Since their founding, public libraries have combated the forces of ignorance and hate by making information and knowledge freely available to all. We stand in solidarity with the library workers and communities across the country who are being censored and threatened.
—Tony Marx, President of The New York Public Library
Unfortunately, over the past several years, there has been an alarming increase in book bans and challenges across the country. The American Library Association (ALA) reported that last year, the United States saw the highest number of attempted book bans since they started keeping records more than 20 years ago. Preliminary ALA data for 2023 shows we are again on track for a record number of censorship attempts, including a higher number of challenges to public libraries. The majority of the banned or challenged books are for young people and feature LGBTQ+ voices and people of color.
As the largest public library system in the country, The New York Public Library stands united with the American Library Association and libraries across the country against book bans. All year long, we’re taking the opportunity to elevate and amplify the stories, voices, and titles that censorship attempts to repress.
Coming Soon! To reach teens across the country, NYPL is partnering with the American Library Association to provide a free toolkit and other resources to readers, students, and educators nationwide. Join us to protect the freedom to read in your community.
October 1–7: Banned Books Week 2023
Protect the freedom to read! Join us during this year’s Banned Books Week, October 1–7, as we kick off a wide array of offerings—including our all-new Teen Banned Book Club with unlimited access to featured titles, our National Teen Writing Contest about the importance of reading freely, plus free programs and events, ways to get involved, and more for all ages.
October 4: Day of Action! Stand with NYC Libraries for the #FreedomToRead
Join New York City Libraries on Wednesday, October 4, for a city-wide Day of Action to stand against censorship in all forms as part of Banned Books Week.
More Free Events at NYPL
Join the Library for author talks, book discussion groups, and more as we unite against book bans.
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Teen Banned Book Club
Learn MoreRead with us! Throughout the year, The New York Public Library's Teen Banned Book Club is offering free, nationwide digital access to young adult titles that have been the subject of bans or challenges. Download the latest title on SimplyE starting October 2—then join the conversation at our book club events and author talks.
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National Teen Writing Contest
Enter NowWhy is the freedom to read important to you? At a time of rising book bans and censorship, The New York Public Library invites teens across the United States to enter our national writing contest exploring this essential right. One grand prize winner will be awarded $500 and 20 additional winners will receive $250 each—plus, we will publish all winning entries in a special edition of NYPL's Teen Voices magazine.
#UniteAgainstBookBans: Make Your Voice Heard
Share your support for the right to read freely on social media and email.
More Ways to Take Action
Looking for more information about book bans, censorship, and how you can take action against them to support the freedom to read? We’ve got you covered.
Banned Books Reading List
Check out this list of books for all ages, selected by our expert librarians, that have been banned or challenged in schools and libraries across the country. From classic titles like The Color Purple and Slaughterhouse-Five to more recent targets like Hurricane Child, discover voices and perspectives censorship threatens to erase.
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Get a Library Card
Apply NowJoin your library community! New Yorkers can get free access to millions of books, e-books, digital resources, and more, all with a New York Public Library card.
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Download the NYPL App
Learn MoreWith the NYPL app, you can access everything the Library has to offer from home or while you’re on the go.
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Find Your Next Great Read
Learn MoreWith millions of books to choose from, our expert librarians have you covered—from our Staff Picks Book Finder to personalized recommendations.
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Stay Connected
Get UpdatesSign up for our e-newsletter to get the latest events, programs, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
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Become a Friend
Learn MoreThe New York Public Library depends on donors like you to support our essential services. Make a membership gift now and enjoy benefits all year long.
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Did You Know?
Learn MoreThere are no more late fines at the Library—and all old fines have been removed—so you can borrow books and more from any branch with no worries!
