Books Unbanned

First established in 1982 by the American Library Association, Banned Books Week (September 22-28, 2024) aims to highlight the value of free and open access to information. This year, Books Unbanned partners across the country will host programs and events centering on the importance of intellectual freedom. Find one near you!

Brooklyn Public Library

Banned Book Week: button-making & blackout poetry for teens & tweens
Thursday, September 26th 3:30pm EST
Flatbush Library

It's Banned Books Week! Flatbush Library will be hosting a teen & tween craft night to celebrate. Come make custom banned book buttons and blackout poetry. We'll have snacks and swag bags for everyone who joins.

View more Brooklyn Public Library Banned Books Week programs

Boston Public Library

The Right to Read: Ensuring Access to Books for Everyone, Everywhere featuring Cory Doctorow, Leah Johnson and Kelly Brotzman
Tuesday, September 24th 6pm EST
Central Library (Copley Square) & Online

Join us in-person or online over Zoom Webinar for a National Banned Books Week panel discussion program. At this program, from 6-7 pm, noted authors Cory Doctorow and Leah Johnson, as well as the Executive Director of the Prison Book Program, Kelly Brotzman, will discuss book banning and censorship and how it has impacted their work and the ability for children and teens everywhere to get access to books that can shape their lives. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions toward the end of the program.

View more Banned Books Week events from Boston Public Library

LA County Library

Banned Books Week: Mini Keychain
Monday, September 23rd 4pm PST
Florence Library

Banned Books Week offers an opportunity for readers to voice censorship concerns, celebrate free expression, and show their communities the importance of intellectual freedom. For teens ages 13 – 17.

For more Banned Books Week events from the LA County Library go here and keyword search "Banned Books"

Seattle Public Library

Banned Books Week: Letterpress Printing Program
Sunday, September 22nd, 1pm PST
Central Library

Words have power! Kick off your celebration of Banned Books Week by letterpress printing your own words about what books mean to you. You’ll print two posters—you’ll keep one and hang one in a public display that will be enjoyed all week long. This program is for all ages.

For more Banned Books Week events from the Seattle Public Library go here and keyword search “Banned Books”

San Diego Public Library

Banned Book Week: Day of Action Postcards
Monday, September 23rd, 4pm PST
Central Library

Come let your voice be heard! Join the Pauline Foster Teen Center in a Day of Action against book banning by creating postcards that will be sent to local politicians. Get creative and design postcards for others to send. This is a teen program.

View more Banned Books Week events from the San Diego Public Library

Austin Public Library

Save The Books Read-In
Friday, September 27th, 12pm CST
Cepeda Branch

A Read-In is where you pick a book and read with others, in the same place, at the same time. Join us during Banned Book Week for a Read-In at the Cepeda Branch Library! Bring your favorite challenged book and enjoy the peaceful time as you read with others, celebrating your freedom to read. All ages welcome.

View more Banned Books Week event from the Austin Public Library

Teen Advocacy Kit

In June 2025, Brooklyn Public Library will launch our Teen Advocacy Kit, developed in partnership with Kelly Jensen (BookRiot). Created specifically for educators, librarians, and anyone who works with teens, the kit will include activities, lessons, and tools for engaging youth in the fight for intellectual freedom. These resources can be used for one-off programs or as part of an ongoing series.

Get notified when the toolkit is released

Bingo Card thumbnailGet a sneak preview of the first unit of the toolkit with the Freedom to Read Bingo Card (PDF). This downloadable sheet can be used to encourage teens to do research about censorship, book bans and how intellectual freedom issues affect them. The Freedom to Read Bingo Card is written by Kelly Jensen and designed by Emma Karin Eriksson.