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Banned Books Week Fact Sheet

Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2004

100 Most Frequently Challenged Books 1990–2000

American Library Association Fact Sheet

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American Library Association

Office for Intellectual Freedom

Banned Books Week

FACT SHEET
Contact: Public Information Office
312-280-5041
pio@ala.org

Banned Books Week—Celebrating the Freedom to Read

September Banned Books Week—Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the National Association of College Stores. It is endorsed by the Library of Congress Center for the Book.

Many bookstores and libraries across the nation join in the celebration with displays and readings of books that have been banned or threatened throughout history. These include works ranging from the Bible and “Little Red Riding Hood” to John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.”

Each year, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of reports on books and other materials that were “challenged” or asked to be removed from school or library shelves. The ALA estimates the number represents only about a quarter of the actual challenges. “Most Challenged” titles include the popular “Harry Potter” series of fantasy books for children by J.K. Rowling. The series drew complaints from parents and others who believe the books promote witchcraft to children.

The challenges reported reflect a continuing concern with a wide variety of themes. Other “Most Challenged” titles include: "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers, for racism, sexual content, offensive language, drugs and violence; “It's Perfectly Normal,” a sex education book by Robie Harris, for being too explicit, especially for children; "King and King" by Linda de Haan, for homosexuality; and “We All Fall Down” by Robert Carmier, for offensive language and sexual content.

The date for Banned Books Week 2005 is September 24 to October 1. 

For more information, contact the Office for Intellectual Freedom at 800-545-2433, ext. 4220, send e-mail to nperez@ala.org or see the ALA Web site at www.ala.org/bbooks.

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SUPPORTING MATERIALS

Banned Books Week Proclamation

Banned Books Week Bracelet

Banned Books Week Action Kit

Book Burning History