Banned Books Week Highlights Free Expression

Banned Books Week has officially started in the U.S., with the American Library Association (ALA) highlighting ongoing efforts to challenge book censorship despite a slight decline in the number of challenged titles this year. Over 4,000 books faced removal or restriction in 2023, with LGBTQ-focused content notably driving these efforts, particularly in Pennsylvania, which ranks among the top states for book bans. Events and displays are being organized in libraries and bookstores nationwide, including interactive activities at Shreve Memorial Library to engage the community in discussions about the importance of access to diverse literature. Central Pennsylvania librarians emphasize the value of every book, asserting that all literature serves a purpose. The ALA advocates for the freedom to read, countering the sentiment of some community members who support censorship based on perceived harmful content. This year's Banned Books Week theme, “Freed Between the Lines,” aims to unite the book community in promoting the expression of ideas, even those that are contentious.