Freedom to Read
Words Have Power
Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore all that their library has to offer. We all have the right to read!
Since 1982, Banned Books Week has celebrated the freedom to read across the nation. This year’s theme is “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.”
Censorship comes in many forms, whether it be outright banning, restricting access to a book, or relocating its place on the library’s shelf. By highlighting books that have been censored in one way or another, we raise awareness about the way censorship impacts our communities, like featuring displays of banned titles or providing access to information and resources that are difficult to find on your own. Your local library is here to make sure that you can check out these oft-challenged titles.
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Judy Fingeret Krug, Founder of Banned Books Week
Born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, Judith “Judy” Fingeret Krug devoted her career as a librarian and advocate to the defense of intellectual freedom and the freedom to read without censorship.
The First Amendment
What does free speech really mean?
The 1933 Anti-Bookburning Ceremony of Samuel Harden Church
To highlight Banned Books Week (October 4-10, 2026) this blog post remembers Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh President Samuel Harden Church and his ceremonial protest of Nazi bookburnings.
Staff Picks
Staff Picks
Banned Books Week
Each year the Office of Intellectual Freedom, part of the American Library Association, provides information and publicizes events for Banned Books Week. An ann…
Protect the Freedom to Read
Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore all that their library has to offer. Now more than ever, your donation helps protect the freedom to read!
Give Today!Shop the Freedom to Read Collection
Celebrate the freedom to read with apparel, accessories, and gifts inspired by books, libraries, and intellectual freedom.
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