Banned Books Week 2025 – Charles County Public Library
When? October 5-11, 2025 – Place book holds the week of September 28th
Why it matters: Banned Books Week, launched in 1982, celebrates the freedom to read and draws attention to challenges and censorship attempts in libraries and schools
Why Access Matters
Literature fosters empathy, critical thinking, identity affirmation, and meaningful dialogue. When books are banned or challenged, often for tackling tough topics like race, sexuality, or history, vital voices are muted. Libraries stand as cultural institutions for intellectual freedom, ensuring diverse perspectives remain accessible to all. The staff recommendations this month include adult, YA and children’s books for you to read on your own, or with your family. You can find the top ten most challenged books of prior years and more discourse at the Banned Books Week website.
📖 Top Six Reading Recommendations
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson (Memoir, YA/Adult)
A candid exploration of growing up Black and queer; frequently challenged for LGBTQ+ content.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (YA)
A powerful story on police violence and community; often challenged over profanity and perceived “anti‑police” messaging.
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz (Children’s Fiction)
An inspiring tale about resisting censorship—even a book about banning books was once challenged.
1984 by George Orwell (Adult Dystopian)
A landmark novel about authoritarianism, language control, and surveillance—often banned for political themes and “unpatriotic” content.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (Adult Dystopian)
A chilling feminist dystopia regularly challenged over sexuality and religious themes; resonates deeply in today’s political climate .
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (Adult Dystopian)
A critique of consumerism, promiscuity, and state control; frequently banned for drug use and content.
Why These Books Still Matter
How You Can Join the Conversation
Final Thoughts
Censoring books doesn’t foster safety, instead it stifles dialogue, erases perspectives, and weakens our culture. As we come to the close of September and move into October, commit to curiosity. Read, or re-read, a banned book. Look up other books that have been banned over the years for sometimes surprising reasons, such as making animals talk and giving them ‘human-like’ traits (Charlotte’s Web). Celebrate intellectual freedom, support diverse ideas, and keep the conversation alive.
For even more discussion and discovery on book bans, challenges and censorship the ALA compiles statistics on an annual basis. Feel free to explore more at the American Library Association website.
