#Banned books week for free#

Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States, believed that freedom of speech was the central element in combating tyranny.

Supporters of the First Amendment have long realized that the unrestricted freedom to read material of one’s own choosing is essential to democracy.

Banned Books Week supports freedom of conscience and unrestricted access to library materials Some parents objected to the banning of the books others were offended that underpants were used in the display. For example, in 2004 one library chose to wrap banned books in underpants to honor Dav Pilkey’s Captain Underpants series. Local librarians also come up with their own ideas. In 2002, for example, the theme was “Let Freedom Ring: Read a Banned Book.” For its twenty-fifth anniversary in 2006, Banned Books Week adopted a carnival motif with the theme “Read Banned Books: They’re Your Ticket to Freedom.”Įach year, the ALA sends libraries around the country a kit (three posters, a hundred bookmarks, a button, and a resource guide) to use in promoting Banned Books Weeks. Organizers choose a theme related to the First Amendment that is also designed to promote reading. Last week of September is Banned Books WeekĮach year, the last week of September is designated Banned Books Week.

#Banned books week for free#

This celebration of the First Amendment is the product of a joint effort by the American Library Association (ALA), American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, Association of American Publishers, American Association of Journalists and Authors, and National Association of College Stores. Launched in the fall of 1981, Banned Books Week is intended to make the public more aware of the frequent challenges to the First Amendment’s guarantees of freedom of speech and press. This celebration of the First Amendment is the product of a joint effort by the American Library Association (ALA), American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, Association of American Publishers, American Association of Journalists and Authors, and National Association of College Stores (Image of Banned Books Week display via San Jose Public Library on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0)