Washoe County Library System is marking Banned Books Week from Sept. 22-28. The theme this year is “Freed Between the Lines.”
Banned Books Week started in 1982. It opposes efforts to remove or limit access to books in libraries, schools and bookstores, highlights the freedom to explore new ideas and fights against censorship.
Throughout the week Washoe County libraries will display often-challenged books for checkout. They will also host “Books Unbanned Story Time” for families, featuring picture books that have faced challenges.
“Banned Books Week reminds us that our library serves everyone and offers various viewpoints,” said Library Director Jeff Scott.
The American Library Association reports 1,128 unique titles were challenged nationwide from January to August 2024. This is more than before 2020. Many challenges target books by or about LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC people.
Debi Stears, Washoe County Library Collection Development Manager, said she received 27 challenges to remove or restrict books in the past year. “Banned Books Week shows our duty to represent our community’s diverse views,” she said.
Stears said she has also noticed more informal challenges lately. People have damaged or hidden books about LGBTQIA+ topics, African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, politics, sex and the Holocaust.
Patrons can visit Banned Books Week displays at any Washoe County Library or online at catalog.washoecountylibrary.us. For library locations, hours, and e-books, go to washoecountylibrary.us.
Source: Washoe County Libraries
