Let Freedom Read
Take a Stand During Banned Books Week, October 1-7
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy, yet it is continuously under attack. ALA documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago
River Forest Public Library prides itself on supporting the ALA’s Freedom to Read Statement and being a library that welcomes everyone. As stated in our Collection Management Policy, it is the intention that RFPL collections reflect the diverse needs of the River Forest community. No material will be excluded based on the race, nationality, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or political or social views of the author.
Banned Books Week (October 1-7) is a time to raise awareness of censorship and take action to protect our freedom to read.
Visit the Library
Explore our Banned Books display and share your thoughts on why you want your library to support the freedom to read.
Letterpress printer Jen Farrell of Starshaped Press has generously donated five handmade prints to the Library from her “Free The Books” project. This project is an effort to visually amplify the importance of intellectual freedom during a time of rising book challenges, using the art of letterpress printing. Come see these prints on display in our lobby throughout Banned Books Week.
Join us for these Library Events
Monday, October 2, 7-8 PM, Book Challenges on the Rise (virtual) – register here
Banned Books Week webinar, moderated by syndicated columnist Heidi Stevens, will share how to effectively support intellectual freedom.
Saturday, October 7, 2-3 PM, Books on the Chopping Block (for ages 12 and up).
City Lit Theater will perform dramatic readings of excerpts from books on the American Library Association’s list of most frequently challenged books.
Explore these titles
Your librarians have curated booklists for all ages that include previously banned and challenged titles.
Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022
Take a stand
Sign your name to The Freedom to Read Statement
Take action on Freedom to Read Day (October 7)
Share about Books Unbanned. To open access to challenged and banned titles, the Brooklyn Public Library and the Seattle Public Library now offer free digital library cards—with access to ebook collections—for teens and young adults living anywhere in the United States.
