Each year books are challenged for questionable content, and some are even banned. How can students get involved this week? The American Library Association suggests the following:

• Stay informed. If you hear of a challenge at your local library, support your librarian and free and open access to library materials by contacting the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF). OIF estimates it learns of only 3-18% of book challenges. Find out your library’s policy for reviewing challenged materials.
• Participate in the Stand for the Banned Virtual Read-out. Join readers from across the world in filming yourself reading from your favorite banned book. The videos are featured on the Banned Books Week YouTube channel.
• Write a letter to a favorite banned or challenged author. Take some time to thank a banned or challenged author for their words. Author addresses and Twitter handles can be found on the Dear Banned Author page.
• Help spread the word. Use the hashtag #bannedbooksweek to declare your right to read.
• Exercise your reading rights. Check out a banned book.

Graphic used with permission from State of America’s Libraries Banned Books Weeks