Banned Books Week: Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.
Banned Books Week is Oct. 4–10. This year’s theme from the American Library Association (ALA) is “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.”
In 2025, ALA documented 487 attempts to censor books across libraries, schools and universities. Reasons most often cited included LGBTQIA+ representation, topics related to race, racism, social justice and diversity, and political or religious views with which challengers disagreed.
At the Longmont Public Library, we believe all readers should have the opportunity to discover stories, information and ideas for themselves. You may love a book. You may dislike it. It may challenge something you believe. That’s part of the value of access to a wide range of uncensored materials.
Here are a few ways to participate in Banned Books Week:
1. Read a banned or challenged book.
Reading books that have been challenged or banned can broaden our worldview, build empathy and help us better understand one another.
2. Visit the Library’s lobby display.
Find books, bookmarks and information about Banned Books Week in the main lobby.
3. Write to a banned author.
Take part in our DEAR BANNED AUTHOR letter-writing campaign. Choose a postcard, write to an author and tell them what their book has meant to you. We have the addresses and will mail it for you.
4. Attend “Books on the Chopping Block.”
Only a few seats remain for the Thursday, Oct. 8 event Outlaw Production Collective Presents: Books on the Chopping Block: The Best of the Banned.
5. Watch “Banned Together.”
Register for the film screening Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Longmont Museum.
https://longmontcolorado.gov/event/the-library-the-museum-banned-together-film-screening/
Remember, we’re here for YOU. Library staff are here to help. Let us know how we can help, any time, any way.
Learn more about Banned Books Week from the American Library Association.