava DuVernay.

Let’s stand together to protect the freedom to read. Censorship may be “so 1984,” but your right to choose what you read is timeless.