This year’s Banned Books Week takes place October 5-11, 2025, with the theme “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” As law librarians, we understand that access to information isn’t just a convenience, it’s a fundamental right that underpins a democratic society and our legal system.

Whether you’re a faculty member, law student, or USF community member, Banned Books Week offers an opportunity to stand up for the freedom to read. For more information, visit bannedbooksweek.org.

Why This Matters in a Legal Context

Book challenges and bans represent more than disputes over which books are included in a library’s collection. They touch on constitutional principles including First Amendment protections, the right to receive information, and the role of public institutions in serving local communities. For legal professionals and researchers, access to information (including controversial or challenging materials) is essential to understanding the legal system and advocating for reforms.

Efforts to ban books and information in schools, libraries, and archives have intensified in recent years. The American Library Association compiles comprehensive data on these challenges, and their resources on censorship by the numbers and book résumés provide helpful context on both the scope of the problem and the educational value of frequently contested books.

Resources to Stay Informed and Take Action

Stay Current on Censorship Issues

• Access the New York Times for free through SFPL (including games and cooking sections) to follow censorship news and cultural debates.
• Listen to the Velshi Banned Book Club podcast (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more), which features interviews with authors and experts about challenged books.

Support Young Readers: Books Unbanned provides free ebook access to youth ages 13-21 nationwide, helping young people in areas with active book banning efforts access diverse literature. Founded by Brooklyn Public Library in 2022 and inspired by the ALA’s Freedom to Read Statement, this program ensures teens can read what they like and form their own opinions.

Access Audiobooks: Premium Spotify members can listen to up to 15 hours of free audiobook listening per month, making banned and challenged books more accessible.

Host Community Conversations: San Francisco Public Library community rooms are available without fees—perfect for organizing safe spaces to discuss intellectual freedom, censorship, and First Amendment rights.

Learn More: Visit the American Library Association’s Banned & Challenged Books page and Unite Against Book Bans’ Book Résumés for data, advocacy tools, and educational resources to support keeping books on shelves.