Every fall in the United States, we celebrate Banned Books Week. This year, Banned Books Week is getting a bit more attention than usual because of the enormous uptick in the attempt to ban books across the country. The number of unique titles challenged shattered last year’s records. A record 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023, a 65% increase over the 2,571 unique titles targeted in 2022 and a staggering 128% increase over 2021 numbers. These numbers reflect bans in both public and school libraries. In school libraries alone, PEN America, a free speech advocacy group, found that book bans nearly tripled during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Book banning has become a hot political topic, with Republicans and Democrats fighting it out as to who should control what books stay on the shelves. While many states have passed new, stringent rules aimed at keeping “indecent” materials out of the hands of minors, there have been other states that have passed laws making book bans and other forms of censorship more difficult. As we approach election season, the American Library Association believes the vitriol between the two sides will only increase.
As a society, we have agreed to the promise of free expression as enshrined in our Constitution. For expression to truly be free, we must be willing to allow all points of view, even those we disagree with–even those that are plain wrong–to be expressed. If not, who will get to decide what is “proper” or “decent” expression? Would you want to give up your right to free speech just so someone you disagree with is forced to give up theirs? This year, Fountain Bookstore, an independent bookstore located on Cary Street in Shockoe Slip, is hosting Penguin Random House’s Banned Wagon on October 5th. Fountain Bookstore | Events 42490
If you would like to learn more about Banned Books Week, visit bannedbooksweek.org.