Banned Books Week: October 4 – October 10\, 2026

Banned Books Week Sunday, October 4 – Saturday, October 10, 2026 In 1982, schools, libraries, and bookstores experienced a surge in the number of challenges to books they carried. In response, the American Library Association (ALA) launched its first Banned Books Week, highlighting the harms of censorship and celebrating the freedom to read. The ALA and the Banned Books Week Coalition continue to observe Banned Books Week each October. Book challenges across the country are tracked, and a list of the most challenged books from the previous year is released. Want to learn more? Visit ALA’s Banned Books Week resources to explore current censorship data, see the” Top 10 Most Challenged Books” list, and discover more about the books and stories being challenged across the country.