Medford, OR (October 6, 2025) – Sunday, October 5, marked the beginning of Banned Books Week, an annual event launched in 1982 that brings the book community together in a shared commitment to the freedom to read. This year, Banned Books Week runs through Saturday, October 11, which also marks Let Freedom Read Day, a national call to action in support of unrestricted access to information.
According to the American Library Association (ALA), more than 2,400 books were challenged or targeted for censorship in 2024 by elected officials, school boards, and government agencies. This figure represents the third-highest number of documented challenges ever recorded and stands in sharp contrast to the average of 273 unique title challenges per year between 2001 and 2020.
Challenges and bans typically stem from objections to a book’s content by individuals or groups seeking to restrict or remove materials from libraries, schools, or other public institutions. In response, libraries and advocacy organizations across the country reaffirm the importance of intellectual freedom and access to diverse viewpoints. Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) remains a strong advocate for the right to read and the open exchange of ideas. Our mission is to connect everyone to information, ideas, and each other, and that includes ensuring access to books that may be controversial or challenged. JCLS believes that understanding different perspectives is essential to a thriving, informed society. As part of Banned Books Week, the ALA has released its Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2024 highlighting titles that have faced the most opposition. For more information on Banned Books Week visit ALA.org.
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