Banned Books Week is October 4 – October 10, 2026! Celebrate the freedom to read by checking out a challenged or previously banned book from the Mercer County Library System. Every year since 1982, Banned Books Week has celebrated the freedom to read and promoted open access to information, ensuring all stories continue to be heard.
Why Celebrate Banned Books Week?
When books are banned or challenged, it limits access to the insights, voices, and stories that shape our understanding of the world. By celebrating Banned Books Week, we stand with readers, authors, and librarians who fight for the right to share and receive information freely.
Book Challenges Have Surged Since 2020
According to recent data from the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, 4,235 unique titles were challenged in U.S. libraries in 2025, the second-highest total ever documented by the ALA, after 4,240 titles were challenged in 2023. This represents a sharp rebound from 2024’s 2,452 challenged titles. In 2025, 92% of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials, and decision makers, up from 72% in 2024, while less than 3% of challenges originated from individual parents.
Top 10 Most Challenged Books for 2025
The ALA compiles a list of the most frequently challenged books each year. Many of these books deal with themes that address societal norms or difficult issues, making them important resources for fostering empathy, understanding, and support for others. You can explore the ALA’s list of frequently challenged books available in the MCLS Catalog.