If you visit a library or bookstore over the next few days, you’re likely to see a display for Banned Books Week. You may be reminded of book bans that have occurred in our community, and you may have questions: What is a book ban? Why are so many books being banned right now? Why is there a week dedicated to this issue every fall?

Banned Books Week (Oct. 5 to Oct. 11 this year) was launched by the American Library Association in 1982 in response to a surge of book bans following the 1980 presidential election. Banned Books Week displays are designed to remind us of the power of books and the pivotal role they play in a healthy democracy.

Any choice made by someone with more authority which prevents a book from getting in the hands of a reader is a book ban.

According to PEN America, bo

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